What we’re about
Our classes, programs, and events include many drum types and styles of drumming and percussion from around the world along with programs that use the drum for health and healing. Programs are done both at the Center and at other locations that contract with WDC for services. e.g. daycare centers, senior centers, schools, churches.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Taiko Drumming Level I: September SessionWomen's Drum Center, St Paul, MN
3-week Taiko Drumming Level I: September Session
Please join us for a three-week Taiko drumming series! This exhilarating three-part, all-gender class series is structured to teach basic taiko form (kata), rhythms, and a bit of history.Sandi Likely of Taikollaborative will be leading this series. Taiko is the Japanese word for drum and refers to the modern style of playing these drums. Wadaiko (in Japan) and kumi daiko (in North America) is movement infused, heart-pounding, dynamic group drumming.
Prerequisite: No drumming experience is necessary, drums and bachi are provided.
Level: Beginner
Instructor: Sandi Likely
Three Wednesdays: September 3, 10, & 17
Time: 7:00-8:30 pm
Warm-up and stretching: 6:30-7:00pm
Cost: $60
Series open to all gender identities.How to Prepare:
Please wear comfortable clothes, as we will be stretching and moving throughout the class. You may choose to wear a non-street shoe or clean tennis shoe type of footwear or go barefoot. Wearing only socks is not recommended. You should also bring a water bottle.There is a max limit of 12 students, and preregistration is required. Register today!
Registration:
Cost: $60
Age: 16+
Register here: https://womensdrumcenter.org/events-calendar/taiko-drumming-series-sept-2025Getting there and accessibility:
Please be prepared to remove your street shoes at the door. You're welcome to bring slippers (with a grip) or non-street shoes to change into upon arrival. We also have a limited supply of clean socks available to borrow (but we recommend grippy socks or clean shoes for this class). Our no-street shoe policy is designed to protect our new floor for posterity.Our center is located in the basement of the Dow Building; it is accessed by one flight of stairs.
- Friday Drum Circle: Gyils with BrookeWomen's Drum Center, St Paul, MN
Friday Drum Circle: Gyils with Brooke
Join us for our next public drum circle on Friday, September 19 from 6:30-8:00 p.m.A gyil is an African xylophone played with mallets. Brooke will lead the group through a variety of melodies and help you become more comfortable with playing the gyil. This is a perfect opportunity to explore this intriguing, melodic percussion instrument in a fun, easy setting.
All gender identities are welcome.No experience is necessary, and gyils will be provided.
Registration:
Cost: $15
Age: 16+
No experience necessary.
Register here: https://womensdrumcenter.org/events-calendar/drum-circle-gyils-brookeGetting there and accessibility:
Please be prepared to remove your street shoes at the door. You're welcome to bring slippers or non-street shoes to change into upon arrival. We also have a limited supply of clean socks available to borrow. Our no-street shoe policy is designed to protect our new floor for posterity.Our center is located in the basement of the Dow Building; it is accessed by one flight of stairs.
- Connecting to Wellness Through Indigenous Healing PracticesWomen's Drum Center, St Paul, MN
Rhythms of Wellness Event:
Join us for a heart-centered gathering of healing, connection, and remembrance—guided by Indigenous wisdom and healing practices that awaken the spirit and ignite the soul.In this powerful experience, you’ll:
- Participate in traditional circle practice to foster trust, truth, community & belonging
- Learn about plant medicines and how to build relationship with them
- Explore the rhythm, spirit and healing of the Ojibwe drum (dewe’igan)
- Foster a deeper connection with your heart, passions, dreams, and truer purpose
- Learn new Ojibwe words rooted in healing and wellness
Cost: $45
Register: https://womensdrumcenter.org/events-calendar/rhythms-of-wellness-indigenous-healing
Ages: 16+ yearsMeet your instructor:
Renee Butters, Awanishbaasin “The Breath of the Spirits,” is an Indigenous Healing Practitioner with over 40 years of experience in health and wellness. She is descendant of the Ojibwe Snake Clan, and a citizen of The White Earth Nation.Renee is the Visionary & Founder of She Heals Noojimo Noojimo’iwe, Noojimo’iwewin The Foundation For Indigenous Healing LLC, and 7 Generations Strong, a nonprofit uplifting Indigenous & communal wellness.
Renee has developed culturally rooted wellness & empowerment programming for youth and community, weaving in traditional knowledge, ceremony, healing practices, and horses. Renee’s unique work with horses offers a powerful initiative to advance healthcare and pave the way for a brighter and healthier future for all.
Renee also offers:
- Intuitive Energy Healing
- Healing with Horses
- Community and group healing circles
- Usui Reiki training & certification that incorporates Indigenous healing practices
- One-on-one mentoring to support individuals and aspiring healers in developing their practices and self-care strategies
Getting there and accessibility:
Please be prepared to remove your street shoes at the door. You're welcome to bring slippers or non-street shoes to change into upon arrival. We also have a limited supply of clean socks available to borrow. Our no-street shoe policy is designed to protect our new floor for posterity.Our center is located in the basement of the Dow Building; it is accessed by one flight of stairs.
- Introduction to the Washboard with Mikkel BeckmenWomen's Drum Center, St Paul, MN
Introduction to the Washboard, with Mikkel Beckmen
Friday, September 26, 2025 from 6:30-8:30pm.
This popular workshop is BACK! Register early to reserve your seat because this one fills up quickly.Mostly associated in the US with pre-WWII blues, jazz, jug band and old-timey music, the washboard has been used around the world as a handy percussion instrument by many cultures. Attend this workshop to discover why the washboard is the perfect percussive accompaniment instrument for acoustic music!
Learn through playing, listening and composing brief percussion pieces together. In addition, a brief history of the washboard will be covered.
Please bring your own washboard if you have one, otherwise, one will be provided.
Cost: $35
Ages: 16+
All-genders welcome
Register here: https://womensdrumcenter.org/events-calendar/washboard-workshop-sept-2025Meet your instructor:
Mikkel has been playing the washboard live on stage for over 27 years. His washboard sounds have appeared on over 50 albums. He currently performs around 200 shows per year with Ice Horse, Corpse Reviver, Jeff Ray & the Stakes and other Minnesota musicians.He's the host of the weekly Workers Playtime series at the 331 Club as well as the Acoustic Thursday Happy Hour at the Dubliner and his playing has taken him around the United States and Europe.
Getting there and accessibility:
Please be prepared to remove your street shoes at the door. You're welcome to bring slippers or non-street shoes to change into upon arrival. We also have a limited supply of clean socks available to borrow. Our no-street shoe policy is designed to protect our new floor for posterity.Our center is located in the basement of the Dow Building; it is accessed by one flight of stairs.
