Chicago Show 2012: The Slideshow
The Chicago Show 2012 this past May was another wonderful event. Now in its 22nd year, the show keeps getting better. Here's some more shots from the floor. For more info and videos of the event check out http://www.drummagazine.com/drum-videos/chicago-drum-show.
Welcome to the Chicago Drum Show. It's held at the Kane County Fairgrounds, near St. Charles Illinois.
The exhibit space sold out and the crowds were healthy.
Classic brands like Ludwig were everywhere.
Rogers drums in green and blue sparkle.
New drums were displayed as well, including this kit from Gretsch..
The men of Noble & Cooley displayed their awesome, timeless snares.
Noble & Cooley snare drum.
Colin Hilborne of Prentice Pads and W.F. Ludwig III
The Crash Flash is a nifty device that triggers lights as you play.
Big Band Drummer Les DeMerle and Mike Clark took time out for a bruising snare drum battle. Les was dishing it out here.
Matt Nolan's cymbals come in amazing designs. This is sort of a bat wing.
Clinician John Fred Young of Buckcherry.
John Fred Young jammed with his Uncle Fred, of Kentucky Headhunters fame.
Detroit Custom builds some beautiful drums.
Boogie Beat drums makes highly affordable snares plus this wild bass head veneer.
DRUM! founder Andy Doerschuk (right) with drummer Billy Thommes.
This Amedia cymbal with a bit of silver in the bronze had a great bell-like sound.
Dynamicx kit.
It's not all collectors and boutique drum makers. Larger companies like Pearl and Zildjian also exhibited.
Taye showed some new snares. That's Todd Trent in the background.
Who are these guys? They were everywhere at this vintage show.
Weird? Or cool? Rock Custom Drums.
The Moon Mic is a new aproach to drum miking.
The Jenkins & Martin Drum Company has brought back the Blaemire fiberglass drums from the '60s. Very cool looking tubs.
Stone Drums offered some great shells.
The men of Blaemire Drums
Dave Hughlett of RB Percussion (left) with Dave Clark, and Phil Hood of DRUM!
Little kids rock outside the hall.
Look, but don't touch. An original set of Trixon drums.
Got Copper? These beautiful vintage kits were a hit.
Chicago Custom Percussion showed off a towerful of their custom shells.
Chicago Custom Percussion's booth was notable for it's $999 made-in-America all-maple kit, and its upscale Infinity Series.
MBW showed some of the more original finishes I"ve ever seen.
Know your shell supplier. The men of Erie Drum Shells.
Ellis drums is a mainstay of the event and always has colorful drums on display. This is a great looking striped snare.
MBW custom Throw-off
Sure you don't need to buy a vintage snare drums?
For more info and videos of the event check out http://www.drummagazine.com/drum-videos/chicago-drum-show.