The NAMM (the International Music Products Association) tradeshow is one of the most impressive collections of music industry people and products in the entire world. This January more than 74,000 people flocked to the Anaheim Convention Center to peruse more than 1,400 companies’ offerings from the tiniest guitar to the largest amplifier. It would be impossible to describe everything we saw and did over the four days of the tradeshow, but I want to tell you the highlights from a chick drummer perspective.

THE PEOPLE
I met Steve Wnuk, the director of kids summer music program DayJams. Steve is committed to bringing rock to children aged 9-15. DayJams has opened 9 new locations, so one of the twenty sites is probably near you. Check them out at http://www.dayjams.com.

I also met Tish Ciravolo, the founder and president of Daisy Rock Guitars. Speaking of Daisy Rock, their new product offerings are quite impressive. They have a new bass that is so beautiful I’m thinking of learning just so I have an excuse to get one. http://www.daisyrock.com/

Kudos to Donna Sally who made it to the finals of the NAMM International Fastest Drummer Contest. Donna racked up an impressive 696 hits on a single stroke roll in 60 seconds. Unfortunately it was not enough to beat the winning total of an astounding 924. There’s always next year. Donna, you go girl!

It’s always a pleasure seeing Dave Smolover and the rest of the crew from the National Guitar Workshop. Besides the fact that they make the best music books around (with graphic design by the inimitable Tim Phelps), they offer a fantastic summer music learning program for ages 14 through adult in many locations across the country. Find out more at http://www.guitarworkshop.com.

Speaking of the National Guitar Workshop, rumor has it from VP of Business Development Michael Thomas and VP of Marketing William Thomas that Workshop Live, their online offering, is expected to launch fall of this year. I saw a demonstration of the service over the summer, and it promises to be a valuable learning tool with high quality, easy-to-follow lessons, practice tips and exercises.

I also had the pleasure of seeing a demonstration by Dave Martone, the nicest guy ever to shred on a Parker. Dave reports that he was on tour with 3 Doors Down over the summer and is actively gigging with his band Martone. You can see more of Dave’s fabulosity at http://www.davemartone.com/.

I watched Bobby Jarzombek (drummer for Rob Halford) tear up one of the largest kits I’ve ever seen. Bobby subdivided and kept subdividing beats until I lost count, and somehow he never lost the 1. I was sweating for him as I watched him play cymbals in front of – and behind - him with amazing speed, accuracy and skill.

I ran into the beautiful Alicia Warrington (Kelly Osbourne) signing autographs for an adoring crowd.

We also spotted hot chick drummer Sheila E posing for a painting of all things.

And last but certainly not least, we spied the very tall Stewart Copeland grabbing a cup of coffee before a meeting.

THE STUFF
I could spend pages describing all the equipment, but I’ll just hit the highlights.

I spent a lot of time looking at microphone solutions with singing drummers in mind. The Isomax E6 by Countryman Associates has the most compelling story. Look for more information on the Isomax E6 in our three article series on the singing drummer starting in the March issue of this online mag. In the mean time, you can take a look at the Countryman website at http://www.countryman.com/.

Dream-Maker Ltd modular drumsticks – I was wandering down an aisle of cymbals wishing I had a drumstick that could fold up to fit in my purse when I came across CODA modular drumsticks. Far more than just a novelty, CODA promises to be all things to all people. The theory is that you keep the same handle and change around the weight (by adding weights at various points) and the striking element (by screwing it on to the handle). But how does it sound? I aim to find out. Look for more information in the April issue of Chix-with-Stix. www.codadrumsticks.com

Edirol R-1 portable recorder – I like to record my shows and practices. I’ve struggled with the best device to use and had no good solution…until now. The Edirol R-1 portable recorder looks like it might do the trick. It has a built in stereo microphone and records mp3 or wav to standard compact flash cards. Best of all, you can plug the device into your computer via a USB cable and access your digital recordings easily. Check it out at http://www.edirol.com.

Black Panther snares – I have fallen in love with the metal Black Panther snares as shown here: http://www.blackpanthersnares.com/. In person, they are so stunningly beautiful they literally sent shivers up my spine. The hand-hammered brass snares are truly a piece of art. And as an added bonus, list price is quite competitive.

With the next six months of issues already planned, 2005 promises to be a music-filled year. There’s always room for reader feedback. If you read something you like, hate or want to know more about, let us know at feedback.

Rock on, sisters!

-Deb