PASIC 2009

The 2009 Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC), held in Indianapolis, IN, is exceptionally noteworthy — not only has it been twenty-eight years (1981) since Indianapolis hosted PASIC, but this is the first time in history that the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) offices, museum, library and international convention have all been located in the same city. Coupled with the fact that PAS was incorporated in Indiana back in 1969, PASIC 2009 has indeed left its mark in this significant homecoming.

For those who have attended PAS conventions in the past, you know there’s never been a shortage of talented artists with high quality clinics, master classes, labs and performances. Although the slow US economy affected the convention slightly with fewer attendees and exhibitors, as compared to prior years, PASIC 2009 was a huge success with plenty of memorable moments to be had by all.

Although I took hundreds of photos and shot over 5-hours of video footage, with so much to see and do during the convention, I simply couldn’t experience it all. I will say, however, that I did my best to break the time barrier, moving from master class to clinic, performance to exhibit hall, often times within the same hour of the day, much to the chagrin of my feet, legs, back … you get the picture. Despite my arduous trek, PAS did a fine job of structuring the event, making prudent use of the newly remodeled Indiana Convention Center, now the seventeenth largest convention facility in the USA.

So here's my full report, complete with video footage and photo slideshows, from Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, November 12-14, 2009, at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention in Indianapolis, IN.