I was a part of a troupe of performers that jad singing, dancing, and acrobatics in a "gypsy" theme. I chose doumbek, as it was the only thing that seemed even remotely appropriate at the time.

That group fissured, and I formed a music only group made up of myself and the 2 musicians that were in the former group. We played russian gypsy folk music. I played nothing but a tamborine for that. Again, it seemed the only real appropriate thing other than singing.

I was invited to play with a nautical folk group. After about short time, the person then acting as "leader" handed me a bodhran and said "Learn this in a week". Gah.

I learned the basics, but I was no great shakes in that week.