The Amarillo Drum Circle

The Amarillo Drum Circle is a family-friendly group whose mission is to unite the community through rhythm and use music as therapy to reach those in need. The group is open to all and is free to join. They meet every Sunday at 6 PM in AC Memorial Park in Amarillo, and also at 7 PM the second Saturday of every month at Chalice Abbey. If you plan to attend, check the Facebook page first because on occasion the meeting is moved or rescheduled.

Despite its name, knowledge of drums or any musical instrument is not required, and other instruments are welcomed. Bring your drum, guitar, ukelele, flute, or just bring your love of music. Don't have a musical instrument or any musical talent? Don't let that hold you back - this is really about comraderie, friendship, and fun.

In addition to making music, there are often other activities, including a camping circle, poetry slam, art gallery openings, tie dye shirt night, and a bracelet-making circle.

The Amarillo Drum Circle was started a few years ago by Josh Floyd, Nick Andrew, Cyrice Gein and a few others who would get together occasionally. The group now has nearly 500 members. Most events have roughly 30 or so in attendance, but the word is spreading and they recently had about 75 at a gathering.

I can tell that this is a labor of love for the organizers, and that they truly enjoy the experience and want to share it with as many as possible. I'm frustrated by the hundreds of miles between us, because this is exactly the type of thing this "old hippie" would enjoy on a mild-weathered Sunday. I wish them the greatest success, and I hope to have an excuse to visit the panhandle soon just so I can join in the fun!

Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo in Waco is Seeking a Few Good Bands

The Heart of Texas Fair & Rodeo is seeking a few good bands to perform this October.

To enter, you must like their HOT Local Bands Contest Facebook Page then complete the application and include a YouTube video of your band. Sounds easy enough.

I can't find where they specify the type of music they're looking for, but I would guess that metal and hiphop probably wouldn't go over well at a rodeo. My best guess? Country, folk, bluegrass and the like is probably what they're looking for.

Two Upcoming Events From Austin Blues Society

Pinetop Perkins - Photo by Travis Tank

In their mission statement, the Austin Blues Society states that they support and promote local blues artists, old and new alike. I'm intrigued - the music business has become so strange and so difficult in the last decade or so that anything to help musicians succeed gets my support.

Although their website, AustinBluesSociety.org is a little bit anemic, I quickly find two upcoming events featuring local blues artists.

The Heart Of Texas Blues Challenge is a series of blues bands going head-to-head to win prizes. It looks like about 35 or so artists/bands are participating this year, with about a dozen featured artists/bands also performing. That's a lot of blues!! This all takes place at a local club (The Brass House in Austin) in a 4 week series - July 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st. I'm sorry I cannot attend any of these, especially the finals on the 31st. It sounds like a great time!

The other event is the Pflugerville Pfirecracker Pfestival. This event is presented by the city of Pflugerville July 4th at Lake Pflugerville, with The Austin Blues Society sponsoring one of two stages, featuring seven local blues artists/bands. The other stage has some interesting acts as well (I'm especially intrigued by Matchmaker Band but I'd have a hard time tearing myself away from the stage with all the blues bands).

So if you're anywhere near Austin, and enjoy blues, do yourself a favor and check out these two unique events sponsored by The Austin Blues Society.