Powers Percussion: News, Updates and Information

News, Updates and Information

Guinness World Record for Longest Drum Roll

Ready or not, here I go!
posted July 23, 2008-

Thank you to everyone who attended the Silver Falls 'Rhythms & Manifesting' retreat last weekend- I hope your experience was as fantastic and moving as mine was!

This evening I am playing in the Seattle area, and then it is off to Puerto Rico! My destination is the town of Loiza, where I will check out La Fiesta de Santiago Apostol and hope to find a teacher willing to give me a few Bomba & Plena drumming lessons. I will fill you all in on the details when I get back. Hasta luego!

It's Christmas in July . . .
posted July 5, 2008-

. . . and I am continually presented with the gift of working with many truly amazing people! July is going to be a busy, busy, BUSY month! It consists of (in addition to my usual private lesson roster, working on two or three drum instructional book projects, and other regular gigs) a show with the Willamette Valley Saxophone Quartet (love playing drumset with these guys); a completely improvised duo performance with guitarist/electronic looper/Willamette University professor Mike Nord; teaching a 'Sights & Sounds of Ghana' percussion & culture workshop; a few RockStarLive "live-band karaoke" gigs around Portland and Seattle; co-facilitating a 'Rhythms & Manifesting' overnight retreat with life coach Hollee Haas at the beautiful Silver Falls Conference Center (click on the banner above); playing two separate opening slots for country stars Craig Morgan (on the 17th) and Sawyer Brown (on the 30th); finishing a four-article series for Modern Drummer Magazine (I'll keep you posted!); AND somehow finding a few days to slip away to Puerto Rico to try to find some local drummers, get a few Bomba & Plena drum lessons and attend La Fiesta de Santiago Apostol!

You may have noticed the new email newsletter opt-in box at the top of this page. If you would like to stay informed about my future group programs, hand drum classes, live performances and/or book, article, audio & video releases, enter in your email address. I will be sure to keep you updated! And hey . . . drop me a line on the Guestbook while you're here. Hope to see you you soon!

Music, Meditation & Manifesting . . .
posted June 12, 2008-

I am very excited to announce that I have a new program coming up on July 19th & 20th! Hollee Haas (International life coach, speaker and intuitive) and I have teamed up to create a powerful personal development retreat, 'Unlock Your Inner Rhythms & Manifest Your Desires.' The retreat will be held at Silver Falls Conference Center, a half-mile from Oregon's beautiful Silver Falls State Park. Seminars and hands-on workshops will guide participants through the process of becoming aware of the rhythms that surround us: ever-present in our bodies, environment, work and relationships. Learning how to harness that power allows us to gain control of our lives and turn all of our desires into reality.

CLICK HERE for details and registration, and make sure to check Hollee out at DreamLifeNow.net!

Book, videos, articles . . .
posted May 29, 2008-

My great friend and teacher Dave Stanoch just released "Mastering the Tables of Time: Volume One," a fantastic drumset method to improve your groove, coordination, polyrhythmic and soloing skills! My work on the project included the music typesetting and editing. I highly recommend the book for players of all experience levels. Along with the hardcopy of the book, Dave is offering loads of free online audio/video 'companion' materials, including additional 'web exclusive' pages and examples of him performing exercises from the book. Check it all out here, get a copy and get practicing!

There have been several new videos added to my Audio/Video page . . . a djembe/marimba duet with Yamaha Performing Artist Nathan Daughtrey; all four movements of "Diffusion," by Gordon Goodwin (with the Willamette Valley Saxophone Quartet); and a concurrent world premiere performance (with Randy Kem) of "The Miraculous Tale" (for alto sax & derabucca), by Egyptian composer Halim El-Dabh.

Also in the works is a short series of drumset articles for Modern Drummer Magazine. I'll keep you posted!

Mid-valley music . . . play it LOUD!
posted May 24, 2008-

I contributed percussion tracks to two songs that are featured on the new local music sampler "STEREO SALEM." The collection was compiled and released by The Salem Soundwave (a joint venture between The Culture Shock Community Project and Radio Free Salem). I perform drumset on the song "She Brushed Up," by LeNUNES, and tabla on the Martyrs of Sound track "Ong Namo." The 2-CD set costs only $9 (!) and is available at Ranch Records, The Ike Box and The Willamette University Bookstore. Check out The Salem Soundwave website for more information and/or to order online. Because you ARE going to pick up a copy and support local music . . . right?!?

from wine country to cheese country!
posted May 9, 2008-

I'm headed over the mountain and through the woods . . . back to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where I will be doing two full-day school residencies next week. I am excited to catch up with some great friends and am meeting a bunch of my old students for a group drummer hang! Then it's back to Oregon for a busy rest of the month, including recording drum tracks for two album projects and facilitating a 'Rhythms at Work' teambuilding presentation (with 100+ participants drumming away!) as the closing session at the Oregon Alliance of Senior & Health Services annual conference.

