Stanton Moore Clinic Tour Kicks Off This WEek

By Radim McCue Published March 8, 2010

Gretsch Drums has partnered with legendary funk stylist Stanton Moore to present a clinic tour at select Gretsch dealer locations across the USA. Stanton is best known as a founding member and drummer of the New Orleans-based funk band Galactic.

The clinics will focus on the the April release of Moore’s new multimedia project, Groove Alchemy featuring an instructional book and DVD from Hudson Music, and a 12-track cd (Telarc). All three facets of the project explore the roots of funk drumming by examining the work of pioneers like Jabo Starks, Clyde Stubblefield, and Zigaboo Modeliste – each of whom made their mark as the engines driving James Brown’s and the Meters’ legendary rhythm sections and in turn tracing their influences back to the rhythms coming out of New Orleans in the earlier part of the 20th century.

Audience participation is encouraged during the clinics. As Moore demonstrates technique, he often invites an audience member to join along with him at a second drum set, providing guests with an interactive, hands on experience. Clinics also feature a Q&A session between Stanton and Gretsch product manager, John Palmer, and Gretsch snare drum giveaway at each event.

Upcoming Dates

3/9 6:00 P.M. Memphis Drum, Memphis, TN
3/10 6:00 P.M. Fork's Drum Closet, Nashville, TN
3/11 7:00 P.M. Mozingo, O'Fallon, MO
3/13 5:30 P.M. Steve Maxwell Drums, Chicago, IL
3/14 2:00 P.M. Skins and Tins, Champaign IL
3/15 7:30 P.M. Ray Fransen, Jefferson Orleans North facility (reception hall), Kenner LA

Stanton Moore is also supported by Bosphorus Cymbals, Vic Firth sticks, DW Hardware, LP Music, Remo, Boomerang, and Audix.

Here Are Some Updates From A Few Of The Great Zildjian Family Of Artists

By Jordan Liffengren Published March 8, 2010

Zak Starkey and The Who took center field during this year's Super Bowl Half Time and put on an amazing performance! Zak had some incredible limited edition Zildjians on stage with him covered with The Who's 'mod' logo.

Country drumming great and Zildjian artist, Eddie Bayers, was honored on Feb. 13 as part of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's series: Nashville Cats: A Celebration of Music City Musicians. You can watch footage from the event at www.countrymusichalloffame.org.

Zac Farro from Paramore has recently made the 'Only Serious Choice' and is now an official member of the Zildjian Family of Artists. Everyone here is excited to have him on board and looking forward to catching them on their current world tour! Find out when you can see Zac and the band on their official website.

Darren Shearer and The New Deal are currently out on tour throughout the US in support of their latest live album, LIVE: TORONTO 7.16.2009. If you've never caught The New Deal live, be sure to! Pioneers of the 'livetronica' sound and a mainstay in both the Electronic and Jamband scenes for over 10 years, they're still getting better with every show.

Tracy Broussard has a new album coming out March 2nd with Blake Shelton, called Hillbilly Bone. Right now, Direct TVs The 1010 is featuring Blake Shelton Live.

Ethan Ong has taken part in The Shanghai World Exposition 2010. Selected as 'one of the best of Singapore's talents,' Ethan's featured as part of a video project highlighting the pride of Singapore. Find out more info here.

The Zildjian family is pleased to announce the Sixth Annual Kerope Zildjian Scholarship Competition for 2010.

By Jordan Liffengren Published March 5, 2010

This scholarship recognizes an outstanding student percussionist who is currently enrolled in an undergraduate music program.

At the same time, establishing this scholarship is an opportunity for the family to pay tribute to Kerope, who presided over one of the most-storied periods in Zildjian history. From 1865 until his death in 1909 in Constantinople, Kerope continued to develop the classic K. Zildjian sound, coveted by the world's greatest percussionists. In memory of Kerope's deep commitment to the art of craftsmanship, the Zildjian family established this scholarship to encourage and reward percussionists in their pursuit of performing excellence.

The 2010 Scholarship winner will receive the following:

• A $5000 college tuition award
  
• An all expense paid trip to Zildjian's world headquarters
  
• A variety of complimentary cymbals
  
• A one year subscription to the Percussive Arts Society
  

Everything you need to enter the Kerope Zildjian Scholarship Competition can be downloaded with the following links:

• 2010 Kerope Scholarship Cymbal Etude

• 2010 Application

• 2010 Application Guidelines

• Video lesson and tips for the 2010 Cymbal Etude.

Watch this video with Zildjian's Director of Education and Orchestral Activities Worldwide, Keith Aleo, playing, discussing and giving tips on the 2010 Kerope Scholorship Cymbal Etude. You can also visit the Zildjian iTunes Educational Podcast (will launch iTunes) to download the podcast of Keith Aleo walking you through the process and the Cymbal Etude. Load it on your portable device and bring it with you into the practice room!

Application deadline: June 4th, 2010

Winner will be notified by: August 13th, 2010

Good luck!

Bob Bryar And My Chemical Romance Part Ways

By Radim McCue Published March 4, 2010

After six years and some of the best music of the still-young century My Chemical Romance and drummer Bob Bryar (far left in the photo) have parted ways. On the band's official site, guitarist Frank Iero posted the following statement:

"As of 4 weeks ago, My Chemical Romance and Bob Bryar parted ways," the statement continued. "This was a painful decision for all of us to make and was not taken lightly. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors and expect you all to do the same."

No reason was given for the split, though according to Notifi Radio and others, Bryar left after "an argument of some sort ensued between [him] and the rest of the band."

Bob Bryar has been with My Chemical Romance since replacing original drummer Matt Pelissier in 2004. When interviewed in November, the band was working on songs for a spring release in 2010, but with Bryar gone, any album is likely to be delayed.. "We have been writing some very powerful new songs, so this week the four of us entered the studio once again, and what has been ending up on tape each night is some of the most exciting and honest work we have ever created," Iero added.