New Stewart Copeland Composition Premieres In 2011

By Andy Doerschuk Published September 1, 2010

Stewart Copeland has once again donned his composer guise and will premiere one of his newest pieces, “Gamelan D’Drum,” with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra augmented by the Dallas-based percussion ensemble D’Drum. Copeland met the members of D’Drum during The Police’s 2007–’08 reunion tour, and composed the three-movement, 35-minute composition with their unique blend of influences from Bali, Africa, Persia, and Western classical music in mind. The performances are slated for February 3–5, 2011, which might seem pretty far into the future to mark your calendar. But the concert’s promoters encourage potential attendees to book their tickets early, since the premiere falls on the same weekend as Super Bowl XLV in nearby Arlington, Texas. For more info, go here.

L.A. Bonham Tribute Show Features Top Drummers

By Andy Doerschuk Published August 30, 2010

This coming September 25 marks an auspicious occasion for drumming fans — the thirtieth anniversary of John Bonham’s death. And to pay tribute to the late, great Led Zeppelin drummer, a number of heirs to his heavy drumming style will assemble on the 25th for a special concert at the Key Club in Hollywood. Such luminaries as Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin), Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath), Steven Adler (Guns N’ Roses), Brian Tichy (Whitesnake), and James Kottack (Scorpions) will take the stage to hammer hard on some of Zeppelin’s greatest songs. Tickets are available for $28 and $34. For more information go here

Alfred Music Adopts A New Green Initiative

By Andy Doerschuk Published August 30, 2010

You have to hand it to the folks at Alfred Music for doing the right thing. The educational music print publisher has just announced its “Alfred Cares” initiative — an effort to decrease the company’s carbon footprint. Spearheaded by Alfred’s CEO, Ron Manus, who took the reins of the family-owned company in late 2009, “Alfred Cares” is tackling the task of becoming more eco-friendly by printing their sheet music on recycled paper, one piece at a time.

However, “Alfred Cares” goes beyond simply printing books on 100 percent recycled paper. The program also impacts the company’s infrastructure from implementing a new voice-picking system in the company’s distribution center, eliminating approximately 170,000 pages annually, and using energy-efficient fluorescent light, using roughly 50 percent less power, to even swapping traditional bathroom urinals to water-free urinals, which alone save an estimated 40,000 gallons a year per unit, prompting Manus to quip “Everything we do trickles down.”

Marky Ramone Establishes Musicians Institute Scholarship

By Andy Doerschuk Published August 30, 2010

It’s ironic. The drummer who tended the beat on The Ramones’ “Rock And Roll High School” (for which Joey Ramone crooned, “I hate the teachers and the principal”) has established the Marky Ramone Drum Scholarship for Musicians Institute students. To raise revenue, Ramone has organized a benefit concert at the L.A. music school’s concert hall on Friday, October 8. In addition to Ramone, the all-star band will include Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big), Michael Graves (The Misfits), Jeff Duncan (Armored Saint), Marko DeSantis (Sugarcult) and Andy Hilfiger (King Flux) playing Ramones tunes. To purchase tickets, go here.

Thomas Lang Boot Camp In October

By Andy Doerschuk // Photo by Neil Zlozower Published August 30, 2010

So you want to learn how to play drums like Thomas Lang. At one time we might have said something pithy like, “Yeah, right.” But in fact, your chance of learning some of Lang’s remarkable skills have never been better now that you can go mano-a-mano with the amazing technician at his latest boot camp. The four-day intensive runs from October 14–17 in Westlake Village, California, where a limited number of students will have the opportunity to sharpen key skills with the award winning drummer, author, and educator. The ticket price also includes a tour of the DW factory in nearby Oxnard. The Thomas Lang Drumming Boot Camp is a global traveling boot camp that has already been hosted in Berlin, New York, Vienna and London, with additional camps planned. For more information, go here.

Justin Spencer Exonerated Of Fraud Charges

By Andy Doerschuk Published August 27, 2010

Recycled Percussion’s Justin Spencer turned the tables on his former business partner, Alexandria Thompson. After Thompson originally accused Spencer of stealing from the band’s parent company, Shelter Management, Spencer countersued and, after hiring a team of private investigators, ultimately proved that Thompson was the one dipping into their joint accounts. Among other revelations, the investigators uncovered a previous judgment against Thompson, who was convicted of embezzling roughly $65,000 from a Texas photographer. Because of that conviction, Thompson — who has had five aliases — was prohibited from becoming involved in any company finances, according to Spencer’s lawyer, Frank Mesmer. All criminal charges based on complaints by Thompson against Spencer have been dropped, which included felony charges of attempted theft by unauthorized taking, two counts of theft by unauthorized taking, and two counts of identity fraud.

