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I wanted to share with you all, my thoughts about the Halloween Costume Ball presented by DRUMS from HEAVEN. First let me thank Bob, Stosh, Maggie, and Allison for spending about 4 hours setting up and decorating for the Halloween ball and later Evans who added the floor lights, and those who stayed to break down everything. Just as I anticipated we had a wonderful turnout of maybe 130 people. Many were in costumes which were very articulate. Those who came to drum created an astounding assortment of rhythms throughout the evening. There were mellow beats and high energy beats which brought out some fantastic dancers to the floor. With such an array of drums, from congas to doumbeks to djembes, and big bass beats being provided by the djun djuns and Stosh's Big Brazilian drums, you could feel the energy right down to your soul.
The nights variety included free style jamming and a couple of performances. First up was my beautiful friend Sigi. She wowed us all with her bellydance. In yet another gorgeous
gold colored costume she strutted her stuff and jiggled her body in ways that are hard to imagine. Her routine with a sword balancing on her head was very impressive. Thank you Sigi for just a great performance. Please visit Sigi @ lifemovement.org
A mix of Middle Eastern and African rhythms followed Sigi which brought us to the 9:00 hour. We brought out 4 Didge players. Dave, Scott. Stacey and Mike. These dudes played some freaky sounds while some of us threw in some kinky odd sounding fun stuff. Thanx guys! This ushered in our costume parade around the dance floor. Some wild costumes were displayed. I must say we all appreciated the effort many of you put into your costume design and make up. Very, very artistic! We had the audience clap for who they thought were the best. There were soooo many good people in such great costumes it was very hard for me to send anyone away. I applaud you all for getting into the spirit and giving us all a very festive feeling of what Halloween is all about. We did have to come up with only 4 winners. Katie in her little angel outfit was our kid winner. Bob was a Green nature boy taking 3'rd place, Anne won 2'nd place in a super feathered costume. First place went to a young lady wearing a Dalmatian costume with almost 101 Dalmatians in tow.
I thank you all for wearing such cool costumes and you all won a place in my heart.
Just before our African drummers performance, I was made aware of a serious illness
which kept away the leaders of the group, Stan and Woneta Hameed. I felt the need to do a healing chant in honor of Woneta, who is under going treatment. I really appreciate your voices and instrumental backing during the chant. I sincerely hope our energy was felt by Woneta and pray for her healing.
As the Hameed African drum and dance group took to the floor I knew we were in for a special treat. These guys laid it down brothers and sisters. True African rhythms with deep spirit came flowing from these artists. They were a joy to watch and a pleasure to hear. They certainly got me dancin up a storm along with everyone else on the dance floor. I thank you for a fine performance and welcome you all back anytime.
Minutes later we all sang happy birthday to Marla as a cake was lit up and brought out.
Hope you had a wonderful birthday Marla! Next was our usual run through of raffle prizes, which made some people very happy as winners. I want to thank all of those who donated to the groovy raffle. I am inspired by your generosity. Of course we saved for last what I have
now had the pleasure of giving out at10 different DRUMS from HEAVEN fundraising events.
The hand painted Djembe was won by none other than my sister Kathie, (I swear there was no fix) LOL... She then made it known she was giving it to her grandson as a Christmas gift.
Congrats big sister!
We now had a whole hour left to give it all up...and we did just that. I mixed in my steel drum with some Djembe grooves. Added a little Train kept a rollin rock beat to the drumming...and remembering Bo Diddley, we of course did the Bo Diddley beat and finished off the night with Not Fade Away. We brought it all up... and then way down low until the last beats were almost quiet, as I barely whispered ......not fade away.....
Let me tell you the most important thing about this special night. This was a fundraiser for Easter Seals of N.J. With your help and a magnificent donation of $1000. by the hosting Saddle Brook V.F.W. , we were able to raise..... drum rolllllll ~~~~ $2666. profit !!!
Once again, I thank you all for coming and making the 3'rd anniversary of D.F.H. another successful journey. It was a real pleasure meeting many "newbies". Many of these people could not believe the energy vibe we were creating and they all told me how much they enjoyed the experience. For those that could not attend, what can I say...you missed an ecstatic evening which we will all treasure. I can only hope you can share our next experience.
I love you all, I love how we share our energy and make the world a better place.
Peace, Love, Music, Sing on Brother... Play on Drummer... Dance little sister dance!
TommyPurpleHaze
PS: I would love to hear your comments either by e-mail here, or you may comment on the blog for this event on my website.
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