The Friends of Ngoma began as a study group. We took an interest in Rhythm Culture(s) steeped in rich indigenous traditions & eclectic demographic elements, found throughout what has now been coined as "Portlandia' Oregon" or "Cascadia PAN." Our repertoire of interest was spearheaded by Mr. Eric Kelley in 94'-95'. Eric studied under the wing of Mr. Arthur Hull while at the University of Santa Cruz California.The group was catalyzed by mean's of the West African Drum and Dance scene in Northeast Portland and through the influence of individuals like Mr. Kim Atkinson, Ms. Virginia Lopez and Mr. Caton Lyles. As legend has it Eric Kelley, Aaron Johnson, Jason G. Gibson, Jim Gilliand and T-Bone Tyron we're participant's in Ruby Burn's weekly dance class and performed for schools & spontaneously in parks around town. As the headlining experience of the yearly Harvest Jam gathering at Silver Falls State Park in 1995 & 1996, we served as a social catalyst and primer for today's Rhythm Culture.