The 20th Annual Chicago Drum Show, presented by Rob Cook of Rebeats, took place May 15th & 16th, 2010 at the Kane Country Fairgrounds in St Charles, Illinois. The Chicago Drum Show is the world's largest and longest-running vintage and custom drum show.
Show organizer, Rob Cook, stated that this year's event experienced a 20% growth over last year. “Our visitor count went up from 1029 to 1228, and our exhibitor count went from 89 to 105, filling 137 booth spaces,” said Cook.
For the 20th Anniversary show, many exhibitors brought special drums to display, but there was also a number of exceptional exhibits and edutainment activities. Several of these unique exhibits include Purdue University's "world’s largest bass drum" and crew, a massive Slingerland photo and memorabilia archive, Ludwig’s smallest Snare drum (provided by former Ludwig engineer, John Gercken, and Dick Schory's Beatles drumkit and 1960's gold-plated Super-Sensitive Snare drum. But one of the main "special" highlights was the Drummer Cafe, which founder, Bart Elliott, brought to life by creating an actual cafe with tables/chairs, stage, lighting, and AV system. Showgoers had a place to sit down, grab a bite to eat, and catch Bart's exclusive interviews with clinicians and other drum industry personalities. "As the weekend wore on, it became increasingly clear to me what an asset the Drummer Cafe was," said Cook. "It was a warm, homey corner with a feel-good vibe that added just what I'd hoped for; another venue within a venue — a comfortable, 'loungy' meeting and relaxation spot."
This year's clinician roster included Bun E Carlos, Denny Seiwell, Hannah Ford, Gregg Potter, and Danny Seraphine. Joe Morello was scheduled as a featured clinician, but had to withdraw several days before the event due to back problems. Billy Ward filled in for Morello and opened his clinic with an amazing version of Morello’s signature solo on the tune, “Take Five.” Midway through Ward’s clinic, DW founder Don Lombardi brought a cell phone to the stage with Joe Morello on the line so Joe could send his regards to showgoers.
“Ward, Seiwell, and Seraphine all presented Master Classes,” said Cook, “and Drum Foundry sponsored two 'Do It Yourself' drum building master classes on bearing edges and wrapping. Then we opened the master class room up for two special 'no-charge' presentations. Don Lombardi (DW & DrumChannel.com) had a multimedia presentation discussing historical drum styles and how they influenced him. Fred Gretsch (assisted by KMC/Gretsch’s John Palmer,) also presented a multimedia presentation Historic Highlights of Gretsch Drums.”
“All of that activity,” explained Cook, “really tends to draw attention to the interaction aspects of the show which in turn dials in the focus on personalities, friendships, and relationships. I can’t begin to tell you how many people come to this show because all their best friends do and they love the hang.”
Johnny Craviotto ratcheted up the raffle program excitement by donating an entire Craviotto outfit, complete with hybrid snare drum with an engraved commemorative plate. Winning the kit (and Gibraltar hardware) was exhibitor Jim Krutz of Nebraska. Other raffle prizes included drums from Ludwig, Gretsch, Tempus, DW, Drum Foundry, Famous Drum Co., Trick, and ThunderEcho as well as cymbals from Diril and Supernaturals. Additional raffle prizes, giveaways, and clinician sponsor support was provided by: Auralex, DW, Evans, Firth, George’s Drum Shop, Gibraltar, Gretsch, Hansenfutz, Ludwig, Maxheads, NotSoModernDrummer, Power Wrist Builders, Prentice, Remo, Pro-Mark, Sabian, Shure, Skicks N Skins, Skins N Tins, Toca, Vater, Xcel, and Zildjian.
DRUMMER CAFE - Video Coverage (see below)
- Exhibit Hall - assorted
- Purdue University "World's Largest Drum", Jim Catalano (Ludwig Drums), Billy Jeansonne (Classic Drummer)
- Billy Ward - master class and clinic excerpt
- David Stanoch - interview
- Bun E Carlos - clinic exerpt and interview
- Denny Seiwell - clinic exerpt and interview
- Hannah Ford - clinic excerpt and interview
- Bart Elliott and Billy Ward - product giveaways (and goofing off)
- Paul Wertico - interview
- Danny Seraphine - clinic excerpt
- John Aldridge - engraving demonstration
- Gregg Potter - clinic excerpt and interview
- Raffle Drawing results
The full, one-hour Fred Gretsch multimedia presentation, "Historic Highlights of Gretsch Drums" is available as a Premium Resource to subscribers.
For more information about the Chicago Drum Show, visit www.ChicagoDrumShow.com.