Jim Donovan
Growing up in rural Pennsylvania, Jim Donovan was seven years old when he received a small drum made of a recycled coffee can from his grandmother and heard in it an eternal calling, a path to the rest of his life. He devoted himself to walking its terrain, and passed along the way small but important milestones. At age twelve a drumming corps invited him to crash cymbals. At fourteen he fought for, and won, the rights to the drum kit in the high school band. At sixteen he joined his music teacher as an equal in a jazz ensemble. The primitive howl he heard in that coffee can was evolving into a divine whisper, one that sent him into the University of Pittsburgh's classical music program and into the waiting arms of those musicians with whom he would create Rusted Root.
By 1998, Jim had reached a level of mastery that compelled him to share what he'd learned about the healing power of rhythm. This belief led him to Triloka Records and he recorded an idea he had been developing since 1994 entitled Indigo: Music for Exploration and Evolution. This is an extended piece of repetitious hypnotic music, which listeners could use directly for spiritual exploration, a catalyst for altering consciousness to assist meditation and relaxation. In 1999 he recorded drums on "Live from Earth", a CD by Triloka label mate and co-founder Krishna Das.
The Rhythm Renewal
An Interactive, Transformational Drumming Experience Explore rhythms, songs, chants and concepts from West Africa, Central Africa, the Caribbean and more! Beginners welcome. Drums provided. In this program Jim guides you through a series of steps designed to help you learn more about yourself through the ancient art of hand drumming. In addition to drumming, The Rhythm Renewal workshop focuses on helping you to build purpose and connection with others, deepen listening skills, explore ways to enhance creativity and develop new strategies for stress reduction. Experience for yourself this groundbreaking program which is helping multitudes of people find new approaches for personal success through the power of group hand-drumming. Jim's relaxed and humor infused style of teaching is non-intimidating and all-inclusive. Drums are provided or you may bring your own. No experience required. This is completely hands-on /interactive program. During the Experience you will: Develop a stronger rhythmic foundation as you learn about yourself Feel purpose and connection as you play music in an energized group setting Deeply explore rhythms from around the world Learn to express your creativity through music Sharpen listening skills and dexterity Learn how to create your own rhythms and solos Leave feeling enlivened and focused.
The Yoga of Drum and Chant
Learn and experience powerful mantras and rhythms from India, Tibet, Africa and more! Beginners welcome. Drums provided. Become immersed in rhythmic ecstasy. This highly charged event is intended to give you personal growth to last a lifetime. Jim guides you through a series of steps designed to help you learn more about yourself through combining the ancient arts of vocal toning and hand drumming. The Yoga of Drum and Chant creates a safe space where you can discover new, profoundly effective ways to achieve mental clarity, ultra-relaxation, total presence and harmony. You will be guided through a series of empowering mantras, visualizations and drumming exercises aimed at providing personal and planetary healing. As we drum and chant the group will demonstrate to themselves how to create inner and outer harmony in any situation using the concept: Cooperation without competition with full presence creates harmony. Develop a stronger rhythmic foundation as you learn about yourself Feel purpose and connection as you make music in an energized group setting Deeply explore rhythms and mantras from around the world Learn simple, effective exercises to help you personally center, balance and relax. Sharpen listening skills and dexterity Leave feeling enlivened and focused.
