2011 Winter Renewals...

The 2011 Winter Renewal Retreat
Facilitated by Jim Donovan, Dr. Harry Pepper and Kathryn Bohn

Upcoming Dates

January 21, 22, 23, 2011 : The 2011 Winter Renewal Retreat : Greensburg, PA

February 11,12, 2011 : The 2011 Winter Renewal Retreat : Phoenixville PA

Begin Your 2011 In A Powerful Way...
The Winter Renewal is an experiential cathartic personal growth and healing intensive where you will learn and experience effective ways to gain access to your "whole-self" by transforming what is blocking you. Experience Ecstatic Drum & Chant, Shamanic Journey, Intuitive Energy Work, Healing and Guidance.
Give yourself the opportunity to create true renewal in your life.

Schedule
Friday Night :: 7 pm-10 pm On Friday night we will be presenting the foundation of your Winter Renewal Retreat experience. You will learn and take part in several unique and effective ways to create true renewal in your life. We will be offering a combination of drumming, visualization, affirmation, and release techniques along with intuitive energy work to guide you through your process.

Saturday :: Full Day and Evening Whole-Self Activation Intensive
9:30 am- 9:30 pm + Veggie potluck for lunch. Dinner on your ownOn Saturday you will be given the opportunity to delve deeper into several profound holistic processes designed to assist you in creating a new direction and design in your life. This day will be a continuous process where each activity build upon the one before it. Once again, we will be using a combination of drumming, visualization, affirmation, and release techniques along with intuitive energy work to guide you through your process. You will also have opportunities to partake in the creation of a personal mission, cathartic energy transformation, and a powerful healing circle.

About the facilitators

Kathryn Bohn is a gifted healer, spiritual intuitive, teacher and artist. Her intuitive services are offered through a variety of group workshops and individual readings where guidance and direction from the soul is offered to eager seekers on the journey of self-mastery and illumination. Kathryn’s mission is to assist you in your own personal awakening by connecting and teaching you via the realms of light and their Angelic, Ascended Master and Galactic servants. She offers a variety of Sacred Living workshops and classes where participants are invited to connect to the deeper spiritual nature of their beings. In addition to her background in movement and dance, Kathryn is an ordained minister in the order of Melchizedek and an Usui Reiki Master. She received her primary training through the Pennsylvania School of Spiritual Healing, Chambers of the Heart, and the Peabody Institute of Dance in Baltimore, Maryland.

 

Harry Pepper, Ph.D., is a healer, life coach, psychologist and the Adult Program Coordinator at Common Ground The Cindy Nord Center for Renewal. Harry also maintains a private practice with Palmentera and Associates, Inc. He worked for eight years as a Staff Psychologist in the Oberlin College Counseling Center and is an experienced presenter on a wide range of topics including holistic and alternative healing approaches, shadow work, relationship issues and men's issues. He has more than 10 years of experience providing individual, couples and group therapy to a diverse population of clients.

 
Jim Donovan is an award winning musician, teacher, motivator and founding member of the multi-platinum band Rusted Root from 1990-2005. He was recently voted "Drum Circle Facilitator of the Year" by the readers of Drum! magazine. Donovan regularly offers workshops in the US and Europe focused on using the power of rhythm, drumming and sound to assist in consciousness transformation, healing, personal growth, wellness, and creating community.

8 Minute Drumming Meditation Video

Enjoy this shamanic drumming and meditation. Headphones really enhance the effect of this...

Sometimes I forget to be grateful.

Sometimes I forget to be grateful.
Like when I wake up in the morning after not getting enough sleep.
I forget I have a bed in a safe warm house with running water.

Or when I am overwhelmed with all of the work I have to do.
I forget I have a job and a purpose.

Or when my kids are being so noisy that I get a headache.
I forget how much I love their voices and their love.

Sometimes I forget to be grateful.
Like when I get so angry about how unjust life can be.
I forget that the universe brings me experiences to give me a chance to be whole.

Sometimes I forget to be grateful...
but not today.

I am grateful to be alive and for you.

Jim

Is Death the End? Experiments Suggest You Create Time...

