Matt Meyer is a busy guy: In addition to helping to run a Boston-based housing cooperative, Meyer — a percussionist and graduate of the Berklee College of Music — performs with two samba groups. The Cambridge resident also visits Unitarian Universalist churches throughout the country, giving sermons that advocate tenets of the UU faith, often using drums to get his points across.
"Building community through music is a good way to build community through faith or social justice," said Meyer, who will give a sermon at Northshore Unitarian Universalist Church in Danvers on Sunday at 10:30 a.m., followed by a one-hour drum workshop. "Both require a group of people working together."
According to a release from the church, Meyer is knowledgeable and experienced in a variety of styles, including Latin, jazz, Brazilian, folk, funk, hip-hop and pop.
To participate in the sermon and workshop, Meyer suggested bringing a drum or percussion instrument. Some from his collection will be provided, said Meyer, a hand drummer by training who incorporates drums from Cuba and Africa in his music.
In the workshop, Meyer said, participants will learn about different drums from around the world, make music together and play percussion-related games.
Judy Putnam, the church's musical director, asked Meyer to visit after meeting him at a musicians' conference. He is one of a regular cadre of guest musicians who appear each year.
"(Meyer) has a real feel for the spirituality of using percussion, and he has the ability to get his audience totally involved ... by singing, making percussion noises with our voices or our hands," said Putnam, an Ipswich resident. "He brings a lot of spirituality in his conducting of a service."
Lunch will be provided to those who sign up for the workshop, to be held at the church at 323 Locust St. (Route 35), Danvers. For more information, call 978-774-7582 or visit www.nsuu.org.
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Larry Claflin Jr. writes his "Music Notes" column regularly. Contact him at 978-338-2681 or lclaflin@salemnews.com