Student Recital 2008
posted April 19, 2008-

Thank you and congratulations to all of my students that participated in this year's student recital on Saturday, April 5th at Weathers Music in Salem, Oregon. THIRTY students performed- including solos on drumset, parade drum, djembe and multi-percussion! The afternoon also featured an ensemble performance by Rick Maurmann, Melody Wilson and Jan Irving- members of my adult hand drum class. Support for the event was provided by Vic Firth, Latin Percussion, Paiste, Modern Drummer, the Percussive Arts Society, Drum Workshop, Evans, DRUM and Zildjian. Thank you those companies, as well all of the parents, family and friends that continue to support these fantastic drummers!

Hand Drumming classes at Riverfront Wellness' new location!
posted March 31, 2008-

Riverfront Wellness has moved to a new location (2399 12th St. SE- Salem), and we have again teamed up to offer a Beginning 'Basics of Hand Drumming' Class! Expanded to a SIX-week program, the class is scheduled to run Wednesdays, May 7th through June 11th (6:15-7:15pm). The cost is $50 for the entire six-week session, and you can register by calling Riverfront (503-365-8399) or myself (920-410-0465).

Bring a drum and get ready to jam! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions- I look forward to seeing you! And, of course, the 'Continuing' class still meets 7:30-8:30pm on Wednesday evenings, for those ready to jump into some more advanced drumming!

Songs and solos
posted March 2, 2008-

#1: Check out Michael Vallee's new album, "Stay On Track." I play on three tracks!

#2: Keep Saturday, April 5th open on your calendar, and plan on coming to watch & hear an afternoon of drumming at my 2008 Student Recital! Beginning at 3pm (in the Bach Room at Weathers Music- Salem), we will have 25-30 percussionists performing short solos on drumset, snare drum, multi-percussion and djembe. Swing by, show your support, and be prepared to be impressed- they're sounding great!

Upcoming CD and book releases
posted February 27, 2008-

Drumset and percussion tracks were recently completed on LeNUNES' forthcoming album, "Sunshine and Sadness." The group consists of vocals, two electric bass guitars (fretted and fretless), and some piano. I had an absolute blast immersing myself in their music (and the fantastic breakfasts were an added bonus)! Catch the CD release show at The Blue Pepper (Salem, OR) on March 22nd and nab a copy for yourself!

I also just finished the music typesetting and editing work on the first volume of a tremendous drum instructional series, written by a great friend of mine. The project has been sent to the printer- we're awaiting a copy to proof. More details soon! All I can say is: watch out drummers, this stuff will take some practice!

Aside from the usual teaching and gigs, the next month will also be bringing more recording, two Career Day presentations at South Salem High School, a possible short Texas tour (stay tuned), much jogging (Shamrock Run- Portland; yeah, baby!) and, get this . . . classical fencing classes! That's right- for two hours every week, I'll be trading my drumsticks for a sword . . . look out!

'Tis the season to be . . . busy!
posted December 19, 2007-

As the end of the year quickly approaches, I have been frantically preparing for a number of upcoming projects. New Years Eve brings with it my first performance with disco tribute band The Afrodisiacs. You guessed it- that means me in a wig, bellbottoms, bling and platform shoes! Oh, yeah . . . and dancing The Hustle!

After the 1st, I'll have a few days to catch up with family in the Midwest, and then it's off to a five-day 'Junk Jam' percussion residency at Gibraltar School in Door County, Wisconsin. The week will also include a Thursday evening community rhythm workshop/performance, showcasing a variety of solo percussion and an ensemble [that we will create that week] of Gibraltar students.

