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Murfreesboro percussion collective Everybody Drum Some continues its tradition of ringing in the changing seasons with a community rhythm event on Friday, Sept. 22. The group drumming session kicks off at 6 p.m. at Murfreesboro Civic Plaza near Linebaugh Library, at the intersection of Vine and Church Streets.

Ross Lester and his drumming disciples keep the beat flowing in Murfreesboro, and they invite everyone to come and participate in and witness the spectacle of a town in unison at the community rhythm events.

Everybody Drum Some makes its mission quite clear, that everybody should drum some, and the group opens its community rhythm events to absolutely anyone who would like to join the beat, regardless of age or percussion skill level, everyone has a place in the circle. Past drumming events have seen families with children, seasoned musicians, MTSU students, business professionals, grandparents, high school band members, military veterans and folks representing a wide variety of demographics in the community playing music together, as Lester conducts the jam.

Organizers say they appreciate this diversity and inclusiveness in the drum circle, and in the community.

How else would this group of people from such different walks of life come together for an evening, by choice, and for a few hours participate in a musical ensemble with some of their neighbors, with whom they may have otherwise never interacted?

As some forces in our country seem to want to divide the people against each other, Everybody Drum Some wants to unite. Regardless of what age you are, regardless of how rich you are, regardless of education level, political affiliation, race or religion, come and drum some.

"It's an important freedom to peacefully gather and engage in civic life," says Lester. "Everybody has something to say, something to contribute. The drum circle is an opportunity for each person to express themselves as an individual, and yet for all of us to join our voices into one song. It's community communication."

While these group drumming sessions do allow for plenty of personal expression and various interpretations of the beat, Lester says the events are not so much a time for skilled drummers to put on a concert and impress others with their licks. Rather, they're provided as an opportunity for participants to raise percussive voices in unison with the group and to encourage musical participation from newcomers.

"It really is not at all about musical experience or talent or anything like that," Lester said. "What's amazing is that from the beginning of the evening to the end of the evening is the whole group really grows together in their ability to communicate musically."

If you have a drum or small percussion instrument, bring it to Murfreesboro Civic Plaza on Friday, Sept. 22, at 6 p.m.; if not, Everybody Drum Some will provide plenty for attendees to use. All are welcome to come join the community in making some joyful music together.

For more information on Murfreesboro drumming group Everybody Drum Some, find them on Facebook or visit everybodydrumsome.com.