Stephen Hawking and Leonard Mlodinow state, "There is no way to remove the observer -- us -- from our perceptions of the world ... In classical physics, the past is assumed to exist as a definite series of events,but according to quantum physics, the past, like the future, is indefinite and exists only as a spectrum of possibilities."

Read the whole article here...

Increase Your Energy And Awareness Through Rhythmic Breathing

 Photo by Kaylyn Oshaben

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by Jim Donovan

Have you ever experienced the feeling of being not quite awake, but also not fully asleep? This "in between" state of consciousness can be an very powerful ally in your personal growth and wellness. The good news is that it is quite easy and quick to induce and it costs nothing but your effort. While you are lucid, your physical and mental bodies enter into a state that is both rejuvenating and receptive to suggestion. Knowing this, you can begin to make powerful changes in your life by simply understanding how to bring about this condition and then making it work to your advantage. When your mind is awake, yet relaxed, it becomes more open to new possibilities and with that comes an opportunity to create the reality you desire.

Prior to doing the exercise below, think about a aspect of yourself that you would like to improve upon. Then create an intention by putting this thought into the form of an "I am..." statement such as "I am radiantly healthy." or "I am patient." or "I am financially abundant." After you've come up with your statement of intention, do the steps below to place the new idea deeply into your consciousness so that it can begin to become a part of you. Your mind only believes what you tell it to, and so by actively using this technique you can begin to take more responsibility for the creation of your life's conditions.


Read these steps all the way through first, and then do them in order.

Step 1: Prepare yourself. Find a quiet comfortable spot where you can sit or lie down with your eyes closed for 2-5 minutes, take two deep abdominal breaths and just let yourself begin to let go of all outside thoughts. Give yourself this time as fully as you can.

Step 2: How to move your hands. Place both hands on your lap (or on a drum if you prefer) and begin to tap your hands on your lap alternating between your right and left hands. It's important that you use a specific tempo with your hand movements. The easiest way to find the correct speed is to imagine the sound of a stopwatch like the one used during the opening of the news show 60 Minutes and tap along with the beat of the ticking. If you are musically inclined, the tempo we are using are eighth notes at 58-60 beats per minute. Let go of any worries about "messing up" or not having rhythm, just do your best.

Step 3: Integrate a deliberately slow breathing pattern. I call this technique you are about to do "Rhythmic Breathing". In this step you will be simply connecting the points where you are inhaling and exhaling to the tapping of your hands. The idea is breathe in and out to a slow count of four within the tempo your hands are moving.

For example: 
Get the ticking of the stop watch in your mind and connect your breath to your hand movements like this... BREATHE IN tap tap tap tap tap tap tap TWO tap tap tap tap tap tap tap THREE tap tap tap tap taptap tap FOUR tap tap tap tap tap tap tap BREATHE OUT tap tap tap tap tap tap tap TWO tap tap tap tap tap tap tap THREE tap tap tap tap tap tap tap FOUR tap tap tap tap tap tap tap. REPEAT.

Continue rhythmic breathing for 1-2 minutes or longer if you wish. If you feel light headed or dizzy at any time stop the exercise. Only do what your body comfortably allows you to do.

   

Step 4: After you are finished rhythmic breathing, you may cease hand movements and just breathe at a comfortable pace. Notice how this breathing exercise has made you feel. Your body may feel tingly or buzzing. Your mind may feel clear, lucid and relaxed and it is during this state of mind where you can actively inject your statement of intention into your consciousness using the "I am" phrase you created. Gently repeat the statement to yourself several times in your mind as you feel this ultra-relaxation washing over you, doing your best to believe the statement to be true, even if it hasn't occurred yet. See yourself embodying and becoming whatever this statement is visually in your minds eye with as much sensory detail as possible... then let it go and sit or lay peacefully for as long as you like.

Step 5: Give thanks knowing that you are now on the way to bringing this intention into your physical reality.

Additional Readings 

How To Use Sound To Feel Good

How To Create Your Ideal Condition in Under 5 Minutes

How To Transform Your Life (In 3 Easy Steps)

View my workshop schedule here...

Share this post with your friends and feel free to comment as always..

