Research Epidemiologist and Public Health Educator By Day...

Although I pursued a fairly hefty academic career, the thread of a rhythm connection persisted throughout my life.  Early on my love of dance was nurtured via twelve years of tap dancing starting at age five. 

My first drum class was on the djembe (an African hand drum), while going to graduate school in San Diego.  I was hooked forevermore.  I stayed with the djembe for a number of years then switched to the African djun-djuns (played with sticks) because of a wrist injury.  The polyrhythm of African drums was completely addictive to me.  I was a member of an all-women’s African drum group that performed all over Austin for more than six years.

My musical journey includes the following performing memberships before moving back to Michigan: The Djembabes (Austin, TX); Trio Bossa Nova (Austin, TX); and River Rhythms (Durham, NC).

After returning to Michigan because of an ailing parent, I left the drumming that was so dear to my heart.  There are groups in Michigan to play with, but not really in northern Michigan.  Then in January of 2017 it dawned on me that the community in northern Michigan could and should have drumming.  It seemed logical for me to reach out to everyone who would like to experience it, from the unstructured drum circle to formal world beat classes.  It is a long journey to develop a business, especially a drum business.  But it is well worth it to see the joy that the drums can bring to so many.

I would also like to thank some of my teachers – either from a one-time workshop or an on-going class – your brilliance on the drum is electrifying and beautiful.

Monette Moreno

RJ Perez-Edwards

Beverly Botsford

Mamady Keita

Dr. Charles “Chuck” Davis

Karen Casey

Sherry Gingras

And to other musicians whose encouragement was so endearing:

Shirley Fraser

Paul Sonnenberg

Debra Latimer

Scott Cain