Woodstick 2007 Once more a drummer
Woodstick is a gathering in the NW of hundreds of drummers from all over the world attempting to set a new record of drummers playing drums. Last year a new record of 533 was established. (Bbunks, Glynes, Smoke etc. from Billy Ward forum took part, I missed out.)
Inspirational Drummer Recognition
This year Donn Bennett one of the organizers emailed ahead of time to make sure Id be there. (Messed up his 2006 surprise by missing) My wife retrieved the email and assured him I will be there. Peggy is the final word. This I know. This everyone knows.
My wife picked me up at the hospital. Nurses wrapped me in 10 inches of thick gauze like mummified material from legs to chest. (Recent treatment had kicked my butt good.) Im already huge these days but now fattening mummification... Drastad or Ugh or both. Need a new word. Hmm FLABBADATH!! Keeper.
Note: Tim Allen in Santa Claus, You call this a little bit of fat. No longer funny.
Happily my voice was still solid and I was in peak form of respectably pathetic shape.
Arriving we were glad to see so many drummers. Not 500 but 300 or so... I understood registration was down from previous years.
Change of venue and month/date from previous years maybe part of the reason for lower attendance. The higher $25 fee to participate can get expensive with a few drummers in the family.
Solid Side Note: Smoke bought and donated a few tickets. (Checkout Smokes hoop knockers here www.ironcitydrumworks.com/right2.htm.)
300 drummers attending with drums still pretty powerful in my book. Not the record hoped for but a solid showing nonetheless.
Setting a record is second anyhow to raising money for this years charity: Hearing Loss Prevention. Hmm
Woodstick 2007; A LOUD demonstration of irony...
This is genius really. Allocate surplus funds to benefit what every participant will experience having attended.
Possibly will rouse Marlboro someday to have the first Smoke Fest for cancer...
Scenario:
Light em up folks.
Whoa cobras ease up on the puff. Wait for my count of three
In the hope of curing cancer and the inalienable right to not know what we are going to die from we will suck the doozie, only mammoth puffs everyone. Make it count.
Ready?!
Assume cigarettes into position!! Someone help those children OKAY- 1, 2, 3!!!
*cough* Oh yes!! Bye bye cancer?? *cough* Feeling the cure. *hack*
Enjoy.
Hearing regeneration is good and I am pleased money raised will go there and fund musical equipment for schools.
Donn Bennett www.bennettdrums.com/ :
In the Northwest we are lucky to have Donn Bennett. I started to play drums again 3 years ago. I swiftly detected we enjoyed the coolest drum shop anywhere.
My usual Bennetts drum shop hang with staff Jim, Davey, Chris, Donn etc. is after radiation treatments. Ill go in, hang for a bit head out to my car where I puke, take meds or just sit and regenerate before entering once again. This cycle usually happens 4 times per visit.
When I initially visited Donns I was in a wheel chair. The drums I first bought from him were used as physical therapy which in turn helped me wave bye bye to a wheel chair on a full-time basis. I love Donn and what he does for drumming.
Woodstick on like Bang a Gong:
Entering the building I immediately noticed (out of the three hundred drum sets) a yellow Tempus kit. Turned out to be our good friend Smokes double bass immensely powerful drums
Vintage Slingerlands, Ludwigs, Camcos, Rogers etc. were ubiquitously in attendance.
Side note: DW and Ludwig encompassed most of my favorite kits.
I spotted my buddy Kelly P. unloading drums. With his son by his side they set up 2 drum sets near the back. Kelly had a Grestch kit he had bought new in high school some years ago. (Very vintage now chirp chirp.) I told my girls to take it all in. Plenty of history in that set Possibly the very set Navin was playing when he sold his soul to. Ill curb my tongue.
After taking in his evil my girls, Peggy and I went up front. Chris from Donns shop setup a new anniversary set of Grestch drums for me in a spot Donn Bennett had reserved for us.
This Grestch set inspired a jazzy sensibility despite all the thunder. Smoke lit them up properly/
On stage was drummers Jeff Kathan (Paul Rodgers etc.), Alan White (Yes, John Lennon etc), Carmine Appice (Fudge, Rod Stewart, Ozzie), Michael Derosier (Heart etc.), Scott Mercado (Candlebox etc.), Michael Shrieve (Santana etc.), Tony Coleman (BB King etc.)(Ricky Lynn Johnson (Wailers etc.), Derek Roddy (Hate Eternal etc.) including Donn Bennett and Chris Kimball the founder of Woodstick.
Side stage the Fort Lewis army marching band opened with the anthem. Very powerful.
