Beat Keepers: The Next Chapter
directed by Cindy Goldberg
starring RoseMarie Babbitt, Michelle “Hollywood” Boyd-Klemba, Deb Coen, Jeannine Cumming, Carol Dierking, Liz Ficalora, Aquarius Fletcher, Cindy Goldberg, Dana Helton, Jenna Kopitske, Sheri Luevano, Claire McDaniel, Kelly McPhail, April Samuels, Kelly Sheret, Jeanine Westlake
Women with Rhythm
Simply put, Cindy Goldberg makes important indie docu-films. In 2019, the Canadian-based musician released Beat Keepers: Women with Rhythm. Spotlighting both up-and-coming and established female players, the film was about much more than “mere” drumming — it was about PEOPLE — women telling their compelling personal stories and sharing the pursuit of their dreams and passions.
In 2025, Goldberg has unveiled the sequel, Beat Keepers: The Next Chapter. Something of a female-fueled, feel-good reality show, the film follows a dozen-plus drummers from all across the U.S. and Canada as they journey to take part in the 2024 “Drummathon” breast cancer awareness event in Dallas, Texas.
As with the original Beat Keepers film, the sequel reveals the tight-knit bond within the female drummer community — like-minded women who celebrate and encourage each other. Packed with live performance footage, behind-the-scenes interviews, and marquee-name contributors, the film serves as an inspirational beacon for all aspiring musicians and artists — women and men alike.
Each drummer’s testimony is unique, and at times, emotional. Some of these “women with rhythm” began playing at an early age, in school bands or church groups. Others got started much later in life, in their 40s, 50s, or even their 60s, as a result of support from friends and family members. Along the way, they also discuss their personal drum influences, and the name Buddy Rich comes up, a lot.
For artists pursuing their dreams, particularly drum enthusiasts, this 43-minute short film will speak to you, loudly and passionately. A bona fide labor of love, Beat Keepers: The Next Chapter may not be a big-budget feature, however, its heartbeat is HUGE!