Peter Criss To Appear In NJ Cancer Walk In October

By Andy Doerschuk Published August 27, 2010

Kiss’ founding drummer Peter Criss has a lot to feel good about these days, after successfully beating the breast cancer he was first diagnosed with in 2008. But even though he has been granted a clean bill of health, Criss continues to fight the disease and has announced his participation in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on October 17 in Point Pleasant Hill, New Jersey. Criss invites all of his fans to join him and/or donate to the cause. You can learn more about the event by going here.

Fall 2010 Clinic And Festival Lineup

By Radim McCue Published August 27, 2010

Mark Schulman, who has played with Pink, Cher, Sheryl Crow, and others, is touring in September.

US

MONTH • ARTIST • LOCATION • CONTACT INFO • CITY • STATE

AUGUST

• Aug 22nd-Sept 4th • Michael Spiro • California Brazil Camp • Richard • 415.824.2894 • Cazadero • CA
• Aug 26th • Jim Riley • Drum Headquarters • Jim • 314.644.0235 • St. Louis • MO
• Aug 27th • Marko Djordjevic • Melodee Music • 703.430.1733 • Sterling • VA
• Aug 27th • Stanton Moore • All Pro Percussion • 813.341.3786 • Tampa • FL
• Aug 28th • Scott Johnson • Mozingo Music Marching Perc., Francis Howell North H.S. • Jeremy • St. Charles • MO
• Aug 28th • Jim Riley • The Drum Pad • Victor • 847.934.8768 • Palatine • IL
• Aug 28th • Marko Djordjevic • Dales Drum Shop • 717.652.2466 • Harrisburg • PA
• Aug 28th • Gene Fambrough • Drumline Fest., Univ of Alabama•Birmingham • AL
• Aug 28th • • Univ. of Washington Husky Day of Marching Percussion•Seattle • WA
• Aug 29th • Charlie Adams • Universal Percussion - Summer Drum Party • 800.282.0110 • Columbiana • OH
• Aug 30th • Lalo Davila • Lee University • Andy • Cleveland • TN

SEPTEMBER

• Aug 22nd-Sept 4th • Michael Spiro • California Brazil Camp • Richard • 415.824.2894 • Cazadero • CA
• Sept 7th • Mark Schulman • Greenbrier Perc • Stephen • 540.805.6306 • Fredericksburg • VA
• Sept 7th • Mike Clark • JC's Drum Center • 248.601.3786 • Rochester • MI
• Sept 8th • Mark Schulman • Indoor Store • Barry • 919.954.0758 • Raleigh • NC
• Sept 9th • Casey Grillo • Univ of South Florida • 813.974.3180 • Tampa • FL
• Sept 9th • Mark Schulman • Rock Bottom Music • Jonathan • 706.724.1172 • Augusta • GA
• Sept 11th • Danny Seraphine • Percussion Summit 2010, Philharmonic Center for the Arts • 239.591.4361 • Naples • FL
• Sept 13th • Mark Schulman • Musicians Warehouse • 706.548.7233 • Bogart • GA
• Sept 13th • Sherrie Maricle • Binghamton H S • Joel • Binghamton • NY
• Sept 14th • Mark Schulman • Ken Stanton Music • 770.427.2491 • Marietta • GA
• Sept 15th • Scott Johnson • Normandy High School•Florissant • MO
• Sept 16th • Chuck Silverman • Drum Headquarters • 314.644.0235 • Saint Louis • MO
• Sept 17th • Vinny Appice • San Jose Pro Drum Clinic, Willow Glen H.S. • 408.298.1999 • San Jose • CA
• Sept 17th • Brian Del Signore • Univ of North Texas • Mark • 840.369.7974 • Denton • TX
• Sept 18th • Carmine Appice • Rock & Load Music Univ - Sound Check Studio • Dan • 615.587.1371 • Nashville • TN
• Sept 18th • Chad Wackerman • Drummers Collective • 212.741.0091 • New York • NY
• Sept 18th • Terry Sanders, Greg Jackson • 2010 Northwest Florida Day of Percussion, Escambia High School•Pensacola • FL
• Sept 21st • Carmine Appice • Halpin Music Co. • John • 618.462.0661 • Alton • IL
• Sept 22nd • Carmine Appice • Midwest Music Conservatory • James • 636.572.5558 • Baldwin • MO
• Sept 23rd • Carmine Appice • Funky Munky Music • Patt • 913.378.9870 • Shawnee • KS
• Sept. 24th & 25th • Carmine Appice • Kenny's Music Center • Kenny • 701.772.8670 • Grand Forks • ND
• Sept 25th • Jeff Ausdemore, Dan Darrah • Arizona PAS Fall Drumline Fest, Higley High School•Gilbert • AZ
• Sept 26th • Peter Erskine • PAS So Cal Day of Perc, • 562.522.3101 • Long Beach • VA
• Sept 29th • Ralph Hardimon • Friendswood H S • Julio • 713.408.3772 • Friendswood • TX
• Sept 30th • Pete Zimmer • Loyola Univ School of Music • John • 504.460.0678 • New Orleans • LA

