Drummers from across North America and as far away as Turkey gathered in Webster, New York this past August 7^th and 8^th for the third annual Drum Road Trip. Held in Webster’s historic Harmony House music hall, Drum Road Trip has become the premier drum event in the Northeast.

Studio great Bernard Purdie’s clinic at Drum Road Trip 2010
focused on groove and feel when drumming with a band.

Saturday’s show was highlighted by two exceptional clinics. Studio legend Bernard Purdie focused on groove and feel in support of a band. Rising drum star Derek Roddy demonstrated how speed and technique must be combined with musicality and taste to serve the music. The intimate setting of Harmony House allowed for direct and immediate interaction between artists and attendees, maximizing the inspirational and educational value of each artist’s presentation.

Derek Roddy is noted for his footspeed and blazing technique. His clinic demonstrated how those talents must be combined with musicality and taste to serve the music.

DRT 2010 also featured master classes from two exceptional drum instructors. Renowned LA session drummer and teacher Tom Coyne’s classes included “Creating Musical Drum Parts” and “Chart Reading Basics.” Noted New York drummer, teacher, and drum tech Dave Cohen offered two classes: “Funk 101” (an intro to funk and linear grooves) and “Drum Tuning” (based on Cohen’s experience teching for Steve Gadd, Ralph Humphrey, and producer Eddie Kramer).

Noted LA session drummer and educator Tom Coyne offered master classes
dealing with chart reading and how to create musical parts.

Other DRT highlights included the third annual Snare Drum Shootout, the first annual Drum Trivia Contest, and the United Groove Workers swap meet, at which vendors from Upstate New York displayed great new and used gear. Vendors included Dream Cymbals, Supernaturals Cymbals, The Music Store, Inc of Webster NY, Rhythm Connect of Fairport NY, and local 5-Star shop Cadence Music.

Top New York drummer and teacher Dave Cohen’s
master classes covered funk grooves and drum tuning.

Bernard Purdie’s appearance was supported by Sabian Cymbals; Tom Coyne’s presentation was supported by Supernaturals Cymbals. Additional promotional support for Drum Road Trip was provided by Audix Microphones, Axis Percussion, Drum Workshop, Hudson Music, Latin Percussion, Meinl Cymbals, Regal Tip Drumsticks, Trick Drums, and Toca Percussion.

For more information, go to www.drumroadtrip.com.

Drum Road Trip clinician Bernard Purdie and producer Mike Morgan.