"I am a member of Las Candelas and our mission is to help vulnerable children in our community. We have sponsored many programs at Hillsides and other facilities in the Glendale and Pasadena area during the last 15 years.
AAron Vereen is one of the most talented and inspirational musicians I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. As a master drummer, he delighted the youth with humor, laughter and stories. Each young person was given a drum or percussion instrument to play. He engaged the participants on a tour of Africa and Jamaica by highlighting distinctive rhythms from each region. He taught the various drum beats and the youth followed along with great energy and joy.
It was heartwarming to see the youth drumming, singing and dancing. The drum circle became a celebration of life.
He worked with two groups at Hillsides. One group was comprised of youth who were struggling with mental health challenges. It was amazing to see invisible barriers of fear, distrust and depression melt before our eyes.
The other youth group was from the US Government’s Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program.
One can only imagine the trauma that these youth may have encountered on their journey to this country. AAron’s music broke down many of the cultural and language barriers. One of the refugees was a young man from Jamaica. It was magical to see a bond develop with this young man playing the drums with AAron.
AAron’s music brought healing and joy.
AAron Vereen’s drum circle brings a spirit of community and light to our world. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
-N. Stone., Las Candelas
"Aaron, who is not only a powerful presence onstage but a master of the drum..."
– Ray Kiplin, Sarasota Magazine
"Brother AAron's drum skills are Fantastic. He's clearly well studied and mad talent! What places him at the top as that next level Artist is his Graciousness and ability to Energize a crowd simply with his presence! He's an excellent improviser and can truly work any crowd. You'll always walk away feeling BLESSED by his talent and glowing SPIRIT!
-Tanita F., Choreographer & humanitarian
"AAron Vereen's drum therapy often done within a group drum circle, is a gorgeous experience! Speaking in his lyrical, Jamaican accent he guides you through a journey around the world, introducing you to the ancestral drum beats of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. There is no way to adequately express the magical effect of playing the drums with AAron's guidance. You must try it for yourself!"
-Noella R.D., Intuitive Coach
"My daughter and I have been taking drum therapy classes with AAron Vereen for some months now. I can attest to the fact that AAron is not only a master drummer with a deep knowledge and feel of the language of drums, but an expert teacher as well. His drum therapy sessions have provided a bonding and cleansing experience that have brought us closer together in ways that complement talk therapy, enabling us to connect on a much deeper level of the soul.
AAron’s warm and compassionate nature put us at ease right away, he guides us patiently through the beats until we find ourselves playing effortlessly; there is nothing that approaches the joy that comes from losing yourself in an African drum rhythm, especially with a loved one. My daughter and I truly enjoy our classes and our time together with AAron. In addition she is picking up a very valuable musical skill. I highly recommend AAron to anyone".
-Alain B., Teacher