August 2011
21 August 2011
Group Drum Lesson with Johnny Rabb
Drumming legend Johnny Rabb was the original World’s Fastest Drummer. His book, the Official Freehand Technique, has captivated the drummers around the world and details how to perform drum rolls with one hand.
At the V-Drum Festival Johnny will teach a group drum lesson. Up to 10 drummers can participate in this intimate hands-on lesson and additional people can observe.
Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to learn from one of the best in the world, visit the Lessons Room at 1.30pm
17 August 2011
Ben Gillies (Silverchair) to Judge V-Drums Contest
Ben Gillies has taken time out of his busy schedule and agreed to be Special Guest Judge at the finals of the V-Drums Contest, which will take part of the main stage at 4pm. A panel of experts, including Ben Gillies and Johnny Rabb, will see the best six Roland V-drummers from Australia and New Zealand go head-to-head in a live onstage battle.
The winner will go on to represent Australia & New Zealand in the V-Drums International Finals, held at the NAMM Show (Anaheim, California) next year.
It’s not too late to enter – the competition closes at 5pm on 31st August 2011. If you think you have what it takes, and want the chance for Ben Gillies and/or Johnny Rabb to give you advice on your playing, enter here.
12 August 2011
Paul McCartney’s Drummer Confirmed for VDF
Chris Whitten made a name for himself providing drums for the classic hits ‘What I Am’ by Edie Brikell and The New Bohemians and ‘The Whole Of The Moon’ by The Water-boys.
He cemented his place as one of the World’s top drummers with two critically acclaimed projects in the early 90′s; Paul McCartney’s ‘Flowers In The Dirt’ album and subsequent record breaking World tour, and Dire Straits 18 month ‘On Every Street’ tour (1991-92). Chris has also recorded with such varied artists as Tom Jones, Johnny Cash, Julian Cope, World Party, Swing Out Sister and The Pretenders.
At the V-Drum Festival, Chris will invite drummers to play along with bassist David Stratton and then offer suggestions on how to create different feels by changing the drum parts.
This is an invaluable opportunity to learn how interact with other musicians – from someone who has done it with the best of them. These one-on-one sessions will be held in the lessons room and drummers of all ages and stages are welcome to take part.
9 August 2011
Working With The Bass Player
When people talk about the ‘feel’ of a song, they are generally referring to the rhythm section – and at its core is the way a drummer interacts with the bass player.
Chris Whitten has performed or recorded with many famous artists, including Paul McCartney and Dire Straits. At the V-Drum Festival, Chris will invite drummers to play along with bassist David Stratton and then offer suggestions on how to create different feels by changing the drum parts.
This is an invaluable opportunity to learn how interact with other musicians – from someone who has done it with the best of them. Drummers of all ages and stages are welcome to take part.
8 August 2011
Ask the Panel of Experts
Have you ever wondered what makes a great drummer? How they got started? About life on the road? Wonder no more, this is your chance to ask the drummers who have toured, performed and recorded with the big names.
The panel of experts will answer your questions on life, the universe and all things drums.
- Chris Whitten (Paul McCartney, Dire Straits, The Pretenders)
- Steve Fisher (Roland V-Drums R&D)
- Mal Green (Split Enz, Green Sound Music recording studios)
- Buzz Bidstrup (The Angels, The Party Boys, Jimmy Barnes)
- Alex Plavsic (Sabastian Hardie, Session Drummer)
