Back In The Groove: Yamaha Drums Presents Groove All Stars
(Yamaha | Posted 2005-12-19)
On Saturday, January 21, Yamaha Drums will reinvent NAMM’s most anticipated drum event by presenting “Groove All Stars,” an evening of unparalleled entertainment provided by the country’s foremost musicians. The special concert will take place at the Cerritos Performing Arts Center in Cerritos, Calif. and feature more than 20 world-class drummers backed by an all-star band playing Yamaha guitars, basses, keyboards, percussion, and horns. Top-notch vocalists will also perform.
The show begins at 8:30 pm, with doors opening at 8 pm after a special pre-show invitation-only Yamaha dealer dinner at 6 pm. Tickets for the public are available at $25 and $15, and can be ordered by calling 800-300-4345. Dealers can see their local Yamaha district manager or visit Yamaha’s Drum staff at Winter NAMM 2006 at Booth #4578, Hall C at the Anaheim Convention Center.
After taking a break in 2005, Yamaha’s former “Groove Night,” held from 2000-2004, set the stage for one-of-a kind drum events. This year’s newly named “Groove All Stars” will incorporate the best of past events as well as an energy all its own. The evening’s master of ceremonies will be longtime Yamaha artist Rick Marotta, who has recorded and toured with luminaries such as James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Steely Dan, and Paul Simon.
“We’re back and better than ever. New name, new venue, new songs and great players— what else could any music fan want?” comments Marotta.
“There is no other show where you can see this many of today’s top drummers combined with such an all-star band all in one night,” adds Yamaha Drums’ International Artist Relations Manager, Joe Testa. “Their individual backgrounds are more than impressive and combined record sales are in the millions, if not billions. For any drummer, this night is a dream come true; for any music lover, this night is entertainment at its finest.”
Drummers set to perform include: Tommy Aldridge, Zachary Alford, Eddie Bayers, Michael Bland, Bobby Blotzer, Tom Brechtlein, Gerry Brown, Matt Cameron, Keith Carlock, Ndugu Chancler, Peter Erskine, Steve Gadd, Russ Kunkel, Rick Marotta, Marvin McQuitty, Russ Miller, Andy Newmark, Chris Parker, John “JR” Robinson, Oscar Seaton, Dave Weckl, Ian Wallace, along with more surprises.
The all-star band will be comprised of Ross Bolton (guitars), Jon Greathouse (keyboards), Will Lee (bass/vocals), Ralph MacDonald (percussion), George Shelby (saxophone and horn leader), David Spinozza (guitars), Neil Stubenhaus (bass/musical director), and Robbie Wyckoff (lead vocals).
For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Drum Products, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com.
