Not So Modern Drummer

George Lawrence and I are attempting to attend every vintage and custom drum show in the nation this year. Rounding out Not So Modern Drummer’s tour of the East Coast drum shows was the Connecticut show in Newington, Connecticut produced by Rick Smith. George was actually listed as one of the featured names at the show but was called away to play with Poco at the last minute. So, once again I packed up the back issues, my camera, and my hat with the little press pass on it (okay, I only wish I had one of those), and hit the road by myself.

The show was held on April 18, 2010 and featured over 30 dealers and exhibitors, which filled the Sphinx Shriner’s Center. Having done a few shows at this point, I figured this one would be a walk in the park with its slightly shorter time frame of one day from 10am to 4pm. However, those 6 hours were just packed with a whirlwind of activity. It was actually hard to capture just how busy the show was because I was preoccupied selling back issues and subscriptions to many of the over 450 attendees (thanks guys!). As always, everyone was very cool, talking drums and checking out what new collectable drums had materialized in the area. There were even surprise visits from drumming luminaries Mickey Curry, Chris Parker, and Bob Gatzen.

Beyond the exhibitors and collectors, the show also featured clinics and performances from studio veteran Dave Mattacks, Larry S. Levine, Jack Scarangella, Joe Corsello, and The Ralph Lalama Quartet. The clinics were to be headlined by Joe Morello, but he unfortunately had to cancel due to an injury, the same one that prevented him from attending the later Chicago Show. However, renowned bebop and big band drummer John Riley was hastily brought in to fill in for Joe, and more than rose to the occasion with a captivating two hour presentation.

Some of the exhibitors in attendance were Bill Rotella, Bob Brown Drums, Boston Drum Center, Carter Harris and Doug Macleod, Christopher Kent, Gary Asher, DRUM$TICK, Gary

Tazzara, George’s Music Center, Gretsch Gear and Hot Hat, Indie Music, Jonic Drum, Jack Lawton Drum Co., LSR Vintage Drums, Mr. Stix, NOMO Drum Protector, Ottaviano Custom Cymbals, Prentice Practice Pads, Richie Jackson, Ron Soyden’s Custom Snare Drums, Steve Hillman, Sticks N Skins and Zone Custom Enhanced Drums.

-Shad Gross

DRUM SHOWS
CALENDAR

SEPT 19, 2010—OHIO DRUM SHOW
Akron, OH—http://www.notsomoderndrummer.com

O C T O B E R , 3 0 2 010 — PENNSYLVANIA DRUM SHOW
Sellingsgrove, PA—http://lawtondrum.com

OCTOBER 23-24, 2010—MONTREAL DRUM FEST Montreal, Canada—http://www.montrealdrumfest.com

NOVEMBER 10—13, 2010—PERCUSSIVE ARTS
SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION (PASIC)
Indianapolis, IN— http://www.pas.org
FEB 15, 2011—SNARE DRUM OLYMPICS &
CYMBAL OLYMPICS
Akron, OH—http://www.notsomoderndrummer.com
MAY 21 & 22 2011—CHICAGO DRUM SHOW