NEWARK, NJ (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Stewart Copeland (The Police), Steve Smith (Journey, Vital Information), Brann Dailor (Mastodon), Mike Mangini (Steve Vai), Thomas Lang, Teddy Campbell (American Idol), and Chicago’s Danny Seraphine are among the confirmed drummers performing at Modern Drummer magazine's 18th annual Modern Drummer Festival Weekend 2006, September 16-17, at Prudential Hall at New Jersey Performings Arts Center in Newark, NJ.
“We are thrilled with the lineup for this year’s festival,” says Bill Miller, Modern Drummer’s editor-in-chief. “We have bona fide legends performing alongside some of the hottest new drummers on the scene today. The roster also represents many different styles of music, including rock, metal, funk, hip-hop, jazz, Latin, and even Gospel. No question, this festival will inspire all drumming fans.”
Thousands of dollars’ worth of drums, cymbals, percussion instruments and accessories will be given away as door prizes. Every audience member will receive a free commemorative T-shirt and a souvenir bag. Artists will also meet and talk with the attendees and sign autographs at a booth set up in the lobby. Special clinics will also be held. Shows begin at 1 p.m. each day, with the scheduled guest drummers and percussionists performing either individually or in special combinations. The weekend's schedule is as follows:
September 16: Ronald Bruner Jr. (Suicidal Tendencies, Kenny Garrett) • Jason McGerr (Death Cab For Cutie) • R&B/Gospel Summit featuring Teddy Campbell (American Idol), Gerald Heyward (Beyonce), Aaron Spears (Usher) and Marvin McQuitty (Fred Hammond) • Glenn Kotche (Wilco) • Thomas Lang & Luis Conte (James Taylor) • Stewart Copeland (The Police) & his European supergroup Gizmo.
September 17: Dave DiCenso (Two Ton Shoe) • Bobby Sanabria & Ascencion • Brann Dailor (Mastodon) • Mike Mangini (Steve Vai) • Danny Seraphine and CTA (California Transit Authority) • Steve Smith’s Jazz Legacy
Tickets are $62.50 for a second-tier seat for one day ($110 for both days); $70 for a standard orchestra seat ($125 for both days); and $77.50 for a premium orchestra seat ($140 for both days). The NJPAC toll-free number within the United States is: 888-466-5722; patrons from outside the United States purchasing tickets should call: 973-642-0404. Ticket purchases may also be made online anytime at www.njpac.org. — Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
