An Evening at Steve Maxwell's
Following the close of the show on Saturday night, a group of invitied guests from the show boarded luxurious air conditioned tour buses which then proceeded into downtown Chicago for a very special, exclusive event hosted by Steve Maxwell at his ultra-hip drum shop.
Those of us lucky enough to be invited were treated to a relaxed and casual evening that featured great pizza, cold beer and the wonderful music of Mr. Peter Erskine and his Lounge Art Ensemble with Bob Sheppard and Dave Carpenter. The music was made even better by the fact that the band played in the open hall outside Steve's shop, giving themusic and instruments a beautiful, natural ambience. That, combined with the commraderie of drummers, manufacturers and drum enthusiasts, made for a very memorable evening. It was magic.
Click on the album cover for details on how to order
The Lounge Art Ensemble's latest entitled Music for Moderns.
www.petererskine.com
The Magic (school) Bus
Hmmm. Might come in handy...later.
Steve (Vaughncraft) gets taken by surprize. His revenge would come later that night.
Billy Jeansonne (Classic Drummer) is herded in by Ben.
Sit down, shut up and keep you arms and legs inside the vehicle.
So many captions, so little time
Freelance writer Bob Campbell expresses his concerns about body fluids.
Bob counts in 99 bottles of beer on the wall...
and then is quickly silenced for the duration of the trip.
Like a Disneyland ride except...not.
Are we there yet?
The famous Artist's snack shop is located in the same building as Steve's drum shop.
Into the archaic elevator...
And voila!
Pizza...
...beer....
...and jazz. All of the food groups are represented.
Click on the MPEG image to see a clip of a 15 second clip that I call "Trio at Night"
Click on the MPEG icon to view a short clip
Click on the MPEG image to see a clip of a 15 second clip that I call "Art of Darkness "
Click on the MPEG icon to view a short clip
Click on the MPEG image to see a clip of a 15 second clip that I call "Peter Erskine at Night"
Click on the MPEG icon to view a short clip
Steve kept the shop open and guests were free to roam, examine
Steve's fine collection of vintage drums and make strange faces.
Our gracious host Steve Maxwell with the equally gracious Peter Erskine.
Don't make a fuss, just get on the bus...
The 36" Trick bass drum on Mike Semerua's kit
Mike's Buddy Rich impression
(if you don't get it, see below)
Orlich. The Glass menagerie.
A drum for Pat. A nice gesture all things considered.
Had a great dinner with Mike Snider (left), John Rabb, Stanton and Mike Vosbein on Friday night and it was a total funk hang. Talkin' drums, talkin' music - you know - stuff we all dig.
Anyway, Mike is Mr. Roland and knows electronic drums inside out. He comp'd me one of his books and it answers EVERYTHING you need to know about electronic drums. DO pick up a copy.
You read the name and instantly, you know the face. John Rabb is easily one of the most recognizable clinicians on tour today and it's easy to understand why. His clinics provide a unique combination of info, techniques, technology, wicked chops and best of all - humor. John is an infinite well of knowledge and as the originator / pioneer of the Freehand technique, well, if you have the opportunity to see him in your town, by all means go. And ask LOTS of questions!
www.johnnyrabb.com
Click on the MPEG icon to view a short clip
Click on the MPEG icon to view a short clip
Click on the MPEG icon to view a short clip
Click on the MPEG icon to view a short clip
Click on the MPEG icon to view a short clip