On January 19th, I have the privilege of performing at the WVSE Saxophone Day 2008 evening concert, with Randy & Hijirah Kem, the Willamette Valley Saxophone Quartet, and other guest musicians. The concert will be held at the Mary Stewart Rogers Music Center, on the campus of Willamette University (Salem, OR) and will feature six saxophones + rhythm section on Miles Davis' "Birth of the Cool," three movements from selected Bob Mintzer compositions and new original material.

The end of the month, I'll be tracking drumset and percussion for an upcoming album by one of my favorite new bands: LeNUNES. They have a beautiful blend of vocals, piano and [two!] bass guitars, and are seriously some of the nicest people I've ever met! Their music allows me to be very textural (and pull out a lot of my obscure percussion toys)! Watch for it- the release date is March 2008.

Whew . . . time to get back to learning all of these tunes! Happy Holidays!

Saxtravaganza!
posted November 26, 2007-

I'm excited about a performance I'm involved with this coming Thursday (the 29th), at Willamette University. The concert will feature guest saxophonist Joseph Wytko playing Ibert's "Concertino de Camera," one of the most famous original works written for saxophone in the 20th century.

I will be performing on two selections. The first is the West Coast Concurrent World Premier of "The Miraculous Tale," a duet for alto sax and derabucca, by Egyptian composer Halim El-Dabh. The saxophonist is Professor Randy Kem, who co-commissioned the piece. Following that, I will be providing drumset accompaniment to the Willamette Valley Saxophone Quartet on Gordon Goodwin's "Diffusions."

The FREE concert begins at 8pm in Hudson Hall. Hope to see you there!

Drumming The Clave
posted October 18, 2007-

World Rhythm Webzine just posted my latest hand drum lesson, "Drumming The Clave."
Check it out at their website or on my Online Lessons page!

new 'Basics of Hand Drumming' Class @ Riverfront Wellness
posted October 17, 2007-

For all of you aspiring hand drummers out there, a new four-week 'Basics of Hand Drumming' Beginning Class is scheduled to run Tuesdays, November 6th-27th! Classes will be held 6:15-7:15pm at Riverfront Wellness Center- 245 Oak Street SE; Salem, OR. The cost is $40 for the four-week session, and you can register by calling Riverfront (503-365-8399) or myself (920-410-0465). Bring a drum and get ready to jam! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions- I look forward to seeing you! And, of course, the 'Continuing' class still meets 7:30-8:30pm on Tuesday evenings, for those ready to jump into some more advanced drumming!

Bittersweet
posted October 15, 2007-

Just returned from a fantastic week of programs in Wisconsin . . . many thanks to Benjamin Cloyd, Dave Williams, Mike Underwood, Marlo Ambas, Jonathan Leahy, Robin Cardell, Dane Richeson, Tracie Reuther-McWilliams, Rich Norenberg, Dave Jerabek, Valarie Meidinger, Brian Lydeen, Alice Toepel and Janice Mashak for making it all possible!

On a much sadder note, while home I was informed of the passing of my friend John Ruka, who took his own life last month. That route is never the solution to anyone's problems, but I'm especially surprised that it was the choice that John made. I've always thought of myself as professional, motivated and productive- but he continuously made everything I was doing look like a joke! I got to know him through the Drum Instructors' Guild, a networking organization that he founded and operated out of Milwaukee, WI. He also taught percussion at Wisconsin Lutheran College and thousands of private students, including Ernie Adams (Al Di Meola) and Eric Blaufuss (World Rudimental Snare Champion). I cherish the wisdom & inspiration that John shared with me, and send my love and support to his wife, Annette.

Oshkosh in October
posted September 30, 2007-

I'm looking forward to next week's trip to the Midwest. The schedule includes playing a jazz gig with old friends, and presenting percussion programs at Southern Oaks Girls School, the Wisconsin Resource Center, Winneconne High School, Marian College and the fall conference for the Wisconsin Association of Homes & Services for the Aging. That last one is certainly going to be a highlight- I have a few hundred pairs of drumsticks waiting in the Fox Valley, to be used by the expected 450 participants of the WAHSA session! 'Tis going to be LOUD!!!

Rhyner . . . completely Warped
posted August 30, 2007-

A short note to say 'congrats' to former student Matt Rhyner (and his band, Unsung Hero) on being chosen to play a slot at this summer's Vans Warped Tour concert in Milwaukee, Wisconsin! Click here to check out the band- and Matt's fantastic drumming.