The Seahawks Blue Thunder drum line played and one other (Pacific Alliance?)who I missed seeing but heard. Solid fun entertaining performances...
Our attention turned to main stage where things proceeded.
A Fathers inspiration: Chris Kimball opened sharing the genesis of why he drums and founded such an event simply put, his Dad. Sadly, Chriss father passed away a few weeks before the very first Woodstick event 5 years ago. A powerful legacy continues. Full respect Chris.
Donn asked me to come on stage after the conductor had instructed the drummers. I made my way at the appointed time in my electric wheelchair.
Now Side Stage: In front of me was twelve demoralizing stairs. Ugh.
MC and radio DJ Jeff Aaron The Fish thefishonradio.com/ assisted me. Thanks Jeff. Solid pal.
(Jeff also MCd the event.)
Arriving at the top Donn was at the microphone. I paused, took a breath and asked the light Billy Ward speaks of to please subdue the intensifying nausea.
I surveyed the stage and smiled seeing so many solid players sitting behind their kits.
Jeff Kathan motioned for me to join Donn who had begun announcing me.
I had other plans.
I straight away passed behind Donn to the other side of the stage. I wanted to greet a few drummers.
Donns preamble continued as I came to a stop far left stage.
Carmine and I made eye contact. He stood. I extended my hand. We clasped. Nothing needed to be said.
I motioned to Scott Mercado and Ricky Lynn to his left. They gestured back.
An unworkable maze prevented me from joining them... nonetheless I nearly dove for it.
Note: Ricky with the Wailers is presently recording with a powerful sax player whose group I drum for.
A small solid world is the music community.
Scott Mercado is a solid drummer. Far Behind is a song that has accompanied some firm memories. The youthful NW connection of cancer patients congregate in my hospital room habitually for music hangs. (37 is below median cancer age. chirp chirp)
Making my way center stage: Next hand I shook was Derek Roddy. This guy has the essence of goodness around him. Amazing feet. Solid disposition.
Tony Coleman and I blew wet kisses to each other as he sat one tier above the main stage. I love Tony. My family loves Tony. Soul solid.
Donns flattering sentiments concluded by mentioning my friend Billy Ward and a particular blog on his site. p205.ezboard.com/bbillyward
They grabbed me. Turned me toward the approving audience The loud ovation grew. It was a good moment. Ill not forget it.
Both my hands rose. I shouted a scarcely sufficient whoop.
My wife along with others laughed as it was obvious I did not want to be in front. I was determined to just get behind drums and let things proceed. I turned my back to shake Alan Whites hand and Donn grabbed me and swirled me around again
Donn then dry gulched me
With everyone applauding he asked me to say a few words. I groaned within... Flabbadath!!
I shook like a wet dog from my meds holding the microphone. I waited while the kind approval calmed. With Donns arm resting on back and my voice trembling I began,
This makes me almost happy to have cancer. -Pausing for the intense laughter chirp chirp I went on.
I use to walk by this guys (pointing toward Michael Derosier) old house everyday as a kid dreaming
I was a guy in a nursing home 4 years ago with not a lot to lean on. I started playing drums again to get me out of a wheel chair. Blah blah, blah blah stating at last Life is Good.
Applause.
I turned around (once again) headed toward the back of the stage while talking to Alan White when Donn again turned me around and had me come forward.
He presented me with a Mapex brass snare signed by every artist on stage. Very Solid.
He asked me aloud to join the drummers on stage and play Imagine.
Alan then made his way over to the original Ludwig Plastic Ono band kit he used on Imagine with John Lennon.
Jeff Kathan assisted me behind Alans large Yes kit. I reached up to Michael Derosiers bass drum one level above/behind me. The evil urge to detune his bass drum was at full effect.
I stood only mocking like I was turning the Ts... I had poodled out. Very weak, I know.
Safely behind the Yes kit, with Alans White band leading us in concert, the familiar chords to Imagine began.
At a time like this when things happen so rapidly you trust your mind taking snapshots.
Here are a few things Ill always remember:
-Feeling Donns hand on my back for strength and support as I trembled.
-The faces of 300 drummers grooving to Imagine.
-Jeff Kathan, Derek Roddy etc. exchanging smiles and laughter with me while drumming to Imagine.
-Alan White beaming, hand firmly on my shoulder asking me thereafter, Was it good?
-Michael Derosier and I agreeing later that you never know where inspiration will come.
Side note: Jeff Kathan is 1st rate. Jeff handed me his mighty signature Vic Firth stick upon finishing "Imagine" to mark the moment. His DW kit sounded huge.
