Community Comes Together for Song and Drum Event in Brandon

Residents of Brandon gathered in Stanley Park on July 15, 2023, for the “Song and Drum” event, a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community spirit. Organized by the Brandon Friendship Centre in collaboration with various partners, the event attracted participants of all ages, fostering connections through song and drumming.

The initiative stemmed from regular gatherings of men’s and women’s groups and aimed to bring the community together. Murray Smith, one of the event’s organizers, emphasized the importance of these gatherings for community building. “Every so often, we bring this together as a co-ed event, and this helps us build community,” he explained. “Through our song and our drumming, we enhance our community to be healthier, to be happier, and most importantly, to be harmonious.”

Participants enjoyed a range of activities, including food and drumming, which were integral to the celebration. Smith described the event as a “thank you” to the community for their involvement, stating, “Today, we’re having a whoop-it-up, a thank you to just feed everybody and say thanks for coming out.”

The event also held significance for individuals involved in recovery programs. Lori Carver, who works with those in recovery, highlighted the role of music in healing. “I work with people in recovery, whom I teach the drum to,” she said. “I just try to pass my knowledge down to the clients there. Singing is one of my big things that I enjoy, so I pass it down to clients who are in recovery.”

Children and youth played an active role, drumming alongside elders and community members. Smith noted their participation was intentional, aimed at teaching them about their cultural heritage. “With the children, they come and learn the culture. You’ll see some of the young ones drumming, and they come to the weekly events also. Without a basis for what we do, they don’t have a basis to connect to their culture,” he stated.

Volunteers contributed significantly to the event’s success, providing logistics support, including shade tents to protect attendees from the sun. Smith expressed his appreciation, stating, “People from all walks of life come here, and we allow everybody to participate. This is a sober event—no alcohol, no drugs—because many people here are in recovery.”

In conclusion, the “Song and Drum” event not only celebrated music and culture but also reinforced community ties, offering a space for healing and learning. The gathering illustrated the power of collective involvement in fostering a sense of belonging and cultural continuity within the community.