Organized in 2003 by drum facilitator, Billy Fried, this drum circle did not happen by accident, but was developed by someone with a serious love for the drum.  Billy, an advertising executive and sports fun catalyst is the CEO of CalActive.  Promoting, organizing and bringing groups of people together are skills Billy carries easily in his back hip pocket.  Knowing what it takes to make a successful event, Billy's thoughtfulness to the drum circle community is apparent.  

Each Full Moon Circle, Billy secures a fire ring spot and stacks of handy plastic chairs magically appear at the drum circle spot.  With a now massive email list, a reminder email is sent to all those interested with dates and times, plus a special encouragement written "Billy style," to get on down and join the groove at the beach.  Drummers are encouraged to bring their own drums and some fire wood.  For those who don't have a drum yet, there always seem to be a few extra drums on hand along with percussion instruments, including shakers and cow bell! 

Billy Fried, Facilitator, Aliso Beach Full Moon Drum Circle

I caught up with Billy to find out more about his love for the drum in the following interview:

Interview / May 1, 2008 

Q: How did you get involved in drumming:

Billy: I started drumming on a set when I was an adolescent. But my parents couldn't take the incessant banging and made me get rid of them. So I switched to guitar and harmonica. But I always loved drums, and found hand drumming to be more accessible than kit drumming.

Q:  How did you begin drumming in Laguna Beach?

Billy:  I moved to Laguna Beach from LA in 1999, and having been a regular at the Venice drum circle, immediately went in search of one down here.  I didn't know of any until the LA Times Calendar section featured a cover story on drum circles. They listed Marcus Tucker's Phat Drum Circle in Laguna Beach.  I sought out Marcus, and an instant connection was forged.  Marcus staged Sunday afternoon drum circles at Laguna's Main Beach. They were a great affair because the public always got involved, and Marcus had such great energy.  I started a nighttime full moon circle at the beach I was living on.  It spread through word-of-mouth, and by the 3rd circle we had more than 100 people show up.  This put pressure on the small, residential beach as the tide rose and rose and went into our fire and forced us up the hill. But no one quit the groove.  Recognizing that this small beach could no longer support the crowd, and that the noise might be a problem for my neighbors, I moved it to Aliso Beach, which was public, had parking and firepits.

Q:  What should someone expect when they come to drum? 

Billy:  The full moon Aliso Circle has turned into a real community happening and morphs into something different each month.  Summer brings the big crowds and lots of dancing.  Winter brings intimacy - usually a core group of drummers who nuzzle close together and lock into a glorious groove.

Q: What has drumming meant to you specifically?

Billy:  It's something special to behold, and about as close to church as I get.  

You can visit Billy Fried at his website www.CalActive.com  

Check the love2drum event calendar for Aliso Full Moon Drum Circle dates.