Drum circle helps celebrate Spectrum's 15th birthday

A dozen men and women sat in a circle at Spectrum Gallery Sunday afternoon, shaking water bottles filled with seeds, and pounding on a variety of small drums -- all part of the DreamCatcher Drum Circle that concluded the art gallery and school's 15th birthday party.

Led by facilitator Mykal Alakzandarh, right, a musician and teacher, they participated in "Indian concepts of spirituality" by pounding the drums in Indian, African and Cuban rhythms.

And a little bit of Queen's "We Will Rock You" -- I'm not sure where that fits into the traditional drum circle canon, but it sounded good.

Alakzandarh, originally from Germany but now teaching at TGMS Studios in Burlington and the Kenosha Conservatory, conducts drum circles at Spectrum on the third Sunday of each month from 3-4 p.m. Participation is open to anyone; there is no fee but a donation of $5 is welcome. Drums are provided.

And, lest the day otherwise go unnoticed, let's be sure to mention that Monday is the anniversary of the death of James DeKoven, for whom the DeKoven Center, in which Spectrum Gallery sits, is named. DeKoven was an Episcopal priest and educator who taught at the former Racine College, later renamed in his memory. He died on March 22, 1879.