Arts & Entertainment

Drum Circle Returning to Smithville

Sponsored by Herban Legend, the circle will be staged next Saturday, April 28.

A lesson on the use of crystals and rocks and a belly dancing session will highlight next Saturday's Drum Circle, Drum Circle facilitator Brian K. Johnson Sr. announced on Thursday, April 19.

The circle commences Saturday morning, April 28, at 11 a.m. Rain date is April 29 at 11 a.m. is located in the heart of

It is the third drum circle in two years, with roughly 50 people having attended the previous two, last July and September, Johnson said. Johnson said they play for about an hour, and as facillitator, he tries to combine the individuality of the experience with a group harmony.

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"I try to get people to bring their own energy to the collective," Johnson said. "I try to combine everyone's sense of uniqueness with a sense of oneness."

He organizes the events alongside his wife and store owner, Wendy Johnson. The event continues to grow, as there is more involved with the upcoming event than there was with the ones last summer and fall.

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It is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., and will feature:

           * Crystals and Semi-Precious Stones with Saleem (vendor);

           * Tarot Card readings with Lisa Nichel (vendor);

           * Metaphysical Paths, Past Life Regression & Alternative Healing Modalities with Patricia Murphy (vendor);

           * Henna Body Art by Drax; and

           * Yoga Dog Hand Crafted Cajon Drums by Steve Mullen (vendor).

Beginning at 11:30 a.m., Gail Beckley, a member of Healing Touch International, Certified in Levels 1 and 2, will hold a demonstration on the application of crystals and rocks for healing, abundance and protection, among other applications.

She is certified in essential oil rain drop therapy, and is trained in ancient Shamanic techniques, Johnson said. 

She is also a massage therapist and a Reiki Master and Instructor in the Usui Method of energy work, according to Johnson. At the event, she will discuss how stones relate to the primary energy sources of the body.

Following the demonstration, at 1:30 p.m., Victoria "Athene" Papale and the Daughters of Terpsichore will lead a belly dancing session in which crowd members are welcome to participate. Papale currently teaches and coreographs at Cygnus Creative Arts in Egg Harbor Township.

Johnson will then lead the Drum Circle, beginning at 3 p.m. Johnson is a retired firefighter, poet and percussionist. He has also taught in many area schools, creating Social Rites of Passage programs, as well as tutoring and mentoring programs.


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