I'd like to tell you about my new program..

If you've been to one of my workshops over the past few years you may have noticed that in addition to teaching about drumming and music, that I am *very* passionate about ways we can better ourselves.  What's interesting to me is that I've found the more energy I give sharing these ideas with others, the more I am inspired to take action to better myself. 

In the last year, the energy around this passion has become so pronounced, that I've made a decision to combine forces with my longtime friend and colleague Dr. Harry Pepper to create a remarkably effective, practical and powerful program-- one that focuses on giving you the tools and ideas to you can use to evolve, heal and align with your life's true purpose.
Peace, Jim

More Details:
The Rhythm of Life Design Intensive
Reflect. Learn. Release. Make A Plan. Transform

During The Rhythm of Life Design, you will be guided through a series of techniques intended to assist you in the creation of an effective personal action that is aligned with your life's true purpose. During your experience you will have the opportunity to use tools such as rhythm and drumming, writing, guided imagery, emotional release and honest reflection.

Our intention for the program is to help you to uncover patterns and beliefs that may be holding you back from what you truly want in life, while also sharing powerful and tested ideas about ways you can transform the things that drain away your vitality.

In The Rhythm of Life Design you will have an opportunity to:
    •    Look deeply and honestly at your life and the choices you've made so far.
    •    Reflect upon and challenge what you believe to be true about yourself.
    •    Perform your own preparatory exercises such as rhythmic breathing, visualizations and running energy.
    •    Learn specific reality creation philosophies and techniques.
    •    Create a personal mission.
    •    Learn how to completely transform habits and patterns that drain away your vitality.
    •    Learn how, and have an opportunity to effectively and safely release unexpressed emotional energy.
    •    Create a detailed plan of action to continue your life design work immediately after the workshop.

Are you ready to create lasting positive change in your life and to align with your life's true purpose? Let's do it.

Join us for The Rhythm of Life Design this year at the following locations:
Advance registration strongly suggested. Space is limited and will fill quickly.

Upcoming dates:
Oct 23/24, 2010 Greensburg, PA (Near Pittsburgh)
November 13, 2010 Coopersburg, PA (near Allentown)

3 Steps To Transforming Your Life

3 Steps To Transforming Your Life


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by Jim Donovan

1. Pre-Visualize The Outcome You Desire
Whatever the situation is, you can affect the outcome of it by imagining the IDEAL scenario ahead of time. Use as much sensory detail as possible. What does it look, sound, smell like? What emotions do you have as you imagine the success of the situation? Feel them as if they were real. (Eventually they will be!) Hold this idea in your mind. Believe that it is possible.


2. Learn To Focus ALL Of Your Attention At Will
Resist the urge to constantly multi-task and instead use the secret of the most successful people in the world by putting yourself in "the zone". Remember that being in the zone is full and complete attention the moment your are in. Give all yourself to that moment. Be ALL IN.

Try this the next time you are having a conversation with someone you love: Give all of yourself to that person as you LISTEN to them. Resist thinking about what you will say next. Just listen to them with all of your attention. Experiment with this focus for one week and notice if your interactions and relationships change.

3. Learn To Turn Failure Into Your ALLY
Contrary to popular belief, failure doesn't have to be something that only causes humiliation and ego bruising! Remember that while there is no excuse for being unprepared, failure simply tells you how NOT to do something. That's all. Everything else we project onto our failures is simply a waste of our precious time and energy. Use the energy of failure to propel, rather than stop you.

Failure is not the enemy. Fear is your enemy.
If you aren't failing in some way, you may not be pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone...

Ok... so I know I said three steps, but while we're at it, how about some honest reflection?


Answer these questions as truthfully as you can:

Fast forward to the moments before your very last breath.
1. How will you feel about the life you lived?

After you die...
2. How do you think others will remember you?

You have the gift of being alive now.
If you aren't doing what you love and if you feel like you aren't living out your true purpose, I'd like to invite you to change something.

What is a Transformation Griddle?

The Transformation Griddle...

Those of you who joined us for the 2010 Summer Rhythm Renewal may recognize the object above. This rusty old camping tool served as the container for note cards which contained statements from participants about things (habits, patterns, relationships, behaviors, jobs, etc.) they were choosing to let go of. 

