Kirkland, WA, November 6th 2011
By: Tim Robinson
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Another November has come along, and with it, another Woodstick Bigbeat 2011. There are two events I personally look forward to every year – Winter NAMM and Woodstick. Woodstick is by far the most fun of the two, because, even though I am there “on the job”, observing, talking to people about the event, and taking tons of photo’s, I am also participating in an event that raises money for some very worthwhile charities, Camp Korey and The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation.
This year’s Woodstick Bigbeat was once again held at the Juanita HS Field House in Kirkland, WA. Organized and arranged by Donn Bennett (Donn Bennett Drum Studio) and Chris Kimball, sponsored by Sabian, Mapex, DW, Zildjian, and a host of other companies, it is a wonderful day full of music, and that thing we love best, drumming. Coordinated with 15 other cities in conjunction with other Five-Star drum shops – this is a MASSIVE event that every single drummer out there who is able should make the time and participate.
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The artist lineup this year included Danny Seraphine, Chad Wackerman, Seth Davis, Joey Oscar, Chris Coleman, Jon Bolton, Dom Famularo, and of course Donn Bennett and Chris Kimball rounding out the lineup. Appearances by The Beatniks and The Seattle Seahawks Blue Thunder drumline also awaited the over 350 participants.
Clinics by Seth Davis, Chad Wackerman, Dom Famularo, and Danny Seraphine were also part of the day and all were very instructive and fun to watch. Each artist offered excellent advice, tips, and insights into drumming that any level of drummer could find useful.
Chris Kimball
The clinics were followed by the Mapex Drummer of Tomorrow competition where four finalists battled it out for the rights for two spots to the upcoming finals at the Winter NAMM show in January 2012. Byron Chaney, Michael Davila, Joe Maddox, Brandon Cummings all performed excellent pieces and all four are fantastic drummers in their own rights. Michael and Joe won out and have advanced in the competition in January – which we’ll be covering as well – or at least reporting on the outcome!
I didn’t want to take up a large amount of any artist’s time at the event – the day really wasn’t about trying to get “hooked up” and I would prefer that the artists focus on the day’s happenings and enjoying themselves. I did try to ask as many as I could their thoughts about the goings on, the answers ranged from short one word replies, “Great!”, “Outstanding!”, to a short Chat with Seth Davis out in the crisp air and sun.
I had recorded part of that chat; unfortunately the recording was not usable. (New gear time!) However the gist of the conversation was that Seth was thrilled to be doing something like Woodstick that helps charities such as Camp Korey and Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation. “Anything to help kids like this and I’m all for it…” are some words that did stick in my head. We’ll be doing a larger interview with Seth (as well as another artist or two) in the near future – he is a phenomenally skilled drummer, great speed and power, but focused, and someone I definitely want gracing our pages.
Seth Davis
Throughout the day I always get overwhelmed at the outpouring of good will at the event. From the artists, to the hundreds of drummers, to the volunteers and organizers, to the people serving up the food in the back of the venue, everyone was excited and thrilled to be a part of this wonderful event. Every drummer I talked to was excited to be a part of it; every spectator was floored by the spectacle of hundreds of drummers and drum kits in one massive room, playing at the same time.
There isn’t anything like it.
Next year’s Woodstick is the 10th anniversary show, and I am really looking forward to it. I’m hoping we, as an e-zine, will be able to play a bigger part, or at the least, have a bigger audience on our end in order to get the word out far and wide.
Thanks to Chris Kimball for being inspired to conceive of this event and Donn Bennett and his crew and staff for running with it year after year, and all the drummers who participated to make the day one of the most enjoyable days of the year.
See ya’ll next year!
Woodstick Artists