OCTOBER

• Oct 3rd • Dom Famularo • Wentworth Music • Dale • 250.800.2251 • Kelowna • BC
• Oct 4th • Dom Famularo • Kings Music • Jack or Dan • 604.853.5996 • Abbotsford • BC
• Oct 5th • Dom Famularo • Long & McQuade • John • 250.384.3622 • Victoria • BC
• Oct 5th • Tommy Igoe • UTSA Artist Series • 210.744.5916 • San Antonio • TX
• Oct 6th • Dom Famularo • Music In The House • Jayson • 306.529.3589 • Regina • SK
• Oct 7th • Dom Famularo • Second Encore Music • Dave • 204.788.0967 • Winnipeg • MB
• Oct 8th • Dom Famularo • Music Pro Ltd. • Ted • 705.725.1070 • Barrie • ON
• Oct 14th • Pete Zimmer • The Jacob School of Music • Steve • 812.856.1493 • Bloomington • IN
• Oct 20th • William James • Indiana University•Bloomington • IN
• Oct 22nd & 23rd • Jack Mouse • Melivlle Jazz Retreat • Tom • 306.728.5416 • Melville • SK
• Oct 26th • Ed Roscetti • Rio Hondo College • 562.463.7699 • Whittier • CA

NOVEMBER

• Nov 1st • Will James • Southeast Missouri State Univ.•Cape Girardeau • MO
• Nov 6th • Ed Roscetti, Maria Martinez • Drum School 101•Drum Circuit • 8005.543.0377 • Paso Robles • CA
• Nov 6th • Maria Martinez, Ed Roscetti • Drum Circuit • 805.543.0338 • San Luis Obispo • CA
• Nov 7th • Thomas Pridgen • Donn Bennett Drum Studio, Juanita H.S. • 425.747.6145 • Kirkland • WA
• Nov 15th & 16th • Michael Spiro • Eastern Illinois Univ • Jamie • 608.215.4071 • Charleston • IL
• Nov 16th • Greg Giannascoli • Ponca City H S • Arlis • 580.767.9500 • Ponca City • OK
• Nov 19th • Bob Bloom • Interactive drumming concert, 60th Anniv. Annual Conference of the AMA•Cleveland • OH
• Nov 21st • Bob Bloom • 60th Anniv. Annual Convention of the American Music Therapy•Cleveland • OH
• Nov 22nd • Sheila E. • Jeff Ryder Drum Shop • 210.865.5868 • Austin • TX

INTERNATIONAL

AUGUST

• Aug 25th • Efrain Martinez • PR Conservatory of Music•San Juan • Puerto Rico
• Aug 25th-27th • Ney Rosauro • PR Conservatory of Music•San Juan • Puerto Rico