The griddle was then placed over a flame and the cards were burned. At the end of our ceremony, I held up the griddle to show each person how the energy of the fire had burned away (transformed) these cards. By courageously engaging something challenging in their lives, each individual took a vital first step in creating real transformation within themselves. 



 

If there is something in your life that you know is no longer working for you, I'd like to invite you to consider if it is time for you to transform something...

Photo Highlights from The 2010 Great Rhythm Revival

The Great Rhythm Revival Tent...

 

 

Drum the Ecstatic International

Dance our a**es off Saturday night...

Drums patiently waiting...

Mike Deaton and Elie Kihonia

Sunday Morning Landscape at the Revival

Here a few photo highlights from the 2010 Great Rhythm Revival. What a great time... Thanks to all of the photographers who made these shots possible! See you next year September 2, 3, 4, 2011

September 2010 Update

Photo by Kaylyn Oshaben :: 2010 Summer Rhythm Renewal

Greetings!

Just wanted to share three quick things with you.

1. Join us this Saturday 9.11.10 for an evening Rhythm Renewal Drumming Workshop in Greensburg, PA at the lovely Moonglow Yoga Studio
Save your spot here...

2. New Fall workshop dates are rolling in. I've got a brand new workshop called The Ecstatic Drum and Chant : Transformation Workshop happening as well as several Rhythm of Life Design Intensives with Dr. Harry Pepper coming up…
http://www.jimdonovandrums.com/apps/calendar/showAgenda?calID=1592121

3. Find out what happened when I gave 500 college students a load of percussion….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGP35XSvlWM


Happy end of summer!
Jim

What do you think are the major trends in drumming/percussion in the last decade or so?

Photo by Kaylyn Oshaben

I was asked this question recently:
Q: What do you think are the major trends in drumming/percussion in the last decade or so? And how are they important?

A: Having had the opportunity to see the industry from both the performing side and the teaching & therapeutic side I'd have to say that one of the most exciting developments in the "drumming" industry is the progress and acceptance we've had using drumming and percussion as a mainstream tool to bring people together to make music with each other. For me, witnessing the expression on a person's face as they realize they have a place at the table in a musical experience, regardless of their ability, is more deeply satisfying than it was playing in front of 500,000 people at Woodstock 99.

As drummers we have the unique ability to bring lots of energy to any musical situation we find ourselves in. When we combine that excitement with a format that empowers individuals to be co-creators of music, we've re-discovered what our great grandparents knew about music. Stop worrying about being "the best" musician and just get together with each other and play.

-Jim Donovan


What are your thoughts on this question?

Your Invitation to the 2010 Great Rhythm Revival....

 

 

I'd like to invite you to imagine yourself enjoying a rejuvenating three-day Labor Day weekend retreat filled with drumming, dance and personal growth workshops.

In addition to the workshops you will also enjoy two exhilarating nights of concerts featuring the Tertium Quid Percussion Ensemble on Friday and Drum the Ecstatic International on Saturday...

Picture yourself drumming and dancing at our late night bonfire drumming in the woods...  All on the gorgeous grounds of the Great Blue Heron Music Festival in Sherman, NY (Just east of Erie, PA).

2010 Great Rhythm Revival :: Quick Links

Registration: All 3 Days Advance Discount Pass

Registration: One Day Discount Pass

Workshops

Meals

Lodging

Camping

Schedule

A La Carte Offerings

 

Ages 18 and over. Rain or shine.

Save money by registering before August 13, 2010...

See you there,

Jim Donovan

PS Could you help me with something? If you know of someone who would enjoy the Great Rhythm Revival, please forward them this email. Your word is the best advertising I can ask for. Thanks!

Summer Rhythm Renewal Videos...

Here are some wonderful highlights from last year's Summer Rhythm Renewal...

What is the Summer Rhythm Renewal?



Making noise at Summer Rhythm Renewal 09









Here are several galleries of photos for you to enjoy...

