Gregg Bissonette Clinic! April 18, 2009

On Saturday, April 18 2009, we hosted a fantastic clinic to celebrate our two year anniversary. Our featured guest was the great Gregg Bissonette! Gregg is one the most accomplished and well known session drummers in the business. He's played with a wide variety of artists including Maynard Ferguson, Gino Vannelli, David Lee Roth, Joe Satriani, Toto, Don Henley, Carlos Santana, ELO, James Taylor, Brian Wilson, Andy Summers, Linda Rondstadt, Ringo Starr's All-Star Band, Spinal Tap, and numerous others. In addition, he has also released 2 solo CD's of his own and has done session work for a wide variety of TV and movie projects such as "Friends", "American Pie" series, "Payback", "Waiting for Guffman", "Best in Show", and "The Mighty Wind". Gregg also has released a new instructional DVD titled Musical Drumming in Different Styles.

The clinic kicked off at 7:00 pm at the Midlothian High School Auditorium. This clinic was held off-site since there was no way to squeeze that many people into the shop. Perhaps one day soon, we'll move into a large space where we can and will conduct clinics in the store. Perhaps this will happen soon (hint hint).

Approximately 150 enthusiastic drummers and their families showed up and were treated to a masterful display of drumming, entertaining stories, and great advice on how to be a successful working musician.

Before Gregg was introduced, the crowd was treated to the sounds and stylings of the Midlothian High School Percussion Ensemble. They performed several prepared pieces including Japanese Taiko drumming. The student's performance was excellent and the crowd really enjoyed getting the show started off right. Many thanks to the Midlothian High Percussion Ensemble and their Director Chris Thomas!

After the Percussion Ensemble wrapped up, Just Drums Owner Shane Fowlkes was introduced to give preliminary remarks. Shane thanked the audience for coming to the event, talked a little about Mapex and their products, and then introduced the star of the night - Gregg Bissonette.

Gregg's set being assembled.

Lots of FREE stuff!

Scott Millirion and Adam Baldwin setting up and tuning the kit.

Gregg and Grayson Fowlkes.

Gregg and Grayson Fowlkes.

Cool resonant head on the Mapex Meridian Maple kit.

Gregg and Shane Fowlkes trading grooves!

What a blast!

The Midlothian High School Percusison Ensemble opened for Gregg's clinic.

TAIKO!

Gregg came out to warm applause and fired up the audience with a nice introduction that included a brief bio. He also talked some about the great products made by Mapex and encouraged the audience to support Just Drums and all local drum shops. After talking to the audience for a bit, Gregg told everyone he was going to "warm up" a bit. He advised everyone that he wasn't going to play anything prepared. He proceeded to sit down and "improvise" for about 30 minutes or so. He played a wide variety of rythyms and styles as he masterfully worked his way around the kit. The crowd cheered wildly as he wrapped up his "warm up" and wiped the sweat from his brow.

Gregg during his clinic!

Gregg in performance mode.

Gregg followed up his warm-up by talking to the audience for a while. He told some great stories about his experiences as a professional drummer. He also played many selections of prerecorded music, grooving and soloing over each style. Gregg demonstrated he was a master of Rock, Reggae, Jazz, Latin, and many other styles of music!

Gregg and Shane Fowlkes.

Gregg playing one of many styles.

Gregg played to music and and played several solos throughout the evening. One of the amazing things about Gregg is that he an amazing technician behind the drums and has chops beyong belief but he always stays true to the music. Never overplaying for what the music requires but yet, throws enough into it to turn heads and amaze. Even his solos are beautifully and musically contructed.

The evening wrapped up with many door prizes and ofcourse, pictures and autograph.

Gregg, Shane Fowlkes, and Meghan Fowlkes.

Time to give out door prizes!

One of our students taking home some good loot!

Mat Britain of Mapex Drums.

Time for Autographs.

Gregg and Hudson!

Gregg and Jeff.

Team Mapex.

Gregg and Lisa Fowlkes.

Gregg and Chloe.

Gregg and Arial.

Gregg and Bryan.

Gregg and Adam Young.

Gregg and Scott Milliron.

Gregg and Harold.

Gregg giving an autograph.

Gregg and Dave.

The party afterwards.

Gregg and Stacy who won the Zildjian 16" Crash.

Gregg and Tyler.

Gregg and Meghan.

Gregg and Shane.

Gregg and Ed Gooding.

The Just Drums Staff.

Afterwards, the entire crew went out to celebrate the successful clinic and grabbed a bite to eat. Having Gregg come to our shop was a wonderful experience and we hope to do it again one day soon!

Gregg - Welcome to the Just Drums Family!

A special thanks goes out to the Midlothian High School Percussion Ensemble, the entire Just Drums staff and families, Mapex Drums, Hudson Music, Zildjian Cymbals, Remo Drum Heads, Vic Firth, Caution Sound, Gregg Bissonette, and all those who came out and supported us.