Current:Home > ScamsWell-known Asheville music tradition returns in a sign of hopefulness after Helene -GrowthInsight
Well-known Asheville music tradition returns in a sign of hopefulness after Helene
View
Date:2025-04-16 01:32:28
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — A well-known Asheville musical tradition returned Friday night, in a sign of hopefulness a week after Helene battered the mountain city.
The Asheville Drum Circle had its first regular Friday night session since the powerful storm blew in. The wind and flooding caused catastrophic damage throughout the mountains.
Amid the post-storm chaos, the sound of drums echoed across Pritchard Park and through nearby streets in downtown Asheville.
Drummer Mel McDonald said he hopes the smaller-than-usual gathering will spread cheer during the trying time.
“Now is the most important time for people to see that it’s not over, there’s things to look forward to and enjoy yourselves,” McDonald said.
He drove up from South Carolina with supplies to hand out, and then joined the jam session.
“We normally have a drum circle on every Friday year-round and today seemed like a good day to do something positive, come out and drum, allow people to enjoy themselves, positive vibes,” he said. “Get something out there in the community positive. Maybe help people feel a little bit better.”
Sarah Owens was in the area Friday evening looking for water and wipes since the building where she lives still has no water.
“I followed the sound of the drum,” Owens said. “It is such a surprise and it is so invigorating and it just makes you feel like there’s hope and there’s life beyond all of this.”
“The human spirit of people coming together is so beautiful, and helping each other and encouraging each one and another,” she added. “And that’s what this music is, it’s encouraging to me.”
The drum circle began in 2001 with about 10 drummers, and can now draw hundreds of musicians and spectators when the weather is warm. The circle takes place in a park downtown near popular bars and restaurants.
veryGood! (623)
Related
- The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
- Florida citrus capital was top destination for US movers last year
- Trump blasts Biden over Laken Riley’s death after Biden says he regrets using term ‘illegal’
- Michigan State's basketball maverick: How Tom Izzo has prospered on his terms for 30 years
- McConnell absent from Senate on Thursday as he recovers from fall in Capitol
- Gulf Coast Petrochemical Buildout Draws Billions in Tax Breaks Despite Pollution Violations
- Dollar General employees at Wisconsin store make statement by walking out: 'We quit!'
- Gulf Coast Petrochemical Buildout Draws Billions in Tax Breaks Despite Pollution Violations
- Could Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft reunite? Maybe in Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2026 class
- Five most overpaid men's college basketball coaches: Calipari, Woodson make list
Ranking
- See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
- TikTok bill that could lead to ban faces uphill climb in the Senate
- South Dakota prosecutors to seek death penalty for man charged with killing deputy during a pursuit
- Kansas will pay $1 million over the murder of a boy torture victim whose body was fed to pigs
- Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
- Some Alabama websites hit by ‘denial-of-service’ computer attack
- Nearly half of U.S. homes face severe threat from climate change, study finds
- Mars Wrigley promotes chewing gum as tool to 'address the micro-stresses of everyday life'
Recommendation
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
Chrissy Teigen Shows Off Her Boob Lift Scars in Sexy See-Through Dress
Vermont man pleads not guilty to killing couple after his arrest at grisly
New York trooper found not guilty in fatal shooting of motorist following high-speed chase
This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
Atletico beats Inter on penalties to reach Champions League quarterfinals. Oblak makes two saves
Lionel Messi leaves Inter Miami's win with a leg injury, unlikely to play D.C. United
Student pilot tried to open Alaska Airlines plane cockpit multiple times mid-flight, complaint says