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All things Siesta Key. Stories, news, and event information about Sarasota, Florida's beautiful beach.
The Siesta Key Drum Circle
These days, most forms of entertainment are designed with an audience and a ticket price in mind. Gone are the days of gathering for the sheer enjoyment of a song or a play or a laugh. However, there is still one place where you can go to enjoy some local rhythms, dance until your feet hurt, or just clap along…all for free. That place is the famous Drum Circle on Siesta Key. Created organically when a few artistic souls came together one day, this totally free, no strings attached phenomenon is available regularly. If the free spirit within is yearning to be released, The Best Western Siesta Key recommends checking out our local Drum Circle.
Drum Circle – photo Sarasota Herald Tribune
Organic Tradition
Siesta Key’s drum circle started on the main beach near the lifeguard stations on Sunday night when a group of friends started, well, drumming. They brought their bongo drums and other percussion instruments to the beach for sunset. Quickly beachgoers gathered around to listen and move as they enjoyed the sunset. Some danced, some joined in. Some just listened and finished their snack and drinks they’d had at the beach with them that day. The next Sunday evening, the drummers were back. And they continue to return every Sunday night now, years later. There are more drums and even some hula hoops. Many of the drummers have changed over the years, but a few of the originals are still involved. People still gather around- sometimes just a few dozen, sometimes hundreds. They bring their coolers and beach chairs to relax and enjoy the beats.
Can I Join?
Of course! There is no audition, there are not even rehearsals. Bring your hula hoop or tambourine and jump in when you’re ready! Stop by for a few minutes or for the entire evening. This is free for everyone to enjoy, in whatever capacity you choose. Come back each week or simply stop by when you’re visiting Siesta Key. Bring a beach chair, a towel or blanket, and whatever you’d like to drink or nosh while you hang out. The drummers get started about an hour before sunset every Sunday evening and play well into the night. Plan to stick around after your day at the beach, or stop by before heading into Siesta Village for dinner. Either way, you’ll enjoy the Drum Circle the way it was intended- for free, for as long as you like.
Siesta Key Drum Circle – photo from yourobserver.com
Why/How Will This Continue?
The Drum Circle will continue as long as people keep showing up. There is no end game, no projections or plans. The free-flowing spirit of this unique event will keep the Drum Circle alive as long as there are drummers to play, dancers to dance, and visitors to listen. Certainly, it could end as spontaneously and quickly as it began, but the tradition that has been born out of such a spur-of-the-moment idea seems to indicate otherwise.
Be part of a local tradition like no other. Come by and enjoy the freedom of music the way it was created and discover a joy unseen in most places these days. The Drum Circle on Siesta Beach is free for everyone and will truly be a highlight of your time on Siesta Key. For more information about the Siesta Key Drum Circle, talk to the experts at The Best Western Siesta Key. We’re here to help you make the most of your visit to our beautiful island. Visiting our beaches and moving to the rhythms of the island is certainly a great way to do so!