SEPTEMBER

• Sept 2nd • Dave Weckl • Musicmaker, The Button Factory•Dublin • Ireland
• Sept 3rd-12th • • International Festival Days of Percussion•Fermo-Marche • Italy
• Sept 4th • Dom Famularo, Rodney Howard • La Rioja Drumfest•Logrono • Spain
• Sept 4th & 5th • Andy Fisenden, Mike Mangini, Nisan Stewart, Pete Lockett, Paul Clarvis • London Drum Show•London • United Kingdoms
• Sept 4th & 5th • Dave Weckl • Westside Distr & London Drum Show•London • United Kingdoms
• Sept 11th • Dom Famularo • Amsterdam Vintage Drum Show•Amsterdam • The Netherlands
• Sept 12th • Dom Famularo • AB Music - Adams Drum Festival•The Netherlands
• Sept 12th • Steve Gadd • Adams Drumworld Festival•Ittervoort • Holland
• Sept 14th • Georg Edlinger • Schnupperworkshop de Akademie fur Ethno-Percussion • 01.587.4787 • Wien • Austria
• Sept 15th • Dom Famularo • Music Info - Bydgoszcz•Poland
• Sept 17th • Dom Famularo • Tam-Tam Drum Centre•Budapest • Hungary
• Sept 19th • Dom Famularo • Dresdner Drumfestival•Dresden • Germany
• Sept 20th • Bob Becker • Univ of Hakodate•Hakodate • Japan

OCTOBER

• Oct 1st-2nd • John Favicchia • MLC Academy•Nottingham • United Kingdom
• Oct 4th • John Favicchia • Wizdom France•Marseille • France
• Oct 7th • John Favicchia • Drum Tech•London • United Kingdom
• Oct 15th • John Favicchia • Freestroke•Florence • Italy
• Oct 16th • John Favicchia • Sound Promotion•Treviso • Italy
• Oct 18th • John Favicchia • Music Academy 2000•Bologna • Italy
• Oct 20th • John Favicchia • Sant Luios Music School•Brindisi • Italy
• Oct 21st • John Favicchia • Tarrega Academy•Taranto • Italy
• Oct 23rd • Kirk Covington, Bobby Sanabria, Ronald Bruner Jr., Marko Djordjevic, Jeremy Taggart, Isaac Dumont, Elie Bertrand • Montreal Drum Fest 2010, Roland V-Drum National Contest Final • Ralph • 888.928.1726 • Montreal, QC • Canada
• Oct 24th • Marco Minnemann, Jimmy DeGrasso, Chris Daddy Dave, Paul Wertico, Jost Nickel, Simon Langlois, Mark McLean • Montreal Drum Fest 2010, Yamaha "Rising Star" Showcase • Ralph • 888.928.1726 • Montreal, QC • Canada

Lol Tolhurst Asks To Rejoin The Cure In 2011

By Andy Doerschuk Published August 26, 2010

Talk about putting out feelers. Lol Tolhurst, the founding drummer for The Cure, made it crystal clear during an interview on L.A. radio station KXLU that he would like to rejoin the band for a 2011 tour. Reportedly, the drummer has been in touch with his former bandleader Robert Smith — who fired Tolhurst in the early ’80s for alleged drinking problems — about the idea of performing The Cure’s 1981 album Faith in its entirety. The very fact that the two are talking marks a significant improvement in relations. Tolhurst unsuccessfully sued Smith in 1991 for unpaid royalties.

Johnny Barbata Book Signings This Weekend

By Andy Doerschuk Published August 26, 2010

Fans of drummer Johnny Barbata who ever wondered what became of the former member of such legendary rock acts The Turtles, Jefferson Starship, and CSN&Y are about to get their answer. The onetime New Jersey boy who found fame and fortune on the West Coast in the ’60s has settled in comparative peace and quiet of Ada, Oklahoma — population 16,000.

Apparently, the town was peaceful enough to enable Barbata to pen his new autobiography, The Legendary Life Of A Rock Star Drummer, which is available on amazon.com. And if you happen to be anywhere in the vicinity of south central U.S., you might want to drop by one of Barbata’s upcoming book signing events:

Friday, August 27: Oklahoma Music & Sound, 7423 N. May, OKC, OK, 12:00–6:00 p.m.

Saturday August 28: Vintage 22, 800 E. Main St., Ada, OK, 4:00–8:00 p.m.

Friday, September 10: The Music Store, 2120-C 31st & Mingo, Tulsa, OK, 12:00–6:00 p.m.

Saturday, September 11: Sigler Music, 1112 Garrison Ave., Ft. Smith, Ark., 12:00–5:00 p.m.