Dance, dance, dance . . .
posted August 1, 2007-

Quick update . . . played a gig with D-Ron (an intense LIVE Trance/Drum&Bass/Progressive House dance experience with two keyboard/synth players and two drumset players!); stood up in bass player Dave Jerabek's wedding (congrats Dave and Dana!); attended Aaron Baer's (a.k.a. Dr. Kickbutt) wedding party (congrats Aaron and Mary!); and had a B2 Stealth Bomber fly right above a friend and I! This month I am teaching a Hand Drum Crash Course at Indigo Wellness in Salem and am facilitating two Junk Jam workshops at Ash Creek Elementary in Monmouth. Make sure to check out my latest online article for Drummer's Digest: Paradiddles On The Drumset - Part One: Grooves. If you prefer reading the Swedish version, click here. See you soon!

Don't know Jack? Well, then it's about time you met him!
posted July 8, 2007-

Since my understanding of the guitar is certainly lacking, I enlisted the help of friend and musical cohort Jack Hopfinger for my latest Salem Monthly article. In this month's issue, I asked Jack to share some tips for the budding guitarist looking to get their hands on an instrument and learn how to play. Check it all out here and (if you're interested in lessons) Jack can be reached at 503-385-6041. But, shhhhh! Keep the number a secret and you'll be the envy of all of your friends who don't know Jack!

What a Sam-tastic time in L.A.!
posted June 11, 2007-

I had a great time playing in Los Angeles this past weekend with Sam Winch and the Lullabadeers. Thanks to the entire band (Sam, Red, Tanya, Kit, Rod, Alisa, Christopher, Nick, Steve, The Whistler and Brian), as well as Michael Zakin, Adam Winch, Nicky Luck, Mrs. Brown and Anders "Bring-in-the-Svede" Fransson for an awesome couple of gigs! I can't wait to do it again soon!

Su-su-studio
posted May 29, 2007-

I hope you enjoyed your Memorial Day holiday! I spent the weekend recording drums for two projects that should be released later this year. On Sunday, I laid down tracks on three songs for Americana Records artist Michael Vallee. Monday was spent with Portland-based band Crossing Pluto, working on twelve songs for their newest album.

Also, keep your eyes and ears open for the June release of "Mantra Chill," the latest CD by Martyrs of Sound. I had previously contributed percussion parts to two songs and just got word that the final product will be in-hand any day now. I'll keep you posted on the other releases right here, so check back!

Want a new snare drum? Make It Yourself!
posted May 10, 2007-

After years of playing drums, I recently decided to attempt (yikes!) to make my own snare drum! And you know what? It isn't all that difficult. And it's cheaper than buying a 'custom' drum. AND it's more fun than buying a 'custom' drum. AND it's just cool! Want more info? Check out my D.I.Y. snare drum building article from DrummersDigest.com- a great Swedish-based online drum mag! One more thing . . . if YOU make one, I want to see photos!

Felden-who?
posted April 26, 2007-

My article for the April issue of 'Percussive Notes' magazine has just been posted to the 'Press/Articles' page. "The Feldenkrais Method for Percussionists: An Interview with Richard Ehrman" introduces drummers to Feldenkrais, a form of somatic education that has many benefits to musicians who explore it. Richard teaches at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and was kind enough to share his thoughts. Enjoy!

Two new hand drumming lessons
posted April 2, 2007-

Click on over to the 'Online Lessons' page to find two of my recently published hand drumming lesson articles. Drum drum drum, from the April issue of Salem Monthly, teaches beginners how to combine basic strokes (bass, open and slap) to create a variety of grooves. If you already have some chops, try your hand (no pun intended!) at Jammin' the Kpanlogo, from World Rhythm Webzine. There we take a look at some traditional rhythms from the Ga people of Ghana, West Africa.

Three upcoming hand drum classes announced!
posted March 15, 2007-

Ready to pull that conga or djembe out of the closet, dust it off and learn how to play it? If so, now's the time! I have just scheduled Beginning hand drum classes at three locations around Salem.

A four-week 'Basics of Hand Drumming' class will take place at Riverfront Wellness Center (245 Oak St. SE) from April 24th through May 15th (6:15-7:15pm). To register, call 503-365-8399 (or me @ 920-410-0465).

On Sunday, May 6th (from 1-3pm) I will teach a jam-packed two-hour 'Basics of Hand Drumming' crash course at Indigo Wellness Center (3276 Commercial St. SW). Call me at 920-410-0465 to register.