Persian Trance : Drum Solo by Jim Donovan

This piece is was inspired by music for the Persian drum called a Daf...
The "trance" part of the title refers to using the repetitious nature of the rhythm to enter into an altered state of consciousness. On good days this happens for me. This vid was one of the good days..

Jim Donovan (Rusted Root) Persian Trance Drum Solo

Mantras, Good Summer Reads, and My Afro-Mullet..... July 2010

When I was a kid I always wished I could be surrounded by drums...
All Good 2010 :: (Photo by Scott Swimmer)

I hope your summer is giving you some well deserved rejuvenation. I've been having a good time with the family, seeing many of my friends this summer, doing some drumming, playing music and just kicking back a bit. I recently re-discovered my passion for songwriting and have begun preproduction on a new CD of material... the disc will be called "The Sunshine" so far I've got about 10 or so songs in the works. Engaging in creativity feels SO good... I'll keep you posted on the progress and when I have some of it finished I'll be sure to give you a preview before it's released...

Other good news:
1. This week I'll be Western NY teaching and performing with Drum the Ecstatic in Sherman, NY. View the full schedule here...

 
2. Check out the new Podcast page on my site. The new uploads include interviews about Santana as well as a piece called the Ella story. I hope you like them!

 
3. Spots for  The 2010 Great Rhythm Revival on Labor Day weekend are selling briskly, you may want to register soon if you'd like a spot...

4. Here are a few books I've been enjoying this summer... Reading is fundamental...

5. I had the pleasure of jamming with my old pals from Rusted Root a few weeks ago... Here are some Vintage videos of us back in the day...You'll likley enjoy my afro-mullet.. Laugh at me here..

See you there,
Jim

The Summer of DRUM continues here.
Tue. July 20, 2010 :: Sherman, NY :: Yoga of Drum and Chant Workshop (special morning workshop)

Th/Fri July 22/23, 2010  Sherman, NY :: Brushwood Summer Fest :: Workshops and Concert

Tue/Wed July 27/28, 2010 :: Loretto, PA :: The Rhythm of Life Design Intensive (Nearly full)

July 29-Aug 1, 2010 :: Loretto, PA :: The 2010 Summer Rhythm Renewal :: SOLD OUT

Fri/Sat/Sun Sept 3-5, 2010 :: Sherman, NY :: The 2010 Great Rhythm Revival :: Drum/Dance/Personal Growth Retreat
 

Other Stuff

Get your Discount Drummer Bundle :: DVD and Learn-by-Ear Audio Tools here...

A few good books for you to check out...

For those of you interested in using sound as tool for consciousness transformation, here are three excellent books that I've found to be packed full of great information.


The Yoga of Sound: Tapping the Hidden Power of Music and Chant


The Music of Life


The Harmonics of Sound, Color & Vibration: A System for Self-Awareness and Soul Evolution

The Drum Circle at the Great Blue Heron

Here's a taste of the drum circle at the Great Blue Heron Music Festival in Sherman, NY. This festival is one of all time favorites.. great roots music, friendly people, family friendly, incredible setting. If you ever get the chance, by all means check it out.

Old School Rusted Root circa 1991

I just stumbled upon these videos from 1991, I forgot that our friend Pat had been documenting all of this... Priceless (especially my Mullet/Afro). Thanks Pat!

Rusted Root - 1991 part 1 The Bittner Building + Ecstacy


Rusted Root - 1991 part 2 Old School Drum Jam


Rusted Root - 1991 part 3 Cruel Sun + More Bittner Building


Rusted Root - 1991 part 4 Martyr/Graffiti/Artery

 

Photo by Latitia Lattanzio :: Parma, Italy 2010

Summer summer summer...

What an incredible summer it has been so far... Italy, France, Great Blue Heron, All Good, Drum and Splash, plus the workshops in Medina, Oh and State College. PA. Whew..
I've really enjoyed meeting, drumming and having conversations with all of you.

I just put together a new Podcast page on my site. The new uploads include interviews about Santana as well as a piece called the Ella story. I hope you like them!
 
This weekend I'll be in OH , then Western NY next weekend and after that comes the epic week of the 2010 Summer Rhythm Renewal. For those of you who couldn't get in to the Renewal, check out our new sister festival The 2010 Great Rhythm Revival on Labor Day weekend...

