Locals find zen with Earth Day drum circle

Burning sage filled the air inside Maricopa Community Center this morning as local seniors got into a rhythm with Mother Nature to celebrate Earth Day. 

Experienced and novice drummers alike almost immediately fell into sync as their hands, hammers and mallets solicited pleasing sounds from a wide array of acoustic instruments — tympanic booms to metallic plinks and everything in between. 

Acacia Crossings residents Lizz Fiedorczyk and Deb West are the minds behind Re.ZENation, a free drum circle group for local residents of all ages.  

“Drum Circles are a collective experience, not a drum lesson,” Fiedorczyk said. “Our goals are to provide a place for love and gratitude to prevail in a connection with community.” 

Today’s percussive program was dedicated to observing Earth Day — “Now, we’re talking hippie,” Fiedorczyk quipped. 

Re.ZENation will hold another free drum circle tomorrow at 6 p.m. at a Copper Sky ramada just west of the lake. Visitors are asked to bring their own chairs and covered drinks.  

The ensemble will be provided with 30 instruments, but visitors are welcome to bring their own.