The first sound that all humans hear is the mother's heartbeat - a beat that, for thousands of years, humans have been finding through drumming.
Now a New Westminster group wants to bring together 1,000 drummers to celebrate National Aboriginal Day on Saturday, June 21.
The 1,000 Drummers of B.C. "drum-in" event is set for Westminster Pier Park from noon to 3 p.m.
It's being organized by the non-profit Columbia Performing Arts Society, along with the Kiwanis Club and the City of New Westminster, to help celebrate the "harmonious diversity" of the West Coast through drums and music.
Anyone of any age who wants to bring a hand drum and join in is invited to show up at Westminster Pier Park to take part in the family-friendly event.
The event organizers are working to produce a short documentary film on the history of the West Coast, based on drumming. They're also hoping that the event will establish a place for a regular gathering of musicians and music lovers to share music, dance and fun.
The event will include performers from a wide range of backgrounds - including tabla virtuoso Cassius Khan, the Sawagi Taiko group, five Irish drummers, the Korean Cheondoong group and the Korean Van NamSaDang group.
A drum leader will also bring 20 drums and lead a drum circle to start and end the event.
"We may not change history or politics with this grassroots event, but we can dance to the same heartbeat, if only for a day," the organizers say.
For more information, search for "Bam Bams aka 1000 Drummers of B.C." on Facebook.
