New Orleans, LA — The New Orleans arts and spiritual community is reeling from the loss of Gwendolyn Colman, the dynamic and beloved drummer for Seán Johnson & The Wild Lotus Band, who passed away in a tragic accident on Saturday, June 7. Known for her magnetic spirit, musical brilliance, and uncontainable zest for life, Colman’s death has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who knew her and the music she helped shape.
Her bandmates—Seán Johnson, Alvin, and Narada—shared the devastating news in a heartfelt tribute, writing, “We are in shock, struggling to grasp that we’ll never sing, laugh, or make music with her again. The world we know—and the music we create—will never be the same without her presence.”
Originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, and a longtime resident of New Orleans, Gwendolyn Colman was more than a musician. She was a cultural force, a radiant soul who lived life with fierce authenticity and contagious joy. Her artistry defied easy categorization—she was a drummer, singer, teacher, artist, and spiritual explorer. Off stage, she was equally vibrant: a gardener, cook, aromatherapy alchemist, craftswoman, and self-declared “bad yogi” who infused everyday life with whimsy, wonder, and intentionality.
She was a pillar of the Wild Lotus Yoga and bhakti communities in New Orleans, often described as a spiritual mischief-maker—irreverent, playful, and deeply loving. Whether through rhythm, voice, or presence, Colman touched lives profoundly, giving others permission to be fully and freely themselves. “She was as real, raw, quirky, colorful, and unique as it gets,” one admirer wrote. “She gave us all permission to be our authentic selves.”
Beyond her extraordinary talents, Gwendolyn was a community builder and a friend to many. Her warmth, laughter, and magnetic spirit earned her the love of people across disciplines and geographies. A true original, she brought joy to every room and rhythm to every gathering—whether in a music hall, a yoga studio, or under the stars around a fire.
In a gesture that captures her free-spirited legacy, her bandmates encouraged those grieving to honor her in Gwendolyn-esque ways: blow bubbles into the wind, light a fire, beat a drum, dance wildly, or sing unabashedly. “We carry you with us—forever,” they wrote.
Colman’s passing has left New Orleans and its creative community in mourning, but her voice and rhythm live on through her recordings, her impact, and the countless people inspired by her fierce freedom and radiant soul.
Gwendolyn Colman is survived by the vibrant community she helped build, uplift, and inspire.