Drum circle at Vancouver's Third Beach invites euphoria and bylaw violations

Attendees of a popular drum circle at Vancouver's Third Beach say they want police to let the"euphoric" eventcontinue past sunset.

For years, thesummer event known to regulars as Brahm's Tams has drawn several hundred people tothe Stanley Park beach each week for drumming and dancing.

During the most recent gatheringTuesday evening, David Aaron says the jam was at its peak when Vancouver police officersappeared on all-terrain vehicles.

Aaron says police asked him tostop drumming. When he askedfor a few more minutes, Aaron says an officer ticketed him. A copy of the ticket issued at 10:20 p.m. shows that Aaron violated a parkbylaw bydrumming after posted hours.

Stanley Park'shours are from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Aaron says police have been civil at the gatherings, but he wants them to end the event more peacefully.

"Sometimes, the most special part of the sunset is in those final moments," he said.

Gloria Glo, a regular attendee for the past two years, agrees.

"We want to create a softer buffering between the circle ... and saying goodbye to the sun," she said.

Police increasing patrol

Theritual of banging drums and getting ticketed dates back to at least 2009.

Butthe event's increasing popularity has promptedVancouver policeto send more beach patrol officers, says spokesperson Sgt. Jason Robillard.

Robillard declined to comment on the ticket, since Aaron is disputing it.

But the event raises safety concerns, Robillard says,including beachgoers openly drinking, smoking and swimming after hours.

"We think that this is a great event, but we want to maintain peacefulness."

Tickets are a last resort and usually follow verbal warnings, Robillardsays.

"Sometimes it takes a few that are acting a certainway and they may ruin it for everybody."

'Shameful scene of litter'

The event has also led to messes on the beach.

"Wednesday mornings reveal a shameful scene of litter," Aaron wrote in his dispute letter to the city.

He wants to work with the City of Vancouver to improve access to washrooms, litter collection and crowd management.

Octavio Silva, who oversees special events for the Vancouver Park Board, says the group would have to apply for an event permit.

He says the park board has struggled to reach the group since there are no official contacts.

Permitted eventsnormally finish within posted hoursbut organizers can ask for extensions, Silva says.

He says litter collection and washrooms typicallyfall on the shoulders of organizers.

Organizer 'thankful' for police

BrahmOlszynko, whostarted the drum circle in 2006, says a permit would be too costly.

"You're talking about hundreds of dollars every week for a permit and insurance," he said. "This is free and for everyone. We don't collect or make any money at all."

Olszynko says concerns about safety and litter are valid. He'sliaised with police and the city over the years, but saysthe event is experiencing "growing pains."

"The new people that are coming just need to get into the groove of what's OK and what's not," he said.

"We're really thankful for the VPD for giving out a ticket and telling people that's it not cool."

But Aaron says the jam should be allowed tocontinue without police interference.

"The people of Vancouver are yearning to connect with each other,and this group is achieving that through music and dancing," he said.

Thisstory has been updated to include comments from the event organizer.

With files from CBC Radio's On The Coast