And . . . I am offering another five-week 'Intro to Hand Drumming' class during Spring Term at Chemeketa Community College. The class meets at Judson Middle School from 7-8pm on Wednesdays, April 18th through May 16th. Call 503-399-6562 for information and registration.

There you have it! Come, bring your drum, learn, play, jam! Hope to see you there!

Groovin' in Salem
posted March 2, 2007-

Thanks to Jan Irving and the Chemeketa Nursing students at Salem Hospital for asking me to come in and participate in the clinical group drumming last night! What a treat to observe and experience the exploration of rhythm's healing powers! Thanks again!

The March issue of Salem Monthly contains my continuation of last October's "Basics of Hand Drumming" lesson. This month we combine the basic strokes (bass, open and slap), creating a variety of rhythms. You'll be jamming in no time! Check it (and the October article) out at www.salemmonthly.com or keep an eye on my 'lessons' and 'articles' pages. It will posted there soon. Have fun!

It's practice time for me!
posted February 21, 2007-

Just returned from a fantastic trip to Boston, where I spent the weekend studying with some amazing cats! On Friday night, I took a three-hour drumset lesson with Rakalam Bob Moses. Rakalam ("the inaudible sound of the invisible sun") shared several of his musical concepts with me, including methods of committing to (and fully developing) a very small rhythm or motif; his ideas of 'living music' and 'contouring' the music that we hear; and his thoughts on making a groove "squinchable." I had two lessons on Sunday- the first with percussionist Jerry Leake. We focused on Indian tabla techniques and then moved into West African music, where Jerry introduced me to some gun-gon rhythms from the Dagomba people of northern Ghana. After that lesson, I headed to Cambridge and met with Takaaki Masuko, who taught me the strokes and some basic rhythms common to the Egyptian derabucca. I am indebted to Rakalam, Jerry and Taki for taking the time to share so much with me. I have my work cut out for me! Thanks again and again to Megan & Rachel Searcy, Jim & Deb Cloyd, Ken Radnofsky, as well as Jeff, Chris and the gang at Wentworth, for their generosity and helping to make the trip fun and, for that matter, possible! Now, if you don't mind, I have some serious practicing to do!

Flouble Trouble
posted January 29, 2007-

If you've already played through the 'Fliplets' exercises on the lessons page, swing over there again and nab the second lesson in that series, 'Floubles.' If you haven't checked either of them out yet . . . well, you have some catchin' up to do!

In other news, make sure to get your hands on the March issue of Modern Drummer magazine (with Vinnie Colaiuta on the cover). It contains an excellent article on developing your own sound on the instrument, written by my great friend and teacher, Dave Stanoch. Definitely check it out!

Many thanks to the Salem Outreach Shelter for letting me 'Junk Jam' with the kids, and to the Willamette Valley Saxophone Quartet for one of my favorite performing experiences ever!

Happy New Year!
posted January 7, 2007-

Welcome, welcome, welcome . . . ! I hope you enjoyed your holidays. My latest article ("Music lessons? At my age?") appears in this month's issue of Salem Monthly. Check it out on their site, or follow my 'Press/Articles' link on the left. New lessons and articles coming soon, so stay tuned!

Fliplet fun for the holidays!
posted December 22, 2006-

No idea what to do with all of your extra free time over the holiday break? Well, stop scratching your head and click on over to the 'Online Lessons' page, where you'll find a brand new lesson . . . 'Fliplets.' Originally written for Drummer's Digest, this 'pdf' lesson is available in both English and Swedish! So print out all three pages, block out some time for practicing and get ready for a great triplet coordination workout. Happy Holidays!

Digest this . . .
posted December 10, 2006-

The Sweden-based online drum magazine 'Drummers Digest' has recently allowed me to come onboard as their new drum lesson instructor. The DD site contains a load of great drummer interviews, product tests, music reviews and more! My first drumset lesson, 'Fliplets,' was just posted! Check them out now (and often) at drummersdigest.com Many thanks to Jakob Herrmann and crew for the warm welcome!

Happy Thanksgiving . . . now get to work!
posted November 25, 2006-

Alright drummers, the turkey's been eaten. Now it's time to take the 'Gahu Challenge,' newly posted to the 'Lessons' page! We're taking all of the drum, bell and rattle rhythms from the Ewe 'Gahu' dance piece, and trying to play them simultaneously on the drumset! Gobble it up and have fun!

