Description:

In Asheville music is king! For some, this may take the form of the Asheville Symphony, The Asheville Symphony Chorus, some drop-by performing artist thrilling the locals with a stop at Diana Wortham Theatre or the Orange Peel Social Aid and Pleasure Club- but all of these venues come at a price. Or, in celebration of the common folk or the not so common folk, sharing one commonality-feeling the need of a trot in their step, a song in their heart and a desire to beat out the rhythm of the night… Allow me to introduce you to the completely free- Asheville Drum Circle.

Likely, the name has given away the instrument of choice. That said, while drums are definitely the primary players, participants of all ages bring along their own devices from xylophones to finger bells each playing along following the drums lead or a lead all their own. No real rules for that here.

Since 2001, drummers have been meeting up at Pritchard Park (College St. and Patton Ave) for the purpose of jamming to the beat with other drum players. The stands at the park start filling at about 5 p.m. and by 6 p.m. the percussion of drums of every description have erupted in a cacophony of robust, yet tantalizing, ever inviting announcement serving to alert to all within the sound of their instruments that it’s time to become one with the beat. Youngsters, toddlers and elders all take to the floor of the park as each dances out their very personal interpretation of the sound. Having been there, this interpretation can assume variant forms from charming to alarming but always, always, a people watching paradise. Trust me, you can’t make this stuff up.

Our inn, within walking distance of Pritchard Park, has hosted both visiting drummers as well as gob smacked observers making this lively event an Asheville favorite.