I rejoined my family side stage. Was asked without delay to take part in a photography book featuring drummers Keith Carlock, Tris Imboden etc.
Umm, you sure you want me? Can I use an alias? "Does your camera have a really wide angle?"
I signed some releases with a few publications. I asked my family to be in a few pictures.
My 2 daughters demonstrate how; from the ugliest bull come the prettiest calves.
Meanwhile 300 drummers played Louie Louie along with the "Wailers" now on center stage.
Side note: The collective timing of 300 drummers was 'mucho better' on faster songs.
The singer had a few tempos to choose from during Imagine. chirp chirp
Woodstick Highlight every year is the 4 or 5 minute drum solo from each drummer on stage.
Alan White to Michael Shrieve to Scott Mercado to Michael Derosier to Carmine Appice was soul solid.
Side Note: I whispered to my wife later how Donn Bennetts drum solo was really powerful.
She enlightened me how Billy Ward during his Master Class a few weeks back worked with Donn for a few on his Woodstick solo. Solid Billy. Sincerely WOW.
Donns drumming belongs on a big stage. He hits hard. Today he owned the moment. Very Powerful.
I mingled with drummers and enjoyed hanging making several new acquaintances. So many solid people.
I thanked all those who approached saying such nice things whilst asking me to sign their souvenirs. I am sorry it was a little crazy to those waiting.
The event ended with all drummers on stage heading to a booth for signatures. A large line gathered.
Michael and I hugged it out for a few minutes before seeing Donn. We hugged it out before flashing a few pictures together. He asked me if doable signing some stuff with the others.
My body was sending up white flags. It was time for me to retreat toward home. Did not want to devalue the merchandise either chirp chirp.
Soon my family and I were in the Suburban heading north reflecting; buying a small drum set 3 years ago was also membership into one of the most finest, supremely solid, compassionate communities.
Being once more a drummer is the best feeling.
Final Thoughts:
This was my second Woodstick in 3 years. I hope you will all mull over coming in the future.
Need a place to stay? Easy like Sunday morning.
Hang with that poodle Sloggys family for a few days.
Finally, Donn Bennett the honor and credit you gave/give me thank you.
Most of all, thank you, thank you for providing us NW drummers with the paramount drum shop.
We are so very fortunate to have Donn Bennett.
This I know.
Slog On, Forrest (flabbadath)
Woodstick is a gathering in the NW of hundreds of drummers from all over the world attempting to set a new record of drummers playing drums. Last year a new record of 533 was established. (Bbunks, Glynes, Smoke etc. from Billy Ward forum took part, I missed out.)
Inspirational Drummer Recognition
This year Donn Bennett one of the organizers emailed ahead of time to make sure Id be there. (Messed up his 2006 surprise by missing) My wife retrieved the email and assured him I will be there. Peggy is the final word. This I know. This everyone knows.
My wife picked me up at the hospital. Nurses wrapped me in 10 inches of thick gauze like mummified material from legs to chest. (Recent treatment had kicked my butt good.) Im already huge these days but now fattening mummification... Drastad or Ugh or both. Need a new word. Hmm FLABBADATH!! Keeper.
Note: Tim Allen in Santa Claus, You call this a little bit of fat. No longer funny.
Happily my voice was still solid and I was in peak form of respectably pathetic shape.
Arriving we were glad to see so many drummers. Not 500 but 300 or so... I understood registration was down from previous years.
Change of venue and month/date from previous years maybe part of the reason for lower attendance. The higher $25 fee to participate can get expensive with a few drummers in the family.
Solid Side Note: Smoke bought and donated a few tickets. (Checkout Smokes hoop knockers here www.ironcitydrumworks.com/right2.htm.)
300 drummers attending with drums still pretty powerful in my book. Not the record hoped for but a solid showing nonetheless.
Setting a record is second anyhow to raising money for this years charity: Hearing Loss Prevention. Hmm
Woodstick 2007; A LOUD demonstration of irony...
This is genius really. Allocate surplus funds to benefit what every participant will experience having attended.
Possibly will rouse Marlboro someday to have the first Smoke Fest for cancer...
Scenario:
Light em up folks.
Whoa cobras ease up on the puff. Wait for my count of three
In the hope of curing cancer and the inalienable right to not know what we are going to die from we will suck the doozie, only mammoth puffs everyone. Make it count.
Ready?!
Assume cigarettes into position!! Someone help those children OKAY- 1, 2, 3!!!
*cough* Oh yes!! Bye bye cancer?? *cough* Feeling the cure. *hack*
Enjoy.
Hearing regeneration is good and I am pleased money raised will go there and fund musical equipment for schools.
