The New Year’s Drum Circle will usher in 2022 | Local News

The event takes place Saturday noon outside Kenosha’s Southport Park Beach House at 78th Street and First Avenue.

Rhythm in the Round Drum Circles has been running the lakeside event since 2002.

All ages are welcome to create improvised, lightly facilitated drum songs celebrating the start of a new year. Participants can participate with any handheld instrument, whether it’s a traditional djembe or a humble bucket with a stick.

“It’s a thing that makes you feel connected to other people without having a religious format or ceremony,” said Drum Circle leader Heather Poyner. “It’s a phenomenon if you think about it. When you go to a concert and you feel connected to the performer and the people around you, there’s something there. It’s a connection to something. interesting and fun thing. … The extra cool thing I found out is that we co-create.”

“There’s no wrong way to participate,” Poyner added, and everyone is welcome to participate, regardless of musical training or talent.

The event can last a few minutes or up to an hour, depending on the weather.

“If the weather is good and people are comfortable, it can be 40 minutes or an hour. The music takes care of itself. I facilitate and suggest ways for people to mingle. I love helping people get over awkward with that,” Poyner said.

The annual January 1 event attracts as few as a handful of people and up to a few dozen.

After dealing with a tough few years with the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic hardships many are facing, Poyner said the drum circle can provide a sense of calm.

“That’s when we need it. It’s kind of healing,” Poyner said. “You are not judged and it doesn’t matter what side of the coin you are on. Everyone is welcome, and that’s hardcore music.”

Poyner suggested attendees bring a folding chair to be more comfortable. The drum circle can take place anywhere near the Southport Park Beach House, so “look for us because we might be somewhere you can’t see us”.

“It’s about starting a new year in a positive way,” she said.