“Drumming is not the way to catch a hare.”

– Proverb

No hares were in danger last night in Bethlehem, PA.  My djembe class had the pleasure of sharing our first public performance with the attendees of opening night of the South Side Film Festival. This year’s theme is Africa, and our sort of rhythms added some traditional background music to the opening night party and the lobby of the auditorium where the featured film, Africa United, was shown.

As newcomers to the role of performer, we really didn’t know what to expect before we arrived at the Home & Planet store; but soon we were settled into a circle of chairs similar to the one we form during our classes.  Our leader, Moe Jerant, gave the instructions and we began to play the familiar rhythms we have learned in her class this year.  Any sort of self-consciousness quickly turned to the magical enjoyment of weaving rhythm that keeps us coming back for more.  All around us, film-goers who had come for the pre-screening party began to move to the beats.  Some familiar faces appeared in the crowd, and several friends we recognized from the community drum circles soon joined in, playing bells and shakers.

It was a great experience to be a part of entertaining a crowd who came with the intention of having a good time.  All I can say is this:  If there is something you do that you truly enjoy, grab the opportunities that come your way to share what you do.  If you truly love what you share, your joy will infect others.  Don’t worry about whether you are better or worse than somebody else.  The important thing in life is to show up, bring what you have to share, and let it be seen by others who are interested in what you do.  Ten of us took the plunge last night, and I happen to think we sounded pretty good.