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Third annual South Delta Drum Fest set for Sunday

It’s all about showcasing fantastic local drumming talent while enhancing music education in South Delta. The third annual South Delta Drum Festival this Sunday will feature some of the industry’s best at Genesis Theatre in Ladner.
drum fest
South Delta Drum Festival organizer Rick Klemm (right), and Delta Secondary music teacher Catherine Campbell with custom-made snare drums that will be raffled off as part of the third annual South Delta Drum Festival on Sunday.

It’s all about showcasing fantastic local drumming talent while enhancing music education in South Delta.

The third annual South Delta Drum Festival this Sunday will feature some of the industry’s best at Genesis Theatre in Ladner. Doors open at noon with the festival starting at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $10, available online or at the door.

Featured performers/instructors include: Craig Scott (big band and jazz drumming), Julia Geaman (metal drumming) and Mike Michalkow (drum set artistry).

Festival organizer Rick Klemm said the buzz around the festival continues to grow.

“We have more sponsors this year, the Ladner Rotary Club donated funds, which is very kind of them, so it’s going really well,” Klemm said. “We’ve sold more tickets so far in advanced than we did last year, so we’re really looking forward to a great day.”

Klemm said the quality of instruction will be amazing.

“Each one will do an hour presentation on their specific genre, talk about their experiences,” he said. “It’s also a chance for local drummers to get together and hang out and enjoy drums and new gear. It’s also promoting music education in the community.”

Delta Secondary music teacher Catherine Campbell said students will be working the concession, handling lighting and stage set-up as well as attending to learn more about drums.

“Lots of students will just be buying tickets and looking to help and support the event,” she said. “Rick comes with the gear and we are there with the space and linking the students with the community.

“This year, now that it is in its third year, the interest is very high. I had a flute player – an international student – come up to me recently asking about the festival because they wanted to attend and learn more, so it’s starting to get around to other kids who want to come together as a community and experience other musical disciplines.

“In our program, we specialize in mostly the classics, so to get them exposed to other musical areas is really cool.”

Thanks to the generosity of numerous sponsors, including Yamaha, Paiste, Rufus Drum Shop, Long & McQuade, Tapestry Music, Promark, Evans Drumheads, Profile, Klemm Drums and Dunnett Classic Drums, there will be many door prizes plus a raffle for three snare drums and other drumming gear donated by Yamaha, Dunnett and Klemm.