Donn Bennett www.bennettdrums.com/ :
In the Northwest we are lucky to have Donn Bennett. I started to play drums again 3 years ago. I swiftly detected we enjoyed the coolest drum shop anywhere.
My usual Bennetts drum shop hang with staff Jim, Davey, Chris, Donn etc. is after radiation treatments. Ill go in, hang for a bit head out to my car where I puke, take meds or just sit and regenerate before entering once again. This cycle usually happens 4 times per visit.
When I initially visited Donns I was in a wheel chair. The drums I first bought from him were used as physical therapy which in turn helped me wave bye bye to a wheel chair on a full-time basis. I love Donn and what he does for drumming.
Woodstick on like Bang a Gong:
Entering the building I immediately noticed (out of the three hundred drum sets) a yellow Tempus kit. Turned out to be our good friend Smokes double bass immensely powerful drums
Vintage Slingerlands, Ludwigs, Camcos, Rogers etc. were ubiquitously in attendance.
Side note: DW and Ludwig encompassed most of my favorite kits.
I spotted my buddy Kelly P. unloading drums. With his son by his side they set up 2 drum sets near the back. Kelly had a Grestch kit he had bought new in high school some years ago. (Very vintage now chirp chirp.) I told my girls to take it all in. Plenty of history in that set Possibly the very set Navin was playing when he sold his soul to. Ill curb my tongue.
After taking in his evil my girls, Peggy and I went up front. Chris from Donns shop setup a new anniversary set of Grestch drums for me in a spot Donn Bennett had reserved for us.
This Grestch set inspired a jazzy sensibility despite all the thunder. Smoke lit them up properly/
On stage was drummers Jeff Kathan (Paul Rodgers etc.), Alan White (Yes, John Lennon etc), Carmine Appice (Fudge, Rod Stewart, Ozzie), Michael Derosier (Heart etc.), Scott Mercado (Candlebox etc.), Michael Shrieve (Santana etc.), Tony Coleman (BB King etc.)(Ricky Lynn Johnson (Wailers etc.), Derek Roddy (Hate Eternal etc.) including Donn Bennett and Chris Kimball the founder of Woodstick.
Side stage the Fort Lewis army marching band opened with the anthem. Very powerful.
The Seahawks Blue Thunder drum line played and one other (Pacific Alliance?)who I missed seeing but heard. Solid fun entertaining performances...
Our attention turned to main stage where things proceeded.
A Fathers inspiration: Chris Kimball opened sharing the genesis of why he drums and founded such an event simply put, his Dad. Sadly, Chriss father passed away a few weeks before the very first Woodstick event 5 years ago. A powerful legacy continues. Full respect Chris.
Donn asked me to come on stage after the conductor had instructed the drummers. I made my way at the appointed time in my electric wheelchair.
Now Side Stage: In front of me was twelve demoralizing stairs. Ugh.
MC and radio DJ Jeff Aaron The Fish thefishonradio.com/ assisted me. Thanks Jeff. Solid pal.
(Jeff also MCd the event.)
Arriving at the top Donn was at the microphone. I paused, took a breath and asked the light Billy Ward speaks of to please subdue the intensifying nausea.
I surveyed the stage and smiled seeing so many solid players sitting behind their kits.
Jeff Kathan motioned for me to join Donn who had begun announcing me.
I had other plans.
I straight away passed behind Donn to the other side of the stage. I wanted to greet a few drummers.
Donns preamble continued as I came to a stop far left stage.
Carmine and I made eye contact. He stood. I extended my hand. We clasped. Nothing needed to be said.
I motioned to Scott Mercado and Ricky Lynn to his left. They gestured back.
An unworkable maze prevented me from joining them... nonetheless I nearly dove for it.
Note: Ricky with the Wailers is presently recording with a powerful sax player whose group I drum for.
A small solid world is the music community.
Scott Mercado is a solid drummer. Far Behind is a song that has accompanied some firm memories. The youthful NW connection of cancer patients congregate in my hospital room habitually for music hangs. (37 is below median cancer age. chirp chirp)
Making my way center stage: Next hand I shook was Derek Roddy. This guy has the essence of goodness around him. Amazing feet. Solid disposition.
Tony Coleman and I blew wet kisses to each other as he sat one tier above the main stage. I love Tony. My family loves Tony. Soul solid.
Donns flattering sentiments concluded by mentioning my friend Billy Ward and a particular blog on his site. p205.ezboard.com/bbillyward
They grabbed me. Turned me toward the approving audience The loud ovation grew. It was a good moment. Ill not forget it.
