To Drum or Not To Drum

Unity on the Plaza, KC, MO October 2009

To Drum Or Not To Drum

We performed at a benefit concert on the “coffeehouse” stage. I thought it would be a tough crowd. People were lining up for food and sitting to eat and catch up with friends they hadn’t seen for a while. There was also a bake sale going on in the same space.

The first act was an Celtic band called Dogtree with fiddle, flute, guitar and Irish drum. As they started, people were asking for the music to be turned down. Things were not looking good.

Then their drummer, Rachelle, began drumming on the “box” she was sitting on. This box conga, called a cajon, had a transforming effect on the crowd. Then all four members starting clapping in syncopation with the cajon beats. All conversation stopped. They had the crowd’s attention for the rest of their set.

I want one.