Beat goes on for drum circle fans, despite case of woman who contracted anthrax at NH session
By Holly Ramer, APSunday, January 31, 2010
Despite anthrax, beat goes on for drum circle fans
CONCORD, N.H. — The case of a New Hampshire woman who contracted a rare form of anthrax at a drum circle nearly two months ago has done little to deter fans of the gatherings.
Drum circles range from informal outdoor jam sessions to professionally run gatherings in corporate conference rooms. Some focus on the music of specific cultures, while others promote spirituality, healing or a sense of community.
About 60 people attended the drum circle in Durham, N.H., where authorities say a woman swallowed naturally occurring anthrax spores propelled into the air by vigorous drumming. She had been in critical condition but has improved recently.
Drummers in New Hampshire and elsewhere say the benefits of drumming far outweigh the very small risk of being exposed to anthrax.
