Jal a Drum is a collection of Musicians and Dancers who get together and celebrate the joys of playing. We have been gathering for nearly a year now, and we have grown together in ways many of us had never imagined. Every person who has graced our rugs has contributed something towards the whole.

A brief history.

Many years ago, a crazy woman decided to take a belly dancing class. She had such a good time, she told two friends, and they decided to take a class as well. The three women had so much fun, that they continued to dance and play every week after the class. Eventually, they ran out of classes to take, and continued on to research the dance in other places. The ladies would dance for themselves to taped music. It quickly became obvious that one or all would have to learn how to play an instrument or two. Everyone learned how to play the dumbek and one other instrument. They would take turns playing for each other. As is to be expected, they were having so much fun, they had to share with more of their friends. That group of people eventually became Fortune's Rhythm.

Fortune's Rhythm bounded about for many years, Having a great time wherever they went. They performed at Restaurants, Festivals, and many Medieval events. They became and institution at several events across the US. They made their mark at Ragnorok and Darkon, as well as the annual Markland and Dagorhir Yule Feasts. But the Fates decided to move them on. Through a quirk of timing, within one month, all but 2 members of Fortune's Rhythm we scattered accross the United States, driven by work, higher learning, and love. the remaining members tried to hold on and would periodicly get together and try to dance. The evenings would degrade to reminicing about the "old times".

But the Fates were not through with us yet. Mab was one week away from moving into a tiny hole in the wall apartment, when she recieved an email from someone looking for a housemate. The email described a home filled w/ artists, craftsmen, drummers, musicians, and a wonderful woman who does Hindu dance. That is how Mab and Gecko met Lilu. Lilu encouraged the two ladies to met up w/ a woman who was trying to get a troup toghether for the Maryland Renn Faire. The Renn Faire Show was a great leaning experience, and was where they met Ya Meena. Also, coincidently, they encountered one of the old Fortune's Rhythm drummers, Kezrith, just walking around, enjoying the day. They clubbed him soundly on the back of the head and dragged him up on stage, fed him beers, and made him drum. He as been with them ever since.

Our numbers are ever changing, and we have been making many new friends everywhere we go!! We will continue to dance and make music untill we have no hands or feet. Have a look at who is currently in Jal A Drum!