Community Highlights: Meet Diana Lynn Wallace of Urth Rhythms

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Lynn Wallace.

Hi Diana Lynn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in my father’s church, there was always community music-making.

The chiors from the bigger churches always gave me goosebumps and left my heart full of joy.

We had a pretty big family and I took on the roll of peacemaker as tensions would often rise. I always wanted everyone to get along and be happy and harmonious. That was my job!

Music and art have always been 2 of my greatest loves. I started my education in Philadelphia’s Moore College of Art as a Graphic design major and transferred to Kutztown University where I got into a few bands singing and really loved that experience. I freelanced in graphic design here and there but never felt satisfied or fully expressed.

My second summer home from school I was out dancing to world music and the DJ took a shine to me and he knew I was a singer. He said he would introduce me to a local African artist if I would go on a date with him. Well I ended up falling for the artist and forming a band that we had for 7 years or so called Jamallad.
We performed Reggae and afro-pop and had a nice local following. I was lead a nd backing vocals and grew into percussion. We did the clubs on the eastern seaboard and college tours in the fall and we did so for about 5 years eventually following the sun to Cali but went back and forth for a while, I picked up percussion along the road and really fell in love with all of the beautiful world instruments and of course the contagious poly rhythms in world music.
fast forward I stockpiled unique percussion instruments and would always bring them out at parties and sing and jam with musician friends. This has been a part of my joy fo many years.
About 10 years ago I started taking drums to after school programs and the rest is history. Urth Rhythms is 10 yrs old this year!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The creation of Urth rhythms waa like breathing. It was a natural continuation of what I was so passionate about and already doing for free!

We’ve been impressed with Urth Rhythms, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Urth Rhythms Drum Circles and Rhythm Experiences was created from my passion for drumming and singing in a communal setting. We work with all ages, communities, and ability levels.
We bring joyous song and rhythm to everyone for every occasion, even weddings and memorials. We believe drumming and singing are vital threads in a deeply connected community and we offer them from that space.
Deep connection. Everyone is seen heard and honored. Everyone is an integral part of the community experience.
From Preschools to Senior Centers, Churches, and Synagogues. we will curate a circle that is uniquely yours.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My husband and my daughter, John, and Dahlia Wallace, are for sure my biggest fans! Alan Bruni has been an incredible mentor along with Christine Stevens and especially Mike DeMenno of Remo and really the REMO team have been behind me all the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Dianalynnmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divadianalynn/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urthrhythmsdianalynn/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-lynn-wallace-b511b32b/overlay/background-image/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/urth-rhythms-los-angeles-5
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/diana-lynn-1

Image Credits
John Wallace Image Credit