Woodstick 2010 The Big Beat

By Marcella Zengota

On November 7, 2010 there was a whole lot of noise coming from the Juanita Field house in Kirkland. Drummers from all over Washington State gathered to break the world record for the most drummers playing the same beat at the same time. Participating were 14 other cities from across the nation, Canada, and over the Web included Buffalo, NY; Plainview, NY; Champagne, IL; Columbus, OH; Willowick, OH; Fort Collins, CO; Hollywood, FL; Huston, TX; Portland, OR; San Jose, CA; St. Louis, MO; St. Paul, MN; Toronto, Ontario Canada, and Tulsa, OK.

A total of 1,500 drummers would set out to break the world record. In Washington, 402 drummers attended this year’s event and managed to raise a record $11,000.00 to benefit Camp Korey and Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation.

Among the lineup of celebrity drummers on the main stage were Thomas Pridgen (Mars Volta, The Memorials), Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp, Studio Legend), Alan White (YES), Steve Moore (“The Mad Drummer,” YouTube), Frankie Banali (Quiet Riot), Bryan Hitt (REO Speedwagon), Tony Coleman (B.B King), and Jeff Kathan (Paul Rodgers Band).

Aside from making a lot of noise, the celebrity drummers held clinics where they would share their experiences, musical talent and techniques. Pictures and autographs were very popular.

Next year’s Woodstick Big Beat 2011 event will be held on Sunday, November 6, 2011. Google Woodstick for more info.