Well-known Asheville music tradition returns in a sign of hopefulness after Helene

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — A well-known Asheville musical tradition returned Friday evening, a week later in a sign of hope Helene stormed the mountain town.

The Asheville Drum Circle had its first regular Friday evening session since the powerful storm hit. The wind and floods causes catastrophic damage through the mountains.

Amid the post-storm chaos, the sound of drums echoed through Pritchard Park and nearby streets in downtown Asheville.

Drummer Mel McDonald said he hopes the smaller-than-usual gathering will spread cheer during this difficult time.

“This is the most important time for people to see that it’s not over yet, there are things to look forward to and enjoy,” McDonald said.

He drove from South Carolina with supplies to hand out and joined the jam session.

“We normally have a drum circle every Friday throughout the year and today we thought it would be a good day to do something positive, come out and play the drums, let people enjoy themselves, a positive atmosphere,” he said. community positive. Maybe help people feel a little better.

Sarah Owens was in the neighborhood Friday evening looking for water and wipes as the building where she lives still has no water.

“I followed the sound of the drum,” Owens said. “It’s such a surprise and it’s so stimulating and it just makes you feel like there’s hope and there’s life beyond all of this.”

“The human spirit of people coming together is so beautiful, and they help each other and encourage each other,” she added. “And that’s what this music is, it’s encouraging to me.”

The drum circle started in 2001 with about ten drummers and can now attract hundreds of musicians and spectators in warm weather. The circle takes place in a park in the center, close to popular bars and restaurants.