Here's an interesting event. It's our first toddlers' drum circle. It is planned for Saturday August 29th from 10am-11:30am. Everyone brings their own drums or whatever you like to make noise with. Naturally, adults must accompany the kids as long as they are here and certainly may join in. Age range is 3-5 years, but if a bit older, no worries.  Older siblings and friends are also welcome to get in on it. Let's make a righteous noise!

October Happenings At Woodstock

September 27^th 2014 was just a wonderful day for me.  Not only was it may birthday bash it was also our annual garlic festival.  Thank you Kris Noyes Trio for all the wonderful music and setting the mood for our next garlic crop.  I would also like to thank our buddy, Andre Gardner, and the 102.9 WMGK team for coming out to celebrate with us as well. 

We will be planting our next crop in about two weeks and I hope to get photos from all of you who have our garlic bulbs as to when you see some growth.  It still gets me so excited when I see the garlic growing in the winter.

We have so much going on this week.  Hope you can join in person for our incense lecture, and if not, you can go to YouTube and Google Hangouts for either the live stream or for the video portion of Dr. Seth’s talk.  Friday, our wire wrap teacher is in from 4:30-6:30 followed by our drum circle.  We like to energize crystals in the full moon and we have put our water out to be in the full moon in time for the drum circle.  This is a very special moon since it is the harvest or blood moon and there will be an eclipse at the time of the full moon. What make this eclipse and full moon unique is the fact that you will be able to see the sun rise and moon at the same time.  Hopefully you can join us.

As if that is not enough, on Saturday, Jugband perform at our Mad Hatter’s Lawn Concert.  This concert is in honor of Monstro.  He resembles the Cheshire cat with his large round eyes and abundant body type.  We recommend adorning oneself with an appropriate hat for this party. 

On October 25^th we will have a Halloween Concert featuring Suburban Sensi and we recommend costumes for this special event, however, dressing as a hippie does not qualify as a costume.

Without you, there are no parties…please join us…MOM

When It Snows, It Snows

In July, Monstro started to shed his coat, and I knew and stated to anyone who would listen, it would be a cold, cold winter. It has been said; animal can tell and forecast the weather. I thought it was just bunk. I was wrong. Woodstock has now closed for snow on three occasions this season, and it looks like we will close again on Wednesday. Monstro & Mugsy are not happy to be alone! We don’t close to just have a snow day. I look out for my staff. If I don’t want to be on the road because of hazardous conditions, I don’t want them on the road.

 Guess who is the only one having fun in the snow...

We are happy that the weather held for our special events. Everyone had a great time-especially me- at the drum circle and wire wrap class. I am looking forward to the Valentine’s Day drum circle. The wire wrap class was very successful. Everyone got to go home with a finished piece of jewelry. They can take pride in wearing it because they made it. The next class is Saturday, March 22, from 1-4pm. We will learn to incorporate weaving into the design. It will be a lot of fine. I enjoy seeing everyone work hard at some they make for themselves and others. You can really see the love.

That is some wonderful work.

So, until next time, stay warm and drive. Most of all, stay safe.

Fondly,

MOM

Come & Bang Your Drum

What is a drum circle? Let’s take a look at the Wikipedia definition and find out (we know you can’t completely trust Wikipedia):

“A drum circle is any group of people playing (usually) hand-drums and percussion in a circle. They are distinct from a drumming group or troupe in that the drum circle is an end in itself rather than preparation for a performance. They can range in size from a handful of players to circles with thousands of participants.”- (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drum_circle)

The drum circle brings individuals together as a community, creating a new sound and rhythm. Much of the time, there are no leaders or followers at a drum circle. Someone can start the beat, but another can change it. You can follow along if you want, or do your own thing. In the end, everyone plays as one. And it is just plain fun to do.

So, you may be wondering why we are talking about drum circles. That is simple. MOM has restarted the drum circles at Woodstock Trading Company. Last Friday, January 17^th, MOM had the first drum circle in what seems like forever. Everyone had a great time. This first gathering was small, about 12 people, but it was loud. We had all different people of ages and background gather into the store. Many assume that hippies at festivals only do drum circles. Not true at all. You can be a banker, a truck driver, a waiter, a grandmother, or a kid. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do. Some join into a drum circle for spiritual and/or metaphysical reasons. Some come because it is a great way to meet and interact with people. Don’t be afraid to come if you don’t have a drum. Not all drum circles include drums alone. 

Most drum circles us some form of percussive instrument. It wouldn’t be a drum circle if you didn’t. However, it also depends on what your definition of percussion instrument is. We have had people come out with pots and pans. People have banged two sticks together. They have even played the beat of themselves or the floor. This past circle, someone used a water jug. You can really make a drum out of anything, with a few exceptions. We have also had people come with guitars, harps, and keyboards. These circles turn into big jam sessions. We have had dancers come out. Native American tribes have joined our circles. We have even had demonstrations on how to play certain types of drums.

MOM is having another drum circle on Friday, February 14^th, Valentine’s Day. She keeps saying the nothing is more romantic than beating on a drum under the Woodstock “candlelight”. If you are interested, please come out and join us. It is ok if you don’t have a drum or instrument. You can just hang out with us. All Woodstock events are family friendly, so you don’t have to worry about anything. We hope to see you all at the next drum circle.

Fondly,

Jim of the Woodstock Gang