Love Drums? Come to the Gazebo on Thursday Nights

For years, King James and his Sun Drummers and Dancers have been banging out beats and getting people out of the seats in downtown Safety Harbor.

And despite a recent relocation to the Gazebo in John Wilson Park, James and his group have not slowed the beat down one bit.

Every Thursday night, the drum circle takes center stage at the picturesque downtown venue, and for those who show up, the experience is a musical treat.

"I was in the courtyard for seven years until Taste moved ... and we've been in the Gazebo for four weeks," James, a colorful character who doesn't like to reveal his real age or name, said of his previous location.

"But now we have lights, bathrooms and shelter from the rain. So it worked out for the best."

James invites anyone to get up on stage and lose themselves in the beauty of the music. He says this circle is more mellow than the other one he hosts in Dunedin every week.

"I've been at the (Dunedin) Brewery for seven years, too. But that's more for men. I drum loud, hard and fast there. Here it's more spiritual. This circle is more for women."

Regardless of intensity, men, women and children of all ages are welcome at the circle, and James encourages people to join in and either play an instrument or let the music take you wherever you want to go.

"Anybody is welcome to join," he says. "Drumming keeps you young."