If you've been looking to get out and do something meaningful this summer, there are several opportunities still available. Remember to register early to save some cash and to be assured of getting in. 
See you there,
Jim

The Summer of DRUM continues here...

Friday, July 16, 2010 :: Oberlin, OH :: Ecstatic Drum and Chant :: Transformation Workshop

Sat. July 17, 2010 :: Oberlin, OH :: The Summer Rhythm Retreat

Tue. July 20, 2010 :: Sherman, NY :: Yoga of Drum and Chant Workshop (morning workshop)

Th/Fri July 22/23, 2010  Sherman, NY :: Brushwood Summer Fest :: Workshops and Concert

Tue/Wed July 27/28, 2010 :: Loretto, PA :: The Rhythm of Life Design Intensive (Nearly full)

July 29-Aug 1, 2010 :: Loretto, PA :: The 2010 Summer Rhythm Renewal :: SOLD OUT

Fri/Sat/Sun Sept 3-5, 2010 :: Sherman, NY :: The 2010 Great Rhythm Revival :: Drum/Dance/Personal Growth Retreat

Other Stuff

Get your Discount Drummer Bundle :: DVD and Learn-by-Ear Audio Tools here...

Photos of Drumming at All Good 2010

What a great festival this is. I had a chance to check out a great new band called the Lee Boys as well as one of favorites George Clinton. (No relation to Bill...)

Kasai All-Stars

One of my facebook friends turned me onto to these folks... I'm sure glad he did.

Kasai Allstars are a 25-piece musical collective based in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The musicians originally come from five bands, all from the Kasai region, but originating from five different ethnic groups: the Songye, Lulua, Tetela, Luba, and Luntu. Some of these groups have endured conflicting relationships over the centuries, they each have their own culture, their own language and their own musical traditions, which were always thought to be incompatible until these musicians decided to pool their resources and form a "superband", at the instigation of Belgian producer Vincent Kenis^[1]

^{-(from Wikipedia)} 

Konono No.1

Konono Nº1 is a musical group from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. They combine three electric likembé (a traditional instrument similar to the mbira) with voices, dancers, and percussion instruments that are made out of items salvaged from a junkyard. The group's amplification equipment is equally rudimentary, including a microphone carved out of wood fitted with a magnet from an automobile alternator and a gigantic horn-shaped amplifier. (-from Wikipedia)

Personally I can't seem to stop listening to these guys, The music puts me into to an ecstatic state within a few moments. 

I like to listen to it LOUD! Enjoy... 

The Horseflies

This is a video of a performance I did with an incredible band called the Horseflies way back in 1993.
I love the old-time trance vibe they have going on!
Check them out if you ever have the chance. Incredible stuff...
http://www.thehorseflies.com/

3 New Jim Donovan Podcasts

I'm just discovering how to use my Podcast capabilities... (Yea I know, sometimes it takes me a while with this tech stuff..) 

Here are the latest ones... "On Drumming", "Drum & Chant" and "The Ella Story"... 

More Podcasts coming soon.

Opportunities for Drumming, Transformation and Rejuvenation

Imagine yourself enjoying 2 days of drumming, transformation and rejuvenation. You are invited to join us for the Summer Rhythm Retreat 2010 on July 16/17, 2010 in Oberlin, OH.


On Friday night July 16, experience Jim's newest workshop "The Ecstatic Drum and Chant :Transformation Workshop" then on Saturday July 17 you will enjoy a full day of drumming workshops with Rex Bacon, PJ Roduta, Jim Donovan, and Elie Kihonia featuring topics such as basic hand drumming, Congolese Drumand Dance, transformational chants, music creation, bell rhythm instruction, as well as various African and Caribbean conga rhythms and songs.

Cap the whole weekend of with an incredible concert under the stars with Drum the Ecstatic International.
Advance registration strongly suggested.
Spaceis already filling quickly..

. Saving your spot is EASY, just click on the link below to register online or just register by phone.


