Organizer likes lineup for second annual event
Murray Creed is one of those guys who can’t help but be optimistic about things.
So, it’s no surprise that the Victoria-based drum teacher and musician-about-town is excited about the second instalment of the Victoria Drum Fest, happening Sunday (April 17) at the Ambrosia Conference and Event Centre.
With a lineup of drummers ranging from Canadian rock session veteran Pat Steward to local teacher and jazz fixture Jon Miller, attendees can expect some seriously inspirational performances and instructional sessions, Creed says.
“(Steward) is probably one of the top three studio drummers in Western Canada. He’s just a powerhouse,” he says of the man who played on Bryan Adams’ Reckless album and has done sessions with Colin James and Matthew Good. Steward’s current gig is with Vancouver-based Odds.
Then there’s Gary Grace, currently touring with Canadian rock legends Prism and teaching drums on the Mainland. Grace is the 2009 Roland V-Drums solo national champion, a title he won after beating out the competition in Western Canada.
“He’s a monster chops guy; basically he’s a soloist,” Creed says.
Drummers young and not-so-young will once again have opportunities to test their speed on the drumometer in the Victoria’s fastest drummer contest, and plenty of prizes donated by local music stores and manufacturers will be up for grabs.
Rounding out the lineup are Creed, who will put on an educational workshop, and fellow Groove Studios instructor Miller, whose award-winning Jon Miller Trio will perform a jazz set.
As for the overarching goal of the event, “It all boils down to inspiration,” Creed says.
“I’m trying to inspire my students to get good at something. It can spread into other areas, like schoolwork, and can give them confidence. This is an opportunity for students (and other drummers) to come out and see where you can take it.”
Drum Fest runs from 1 to 4 p.m. at 638 Fisgard St. Tickets are $10, available at Long and McQuade Music, Tom Lee Music and Groove Studios.
editor@oakbaynews.com
