Overview: A night at San Carlos Community Garden
Welcome to the San Carlos Community Garden’s Drum Circle, a free monthly gathering that invites people of all ages and experience to connect through music, movement, and joy.
Something magical has been happening at the San Carlos Community Garden this summer.
As the sun begins to dip and its golden rays paint a colorful sunset canvas in the sky, a rhythmic beat of drums begins to rise.
Intertwined with scents of basil, tomatoes, summer squash and pollinator-friendly plants growing throughout the garden, the sound of friendly chatter and light laughter is taken over by beats in a synchronized rhythm.
Welcome to the San Carlos Community Garden’s Drum Circle, a free monthly gathering that invites people of all ages and experience to connect through music, movement, and joy.
At the heart of this gathering is Aaron Irwin, a La Mesa-Spring Valley Schools middle school music teacher whose energy and passion for rhythm are truly infectious.
Irwin brings more than just musical talent—he brings heart, a passion for environmental stewardship, and a deep belief in the power of community.
“I wanted to connect with community and volunteer with music and nature-affiliated organizations, and the SCCG provided all of this,” Irwin said.
“With our community drum circle, my intention is to offer an inclusive, multigenerational experience in which we can explore our rhythmic spirit, as well as co-create our collective groove. Through drumming together, we can reintegrate play, connection, and healing.”
A welcoming and uplifting experience
Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced percussionist, the drum circle is designed to be welcoming and uplifting.
Each session begins with a warm-up and simple rhythm exercises to get everyone in sync. From there, the group flows into a co-created organic musical experience that feels part drum jam, part meditation, and part joyful celebration.
“There’s no pressure, no performance,“ said Irwin. “One participant even brought a can filled with chickpeas as a makeshift shaker and it was just perfect. It’s all about the simple act of finding rhythm together.”
It’s not unusual to see someone who’s never touched a drum walk away beaming with a new sense of confidence and joy.
Talmadge resident, Cindy Aakar, participates regularly in SCCG’s Yoga in the Garden (offered on Sunday’s 9-10 am) and attended the last drum circle event held in July.
“I loved the drum circle! The garden is such a beautiful environment to create a soulful rhythm of community, “said Aakar. “Aaron is a great instructor and I’m already looking forward to the next gathering.”
“I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve my community with music, yoga, and gardening,” added Irwin. “This unconditional love of our neighbors is one way we can begin to heal our planet together.”
Next Drum Circle:
📅 2nd and 4th Thursday’s of the month (Aug. 14 & 28)
🕕 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
🎶 All ages and skill levels welcome! Instruments provided, limited supply. Participants are encouraged to bring their own.
Last Stuff the Pantry Summer Concert set for Aug. 8
The SCCG’s mission to grow community continues Friday, Aug. 8 with its final Stuff the Pantry Summer Concert, presented by Aloha Solar & Electric.
This summer-long concert series has showcased the musical talents of more than a dozen local, award-winning singer/songwriters, all curated and organized by Sandé Lollis, a longtime resident of San Carlos.
This final concert will include one-of-a-kind soulful performances by Sara Petite, Lisa Sanders and Suzanne Harper.
“This last concert is going to be a great culmination of the season. Sara Petite is a San Diego music awards (multi-award winner). Lisa Sanders is a San Diego Music Hall of Fame inductee, and Suzanne Harper is just a powerhouse singer and exquisite songwriter,” said Lollis. “I just can’t wait to get all three of them together and hear what they come up with.”
This “Stuff the Pantry” concert series serves a larger purpose beyond bringing community together for an evening of live music.
“Participants are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for entry which is passed on to the Good Shepherd Food Pantry of El Cajon who serves hundreds of families who are dealing with food insecurity,” said Carol Lockwood, one of SCCG’s founders and long-standing board member.
“We hope that the community will come out to support The Good Shepherd Food Pantry with generous food donations and an evening of amazing music.”
Stuff the Pantry Summer Concert, presented by Aloha Solar & Electric:
📅 Friday, Aug. 8
🕕 6 to 8 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.; Food truck begins serving at 5:30 p.m.).
🎶 BYO Chair. Bring a non-perishable food item for entry.