Phone: Call Common Ground at 440-965-5551
Web: Register Here Now...
Advance Registration Discount: $100 in advance for the whole weekend, or $35 for Friday Only // $75 for Saturday Only.
Beginners are warmly welcomed. Drums are provided. Space is limited. Ages 16 and over.

I can't wait to share this new batch of material with you, and I look forward to seeing your smiling face soon.
Peace, Jim
Get More Info and Jim's Full US Workshop Schedule...


Jim

The Summer of DRUM Is Happening...


Fri., July 9, 2010 :: Medina, OH :: Yoga of Drum and Chant Workshop

Sat. July 10, 2010 :: Masontown, WV :: All Good Fest. Workshop

Friday, July 16, 2010 :: Oberlin, OH :: Ecstatic Drum and Chant :: Transformation Workshop


Sat. July 17, 2010 :: Oberlin, OH :: The Summer Rhythm Retreat

Tue. July 20, 2010 :: Sherman, NY :: Yoga of Drum and Chant Workshop (morning workshop)


Th/Fri July 22/23, 2010  Sherman, NY :: Brushwood Summer Fest :: Workshops and Concert

Tue/Wed July 27/28, 2010 :: Loretto, PA :: The Rhythm of Life Design Intensive (Nearly full)

July 29-Aug 1, 2010 :: Loretto, PA :: The 2010 Summer Rhythm Renewal :: SOLD OUT

Fri/Sat/Sun Sept 3-5, 2010 :: Sherman, NY :: The 2010 Great Rhythm Revival :: Drum/Dance/Personal Growth

Other Stuff:
Get your Discount Drummer Bundle :: DVD and Learn-by-Ear Audio Tools here...

The 2010 Great Rhythm Revival

You are invited to join us for a rejuvenating three-day Labor Day weekend retreat filled with drumming, dance and personal growth workshops. You will also enjoy two exhilarating nights of Drum the Ecstatic International in concert, jam sessions and late night bonfire drumming in the woods... All on the gorgeous grounds of the Great Blue Heron Music Festival in Sherman, NY. 
Ages 18 and over. Rain or shine.

• Enjoy inspiring drumming and dance workshops.
• Evening concerts to dance and unwind.
• Nightly jam-sessions and drum circles.
• Energize yourself in the fresh air and natural setting.
• Make new friends.
• Leave feeling rejuvenated, fulfilled and inspired.

Camp on-site or stay at one of the local hotels or B&B's.
Tasty meal plans will be available for purchase.

Space has already begun filling so you’ll want to register soon to reserve your spot.

Pricing: $179 on or by August 13, 2010 :: $199 after August 13, 2010
Affordable Meal plans will also be available for an additional fee.
Register by calling (716) 761-7190 or online by clicking here...

Workshops will include:
West & Central African Drum and Dance, All Percussion Workshops,
Yoga, Shamanic Journey, Salsa Dance, Drum and Chant Meditation,
Mandala Drawing,
Plus: Evening Concerts, Late Night Bonfire Drumming,
and much more....http://www.greatrhythmrevival.com/

Our Autism & Percussion Video Wins the Bronze Telly Award...Thanks Everyone!

The Summer of DRUM starts here...

 Can You Say Summer Festivals?

In between packing for the Retreat for the Soul in France this weekend, and doing the dishes I wanted to remind you that it is time to get your drum out, throw it in your hybird vehicle (or whatever vehicle you canfind the keys to), and get some playing in!

Many dates have been selling out this year.

Be sure to register early to be assured of getting in.

See you there,

Jim

The Summer of DRUM starts here...

Friday June 25, 2010 Cortland, OH:: Yoga of Drum and Chant

Sat. June 26, 2010 State College, PA :: Yoga of Drum and Chant Workshop

Tue, June 29, 2010 :: Rochester, PA :: Jim Donovan w/Tertium Quid Percussion Ensemble

Th/Fri July 1 & 2 :: Artemas, PA :: Drum and Splash Fest :: Workshops and FireCircle Jam

Sat. July 3 :: Sherman, NY :: Great Blue Heron Music Fest :: Workshop & Drum the Ecstatic Concert

