Beacon Drum Circle Delivers Music and Much More

By Jennifer L. Warren

BEACON – An ensemble of various pitched drum beats and volumes can be heard. Colorful, vibrant, ethnic wardrobes adorn the musicians. A breathtaking orange-yellow hued sunset has just enveloped the Hudson River’s mountainous backdrop. The sound and just plain overall vibes are so distinct one can feel its pulse, latent magic.

Welcome to the weekly Beacon Drum Circle. Each Thursday evening, between 6-8, at 23 Long Dock Road in Beacon, anywhere from 10-20 drummers gather in a tight knit circle, tapping away-with either their hands or a set of sticks or something else- creating catchy, uplifting and just simply beautiful sounds. The continually shifting numbers of and people each week is reflective of the overall mantra of the free-flowing contingent, whose melodies reside not in a set routine, but somewhere else.

“You have to just feel it, let it go and come to you,” shouts out one of this week’s drummers who only wants to go by Cathy from New Windsor. “It should start with a heartbeat and keep on growing with everyone adding what they can.”

That philosophy was in full bloom last Thursday night, as a light intermittent misty rain fell and was soon followed by a brilliant, breathtaking sunset, and 13 drummers were passionately beating away at their instruments. Whether their eyes were closed or intensely looking into the eyes while following the movements of their circle neighbors, each participant carried a sense of connection, purpose and belonging.

“Honest to God what you people do is incredible; it is such an amazing sound that you can’t even compare it to the Native American Drum Circle; believe me, I’m Native American,” exclaimed one of the evening’s listeners, Heather Bernies, who was enthralled by the talent she was observing at the Waterfront. “The best thing about drum circles and why they are so important to keep alive is that they accept everybody.”

In addition to the inclusion attraction of drum circles, there is the allure of peace, comfort and even hope that this type of venue creates. In fact, last Thursday served as an extra special occasion; the first annual 2002 Beacon Peace Award was presented between musical numbers. Its purpose was relayed by one of the Circle’s veterans, Lev Levin.

“With the worlds at war in so many ways, we need to communicate peace,” said Levin.

“This drum circle, along with its long and ancient tradition, represents that peace.”

This year’s recipient was the group’s leader, Stephanie Tuck, a long-term Beacon Drum Circle participant, whose life has been forever positively altered from the experience.

“This award is for all the drummers in this group, said a smiling Tuck, as she displayed the plaque. “Being the first woman of color to run the Beacon Drum Circle, I’m just so very proud, especially for all of the Beacon Community support.”

Clad in vibrant colors and not only deftly playing the drums during Thursday’s Circle, Tuck could also be spotted rhythmically moving around, dancing, in the middle of the Circle, emotionally absorbing the full impact of every moment created by the performance. “I truly want to thank Lev Levin for this Peace Award as well as Charlie Scott, who has stepped up and committed to play the Dun Dun, setting the tone for all the drummers to follow.”

Taking in the entire effect of the successful evening while surveying her surroundings, Tuck added, “I’m really looking forward to the drumming community growth on the wonderful, scenic Hudson River.”