Both my hands rose. I shouted a scarcely sufficient whoop.
My wife along with others laughed as it was obvious I did not want to be in front. I was determined to just get behind drums and let things proceed. I turned my back to shake Alan Whites hand and Donn grabbed me and swirled me around again
Donn then dry gulched me
With everyone applauding he asked me to say a few words. I groaned within... Flabbadath!!
I shook like a wet dog from my meds holding the microphone. I waited while the kind approval calmed. With Donns arm resting on back and my voice trembling I began,
This makes me almost happy to have cancer. -Pausing for the intense laughter chirp chirp I went on.
I use to walk by this guys (pointing toward Michael Derosier) old house everyday as a kid dreaming
I was a guy in a nursing home 4 years ago with not a lot to lean on. I started playing drums again to get me out of a wheel chair. Blah blah, blah blah stating at last Life is Good.
Applause.
I turned around (once again) headed toward the back of the stage while talking to Alan White when Donn again turned me around and had me come forward.
He presented me with a Mapex brass snare signed by every artist on stage. Very Solid.
He asked me aloud to join the drummers on stage and play Imagine.
Alan then made his way over to the original Ludwig Plastic Ono band kit he used on Imagine with John Lennon.
Jeff Kathan assisted me behind Alans large Yes kit. I reached up to Michael Derosiers bass drum one level above/behind me. The evil urge to detune his bass drum was at full effect.
I stood only mocking like I was turning the Ts... I had poodled out. Very weak, I know.
Safely behind the Yes kit, with Alans White band leading us in concert, the familiar chords to Imagine began.
At a time like this when things happen so rapidly you trust your mind taking snapshots.
Here are a few things Ill always remember:
-Feeling Donns hand on my back for strength and support as I trembled.
-The faces of 300 drummers grooving to Imagine.
-Jeff Kathan, Derek Roddy etc. exchanging smiles and laughter with me while drumming to Imagine.
-Alan White beaming, hand firmly on my shoulder asking me thereafter, Was it good?
-Michael Derosier and I agreeing later that you never know where inspiration will come.
Side note: Jeff Kathan is 1st rate. Jeff handed me his mighty signature Vic Firth stick upon finishing "Imagine" to mark the moment. His DW kit sounded huge.
I rejoined my family side stage. Was asked without delay to take part in a photography book featuring drummers Keith Carlock, Tris Imboden etc.
Umm, you sure you want me? Can I use an alias? "Does your camera have a really wide angle?"
I signed some releases with a few publications. I asked my family to be in a few pictures.
My 2 daughters demonstrate how; from the ugliest bull come the prettiest calves.
Meanwhile 300 drummers played Louie Louie along with the "Wailers" now on center stage.
Side note: The collective timing of 300 drummers was 'mucho better' on faster songs.
The singer had a few tempos to choose from during Imagine. chirp chirp
Woodstick Highlight every year is the 4 or 5 minute drum solo from each drummer on stage.
Alan White to Michael Shrieve to Scott Mercado to Michael Derosier to Carmine Appice was soul solid.
Side Note: I whispered to my wife later how Donn Bennetts drum solo was really powerful.
She enlightened me how Billy Ward during his Master Class a few weeks back worked with Donn for a few on his Woodstick solo. Solid Billy. Sincerely WOW.
Donns drumming belongs on a big stage. He hits hard. Today he owned the moment. Very Powerful.
I mingled with drummers and enjoyed hanging making several new acquaintances. So many solid people.
I thanked all those who approached saying such nice things whilst asking me to sign their souvenirs. I am sorry it was a little crazy to those waiting.
The event ended with all drummers on stage heading to a booth for signatures. A large line gathered.
Michael and I hugged it out for a few minutes before seeing Donn. We hugged it out before flashing a few pictures together. He asked me if doable signing some stuff with the others.
My body was sending up white flags. It was time for me to retreat toward home. Did not want to devalue the merchandise either chirp chirp.
Soon my family and I were in the Suburban heading north reflecting; buying a small drum set 3 years ago was also membership into one of the most finest, supremely solid, compassionate communities.
Being once more a drummer is the best feeling.
Final Thoughts:
This was my second Woodstick in 3 years. I hope you will all mull over coming in the future.
Need a place to stay? Easy like Sunday morning.
Hang with that poodle Sloggys family for a few days.
Finally, Donn Bennett the honor and credit you gave/give me thank you.
Most of all, thank you, thank you for providing us NW drummers with the paramount drum shop.
We are so very fortunate to have Donn Bennett.
This I know.
Slog On, Forrest (flabbadath)
