Top local drummers will display their skills at the second annual South Delta Drum Festival this Sunday at Genesis Theatre.
The event will showcase Pete Barone, Raphael Geronimo and Gary Grace. Each clinician will offer their own expertise and experience.
Along with watching and learning from accomplished players, the festival will have lots of door prizes to give away plus a draw for a custom Klemm snare drum and handcrafted case. All proceeds will be donated to the Delta Secondary music program.
The festival runs from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Tickets are available at the door or online through:https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3614910.
“My idea for creating the event was really to build a drum community and help raise money for music education,” said festival organizer Rick Klemm. “Last year we broke even – had between 75 and 80 people come out. I’m hoping we get even more this year and that the festival just continues to grow.”
Klemm plans to retire from teaching next year to focus on his Klemm Drums company full time.
“For me the festival is a way to give back to the community as well. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun,” he said. “You get to meet some really cool people. We need to have more live music and need to have places for people to play.”
He said Geronimo will provide more Latin drumming, while Barone is a groove mister.
“Gary Grace is a jaw dropping, amazing technician/player behind the kit,” Klemm added.
Also on hand will be a steel band from Vancouver College that will also perform.
“All of the guys will play my drums, which is great for my exposure,” said Klemm. “I want to also promote local talent. A lot of other drum festivals will bring in big names and that’s wonderful, but it’s not in our budget and we have so many talented players and pedigree right here in the Lower Mainland.”
DSS music teacher Catherine Campbell said last year they had a good mixture of students and adults on hand.
“It was a great mix of people,” she said. “They loved the theatre, the music room, so it connects the community to our program and what is going on in the high school that sits where they live. The fact that someone is willing to do all of this is great. The students are excited to be a part of this.”