Three new articles posted. Learn to play Gahu!
posted November 4, 2006-

It's November- International Drum Month! For your percussive reading pleasure, I just posted three newly published articles. Salem Monthly's October issue featured my article 'The Basics of Hand Drumming.' It's a starting point for the absolute beginner who just wants to try creating some basic sounds. Get your hands on it on the 'Press/Articles' page! While there, also check out my interview with drummer Dave Stanoch and 'Gahu: Part One.' They both appeared in the Fall/Winter 2006 issue of World Percussion & Rhythm. Happy drumming!

upcoming Adult Beginning Hand Drum Class!
posted October 22, 2006-

Adults, big kids, young at heart . . . pull the djembe out of the closet and join me for the upcoming 4-week Adult Hand Drum Class at Riverfront Wellness Center in Salem! From 7:00 to 8:00 PM on Tuesdays, November 14 through December 5, I will be introducing basic hand drum strokes, rhythms and counting, as well as teaching traditional percussion rhythms from various cultures. The entire series costs $40 per participant- more information can be obtained by calling myself (920-410-0465) or Riverfront Wellness Center (503-365-8399).
Also check out the latest issue of 'World Percussion & Rhythm' magazine out of Chicago. It features three articles by yours truly, including my interview with Dave Stanoch, as well as a lesson on the rhythms of 'Gahu,' a recreational dance of the Ewe people of Ghana. Enjoy!

Home! ( . . . for a little while)
posted October 2, 2006-

The past week's programs in Wisconsin were an absolute blast! A ton of "thank you's" to Lisha Vanevenhoven at the Fox Cities Chapter of Credit Unions, Val Meidinger at Marian College, Rich Norenberg at the Wisconsin Resource Center, Kim Burns at Emmeline Cook Elementary and Kristy Hutchinson at Jacob Shapiro and Emmeline Cook Elementary Schools. I also owe a pile of gratitude to Benjamin Cloyd, Rick Maki, Robin Cardell, Dane Richeson at Lawrence University, Dave Jerabek, the Jazz Orgy and the Guitar Center of Appleton (for coming through in a pinch). The week wouldn't have been remotely possible without everyone's interest, help and on-going support.
It is, however, good to be settling back into things here in Oregon. September has been a month of traveling- meaning little time at home. Lessons resume as usual beginning tomorrow . . . this week I will make percussive visits to Mountain View Middle School in Newberg and Willamette University's Contemporary Music Group . . . and check out the current 'Salem Monthly' magazine, which features my 'Basics of Hand Drumming' article! Back to it- see you soon!

Fox Valley . . . next week!
posted September 20, 2006-

I am super excited about the series of programs that I will be facilitating in Wisconsin the last week of September! There's no better way to start a week in Oshkosh than with the Jazz Orgy, and I'll be performing with my old bandmates at Peabody's Ale House on Sunday, the 24th! I can't wait to settle back into the ol' "flying V" formation with Mark Martin and Andy Mertens. Come on out, say 'hi,' and sit in with the band! Monday (25th) I will be presenting a 'Rhythms at Work' leadership & teambuilding workshop for the Fox Cities Chapter of Credit Unions in Appleton. Tuesday will consist of West African percussion programs at both Marian College in Fond du Lac and the Wisconsin Resource Center in Winnebago. Wednesday and Thursday will be packed with full-day 'Sights & Sounds of Ghana' residencies at Jacob Shapiro and Emmeline Cook Elementary Schools in Oshkosh. From there, it's a race back to Salem, Oregon for a Saturday spot at the Oregon Library Association's 2006 Showcase of Performers. Regardless of the schedule, track me down if you have a chance. Hope to see you along the way!

Wedding bells and more wedding bells (NO . . . NOT MINE!)
posted August 24, 2006-

Congratulations to Mike Schwobe, the designer [who I am forever indebted to] of this fantastic site. He and his bride-to-be, Natalie, will be getting married this coming Saturday, August 26th! Exactly two weeks after that, my little sister Margo will be tying the knot! Also to a Mike . . . (NOT Schwobe!). The end of September, I will be back in Wisconsin for a string of percussion workshops for Fox Communities Credit Union, Marian College, Jacob Shapiro and Emmeline Cook Elementary Schools (and possibly the Oshkosh Rhythm Institute- stay tuned). I'm looking forward to the whole month- connecting with the family, hanging with good friends and, of course, lots of drumming! If you're around Oshkosh, I'll also be playing with my old buddies The Jazz Orgy at Peabody's on Sunday the 24th. Please pop in and say 'Hi!'- I'd love to see you!

