April 2026 Events (Grand Rapids)
April 19 @ 1:00pm:
Drumming with Josh Dunigan
At Joyful Sounds Music Studio
959 Lake Dr SE. Enjoy a facilitated drum circle with Josh’s ever-changing and unique community music teaching style.
For facilitated learning and interaction, Josh’s circles are a great introduction to someone who wants to learn more about drumming in a group!
April 26 @ 1-2:30 pm
Grand Rapids Drum Circle
At the Krishna Community Center 2391 Hillside Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544 with a special Indian light meal at the end. Donations toward the Krishna Center requested for the food.
Come dance, play, watch, and listen! An open jam, the Krishna Center circles are great for people who just want to have fun playing and exploring without an educational format.
Weekly “Official” Sunday Drum Circle (DCGR)
What: This is THE official “Grand Rapids Drum Circle”.
Join us each Sunday, except for the Second Sunday each month, for our regularly scheduled program – an inclusive event open to all ages and experience levels! We will follow an open format where everyone can participate at their own pace and explore our group rhythms in their own way through drumming and/or dancing, with some guidance from our group leaders here and there.
When: Each Sunday (except the 2nd) most months.
Where/When:
Warm Months
When it’s warm without heavy rain, join us outdoors at Riverside Park. Typically from 6:00-7:30 in the peak of summer.
South Entrance by Knapp Street and the Riverside Park South Trailhead.
Listen to the birds and occasional boats or sirens in the area as the breeze blows through as we dance and play!
Bring something to sit on, an instrument if you have one, some water, and some earplugs to join along!
Colder Months
During cold months, join us indoors at the Krishna Community Center at 2391 Hillside Drive NW – 49544 across from Alpine Meijer. Typically from 1:00-2:30pm.
Enjoy this chill vibe in an open cultural welcoming space where we enjoy fellowship at the end of our events.
No shoes or caffeine allowed in the space, earplugs recommended.
If you have an instrument, please bring it! You may also want:
• Earplugs
• A water bottle
• Something to sit on or cajon (instrument)
• Clean socks (for indoor event)
• Bring your friends along!
Close friends and learning opportunities
LEARNING:
Wednesday Djembe class with Leah Ivory
Tuesdays from 7-8:15pm, Leah Ivory teaches djembe classes based on Tam Tam Mandigue curriculum developed by West African djembe master Mamady Keïta. Classes with Leah are $10 per person; bring your own djembe, or borrow one from Leah for $5 with advance notice. Don’t forget a chair or seat!
Joyful Sounds Music Studio, 959 Lake Dr SE. Parking lot off Diamond.
7-8:15pm $15 drop in, $48 for 4 classes
$5 to rent a djembe, request in advance Venmo: @Leah-Ivory
LEARNING:
Drumming with Josh at Joyful Sounds Music Studio
On the second or third Sunday of the month, join us in some free Drumming with Josh Dunigan from 1:00pm to 2:30pm at Joyful Sounds Music Studio (959 Lake Dr SE.) for some mind-body connection! Bring your own drum or other percussion if you have your own, or choose from the many drums and percussion instruments provided by Josh.
Other Local Drum Circles
Big Rapids Drum Circle
Chris Jane and friends put on drum circles at least once per month. If you’re up north of Grand Rapids and looking for a Friday or Saturday circle, watch their facebook page!
Greater Lansing Area Drummers (GLAD)
Mid-Michigan folks may be interested in checking out this growing group in the state capital! Their events are posted on their facebook page but you can check out their schedule on their website as well!
Drumming Wizards / Dancing Hippies
If you’re interested in beach drum circles during the warm months, check out these wizards and hippies on facebook!
Community Beat / Middleville
Join instructor lead hand drumming rhythms with Brent and Josh. Over the weekends in Middleville Michigan, this fun interactive drumming is fun for any activity level or age.
