Every Friday night as twilight descends on Asheville, the rhythmic beat of drums can be heard pulsing through the streets, marching out of Pritchard Park.
This is where people from all walks of life gather—not just to play the drums but to feel the powerful synchronicity, to dance, or to simply bask in the spectacle of individuality and community vibrancy.
Get Carried Away by the Rhythms
The Drum Circle, a beloved tradition since 2001, takes place between the warmer months of April through November and begins as the sun sets, usually around 6 p.m. This free event draws hundreds, creating a harmony of music and community that lasts until about 9:45 p.m. The scene screams inclusivity; anyone can bring a drum and join the circle. Beats echo from the central brick courtyard and creep up concrete steps to enchant and enrapture the crowd of avid listeners.
In this rhythmic gathering, there's no leader. The beat evolves organically, driven by the collective energy of the moment. Dancers with cowbells, triangles, and hula hoops weave through the beats, adding visual movement to the auditory tapestry. This circle isn’t just for the seasoned; it’s a place where kids and their grandparents alike can share their moves, each person adding their own signature to the dynamic energy of the night.
Learn How to Play the Drums
For those eager to join but hesitant about their ability, there’s help close by! Skinny Beats Drum Shop downtown offers beginner classes where all you need to bring is yourself. Billy Zanski, a skilled instructor, guides novices in the art of the Djembe, a West African drum, and other instruments like crystal bowls and gongs.
Local rhythm maestro, River Guerguerian, also teaches World Percussion classes every Wednesday via Asheville Rhythm.
In Asheville, every beat counts, every rhythm connects, and every Friday night at the Drum Circle is a celebration of what it means to be part of a diverse, harmonious community. The best way to experience this decades-long tradition is in person, so get inspired to plan your Asheville getaway!
