Kids. Banging on things. Making lots of noise. Yes, these things go hand-in-hand at my house. Now, how do you keep these things fun, yet without the headaches? Introducing, the DrumBus.

Mike Liston, founder of Rhythms of Life and drum-circle facilitator, has managed to meld kids’ -- and many adults’! -- love of banging on things and his passion for music and desire to work with people. He has worked regionally and nationally with at-risk children, teachers, principals, drug and rehab clients, and health-care and business professionals. Liston says he founded Rhythms of Life in 2002, “to bring creative, movement-based activities to children in after-school programs and physical education classes. Drumming eventually became the backbone of this curriculum.” Since then he has acquired more than 200 drums through partnerships with REMO Drums and The Africa Heartwood Project.

He developed the DrumBus “[a]s a solution to lack of space and a place to make music (especially in many schools).” Each renovated school bus is equipped with authentic African djembe drums and other percussion and can accommodate groups as large as 25. It is available for birthday parties, family reunions, and all kinds of celebrations. Liston has even been hired to facilitate a drum circle for a bachelorette party and a New Life celebration… but not at the same time, of course.

Since the party is already on wheels, you don’t have to drive anywhere. “It’s unique! We come to you,” says Liston. “It’s perfect for the post cake sugar-high. Put them on the bus and let them wear themselves out. It’s safe, convenient and fun, for all ages.”

The DrumBus is great for any birthday party, no matter the age. “The beauty of drumming,” Liston says, “is that it transcends all barriers-physical, language, age, etc. Rhythm of Life’s drums are accessible to everybody and no music experience is needed to join in and play. Ages 3-103 are able to engage.” Invite your child’s friends into the bus and maybe even some of the parents will stick around to play, too. Then, you have more hands to help with the rest of the party -- or at least have a good time.

When you book the DrumBus, Liston explains, “you get one hour of facilitated drumming involving fun games and songs to bring out the music, according to ages.” You may also invite 25 of your closest friends and still keep everyone together. This is different from a lot of other party places where you can only invite a small group without the option to invite more or you have to pay for additional guests. Call to check availability of the DrumBus.

Now, having the DrumBus at your child’s birthday party will not stop your child from using your kitchen and all of your pots and pans as his personal drum studio. However, it will at least give you and your cookware a break for one day.

The DrumBus

801-649-4420

info@thedrumbus.com

663 W. 100 South, Salt Lake City

The newly opened Arts Hub will have summer camps this June and July (see camp listing for details).