If you go

• The free Gathering of 1,000 Drummers & Dancers takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Scioto Audubon Metro Park, 400 W. Whittier St. For information, visit www. iggygarcia.com. “medicine wheel” symbol painted on the top, its colors taken from the flag associated with the Inca Empire. “The drum is a unifier. … It opens and closes the ceremony.”

Garcia also has been known to wear a Panda costume — it represents the mascot of Columbus Futsal, which he co-founded for kids in 2006 — to help get people out of their shells during the event.

“Even drummers are shy,” he said.

Garcia stressed that the gathering is open to all, regardless of skill level, and is very laid-back.

“It’s not really a festival,” he said. “We’re not selling anything. We’re getting together. It’s like a family reunion.”