Different Drummers Drum CIrcle
Drum circles at local festivals, community events, and special gatherings
- Differentdrummers@gmail.com
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
Get In Touch
Differentdrummers@gmail.com
About Us
About Different Drummers Drum Circle
Different Drummers Drum Circle (DDDC) brings people together through the joy of rhythm, creativity, and community. Open to all ages and skill levels, our freestyle drum circles celebrate participation over perfection—no prior experience or even a drum is required.
We host regular drum circles in Santa Fe, including the first and third Sundays of each month from 1:30 to 3:30 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Santa Fe, 107 Barcelona. Whether you want to play, dance, or simply listen, you’re welcome to join and experience connection through rhythm.
Founder Rick Cormier has been a musician his entire life, from rock bands and songwriting to electronic music and decades of hand drumming. His approach emphasizes shared leadership, inclusivity, and the joy of group drumming, making each circle a space for creativity, learning, and community building.
Children, beginners, and dancers are all encouraged to join. Extra drums are always provided, and a brief 10-minute lesson is offered for newcomers. Participation is free, and everyone is invited to explore rhythm in a welcoming environment.
Biography – Rick Cormier
Rick has been a musician his entire life, beginning drums at age ten and playing in rock bands through his teens. In the 1970s, he wrote and performed 180 original songs, recorded two albums, hosted a cable TV show, and even starred in the musical Hair.
After a sold-out 1981 concert, he shifted to electronic music, composing nearly 100 synthesizer pieces under Music from Mission Control. In 2025, Rick returned to lyric writing with Mission Control Revisited.
At 40, Rick transitioned from synthesizers to hand drumming. Experience Drums magazine recognized him as a “Community Saint” for hosting decades of free drum circles. He has drummed with multi-Grammy winners, taught people with Parkinson’s disease, at-risk youth, and young adults with disabilities.
In Santa Fe, Rick continues to host community drum circles, fostering connection, creativity, and joy across diverse groups.
Our Publications
Freestyle Community Drum Circles — by Rick Cormier
This book is the first-ever guide dedicated to freestyle community drum circles — written with passion, humor, and deep insight.
Rick Cormier shares how to create welcoming, safe, and joyful drumming spaces where creativity and human connection can truly thrive.
It’s a must-read for anyone who hosts, attends, or simply loves community drum circles.
Why Choose Us
At DDDC, drumming is not about perfection — it’s about connection.
- We welcome beginners warmly
- We encourage creativity instead of rules
- We offer a safe, supportive community
- We celebrate diversity, expression, and joy
- We provide all drums for free
- We host drum circles consistently year after year
Drumming with us helps people relax, smile, breathe, and feel connected — no pressure, no judgment, just pure community rhythm.
Latest Events
First Sunday of Every Month
1:30 pm
Santa Fe Community Drum Circle
Location: Unitarian Universalist Church of Santa Fe, 107 Barcelona
Third Sunday of Every Month
1:30 pm
Monthly Freestyle Drum Gathering
Location: Unitarian Universalist Church of Santa Fe, 107 Barcelona
A Celebration in Rhythm
Our Blogs
Celebrating Authenticity
By Chris Sutton I am afraid that my words cannot begin to do this justice. I do want to use my words, however, to say.
African Drumming vs. Community Drum Circles… Seriously?
A friend once forwarded me an online rant from a white, African-trained drumming teacher who criticized my community drum circles for not teaching the history.
Join the Rhythm
Whether you’re a Santa Fe local or visiting, you’re always welcome in our circle. Reach out to learn about upcoming drum circles or special events.
(505) 469-7330
differentdrummers@gmail.com
Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States
Testimonials
— Jordan M
Community Participant
Rick creates a space where everyone feels connected through rhythm. I was impressed by how effortlessly people of all ages and skill levels played together. It’s not just drumming — it’s community, joy, and pure expression.
— L. Rivera
First-Time Drummer
I never knew group drumming could be this relaxing and uplifting. The circle is beautifully organized, friendly, and accessible. The free lessons and extra drums made it easy for me to jump in and enjoy.