Kuku For You!
posted August 1, 2006-

Just added to the 'Lessons' page is 'Kuku For You,' an article that teaches the three basic djembe rhythms of Kuku, from Guinea. I have notated the musical examples in an easy-to-read 'boxed' format that will have you jamming in no time! A huge "Thank you, Yevu" to 'Big Mark' Whittlesey for introducing these to me in Ghana back in '03. Hope you're keeping cool . . . and Happy August!

Bring It On!
posted July 10, 2006-

By student request, I have decided to post some of the 'Bring It On' patterns I toss out in private lessons. These are random exercises- sometimes grooves, sometimes fills, sometimes rudimental, sometimes just plain goofy. They are often inspired by players I have recently seen, ideas that my students have created, or what have you. 'Bring It On' #1 & #2 can be found on the 'Lessons' page now. I will be adding more periodically, so check in often. I hope these challenge you and lead you to explore some of your own new ideas.

new Songo lesson up!
posted June 16, 2006-

Click over to the 'Lessons' page to get the latest addition, a great Songo groove embellished with left foot clave and more!

Jammin'
posted June 1, 2006-

Beginning on the 11th of this month, I will be playing every other Sunday evening (7-11pm) at Mac's Place in Silverton. The gig is a funk/rock jam, open to all interested jammers! I'll be alternating weeks with Rod Steward, another drummer from Salem. Check the 'Schedule' page to see when I'm at Mac's and come on out. Hang out, say 'Hi' and sit-in! Hope to see you soon!

Giggin' & Writin'!
posted May 4, 2006-

Anyone who just happens to be in Portland next Friday night (May 12th) should swing by the Red & Black Cafe, where I will be playing with my good friend Jeff Mitchell, who's touring through from Decorah, Iowa. I played on his new album, Batteries and Blankets, which has just been picked up by Doubleplusgood Records. Check it out!

Also keep your eyes peeled for the spring/summer issue of World Percussion & Rhythm magazine. They are publishing two pieces of mine: 1) the first in a two-part series introducing the drumming of Gahu (a recreational dance of the Ewe people of Ghana, West Africa); and
2) an interview with drummer Dave Stanoch (an instructor of mine, great friend and phenomenal player).

Check back here for more details- I'll keep you posted as each of these become available!

More Double Bass Drum Fun!
posted April 25, 2006-

Only twelve more shopping months until Christmas, kiddies! Especially for the occasion I have added a little stocking stuffer for you! The latest addition to the LESSONS page is 'Double Bass Drum Exercises For Your Hands (I mean . . . Feet)!' It focuses on using common hand technique exercises to develop your foot control, speed and power. Check it out and let me know what you think!

New article/lesson!
posted April 5, 2006-

Make sure to check out this month's issue of Percussive Notes magazine. It includes my article 'Left Foot Clave for the Cha-Cha.' You can also view the article on my Lessons page. I have a few others that will be published in other periodicals in the near future, so check back here for more info.

No April Fools joke
posted April 1, 2006-

I'm here! Many thanks to my good friend Benjamin Cloyd for, at the last minute, offering to come along for the drive and help unload on this end. After a 65-hour journey through 8 states, with a 120lb. Great Pyrenees between us in the cab, and one minor truck breakdown, we made it! Now I'm off to unpack all of these totes!

Ready to roll
posted March 26, 2006-

Thanks a million to Robin, Chris, Dan, Tyler, Sam, Jake W., Jake H., Sawyer, Garrett, Mitchell, Gretchen, Jim, Trevor, John, Jarred, Aimee (& friend) and Ricky [hopefully I didn't miss anybody] for showing up and helping to load the 24' truck! You saved me literally DAYS worth of work. The studio and apartment were emptied in just a few hours! When I look into the back of the truck, see the motorcycle nestled between the two tympani, in front of stack after stack of 'drums & stuff,' I really appreciate the amount of work you all put in. (And I realize how little I'm going to enjoy unloading it all when I get to Oregon!) Thanks again to everybody. And by the way, Robin Cardell gets the MVP Award. I guess running all of those drum circles has really honed his packing skills!

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