Fri., July 9, 2010 :: Medina, OH :: Yoga of Drum and Chant Workshop

Sat. July 10, 2010 :: Masontown, WV :: All Good Fest. Workshop

Friday, July 16, 2010 :: Oberlin, OH :: Ecstatic Drum and Chant :: Transformation Workshop

Sat. July 17, 2010 :: Oberlin, OH :: The Summer Rhythm Retreat

Tue. July 20, 2010 :: Sherman, NY :: Yoga of Drum and Chant Workshop (morning workshop)

Th/Fri July 22/23, 2010  Sherman, NY :: Brushwood Summer Fest :: Workshops and Concert

Tue/Wed July 27/28, 2010 :: Loretto, PA :: The Rhythm of Life Design Intensive (Nearly full)

July 29-Aug 1, 2010 :: Loretto, PA :: The 2010 Summer Rhythm Renewal :: SOLD OUT

Fri/Sat/Sun Sept 3-5, 2010 :: Sherman, NY :: The 2010 Great Rhythm Revival :: Drum/Dance/Personal Growth

Other Stuff:

Get your Discount Drummer Bundle :: DVD and Learn-by-Ear Audio Tools here...

Be social...

Facebook, Twitter, Evolution Through Rhythm Blog

Latin American Drumming Instructional Videos

Here are several articles and a large collection of Latin American Drumming instructional videos for you to check out. Have fun!

Jim Donovan

Latin American Drumming

Conga Lessons on Video
Intro to the Conga
Conga Tumbao  
Berimbau Lesson : video
Bongo Lessons : Dozens of videos
Timbale lessons : Several Videos

The Rhythm of Life Design

by Jim Donovan

I want to share something with you.

If you've been to one of my workshops over the past few years you may have noticed that in addition to teaching about drumming and music, that I am *very* passionate about motivating you to take action to better yourself. I've found that the more energy I spend discussing and sharing these ideas with others, the more I am inspired to take action to better myself. 

In the last year, the energy around this passion has become so pronounced, that I've made a decision to combine forces with my longtime friend and colleague Dr. Harry Pepper to create the most powerful experience we could imagine-- one that focuses on giving you the tools and ideas to you need to heal, evolve and align with your life's true purpose.

An so it is with great pleasure I announce to you:
The Rhythm of Life Design

During The Rhythm of Life Design, we guide you in the creation of an effective personal action plan that to assists you in becoming aligned with your life's true purpose using the tools of rhythm, writing, guided imagery and honest reflection.

Our intention for the program is to help you to uncover patterns and beliefs that may be holding you back from what you truly want in life, while also teaching you how to transform the things that drain away your vitality.

In The Rhythm of Life Design you will have an opportunity to:
    •    Look deeply and honestly at your life and the choices you've made so far.
    •    Reflect upon and challenge what you believe to be true about yourself.
    •    Perform your own preparatory exercises such as rhythmic breathing, visualizations and running energy.
    •    Learn specific reality creation philosophies and techniques.
    •    Create a personal mission.
    •    Learn how to completely transform habits and patterns that drain away your vitality.
    •    Learn how to effectively and safely release unexpressed emotional energy.
    •    Create a detailed plan of action to continue your life design work immediately after the workshop.

Are you ready to create lasting positive change in your life and to align with your life's true purpose? Now is the time.



Join us for The Rhythm of Life Design this year at the following locations:
Advance registration strongly suggested. Space is limited and will fill quickly.

July 27/28, 2010 Loretto, PA :: Rhythm of Life Design 2 Day Intensive $199

October 23, 2010 Greensburg, PA :: Rhythm of Life Design 1 Day Intensive :: $149/or $129 by Oct. 1, 2010

November 13, Coopersburg, PA (Near Allentown, PA) :: Rhythm of Life Design 1 Day Intensive :: $149/ or $129 by Nov. 1, 2010


Now is the time... and now is just the beginning.

What the participants are saying:
“Rhythm of Life Design helped me get back on my true path. I had come to this workshop with certain goals and expected only to learn how to be more focused with them. Although I did learn how to focus, I also unexpectedly found out that those same goals I had were actually my blocks to my true calling, and I really thank you and Harry for helping me get back on track. -- Rick Gulczynski