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Roland V-Drum Contest Overview - by Drum Dungeon

November 2010

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The Roland® V-Drums® Contest is a performance contest in which participants compete via live performance exclusively on Roland V-Drums to determine who the best drummer is.

Dennis Dove

Portland, OR

Andrew Faletti

Lawrenceville, GA

JP Bouvet

Lakeville, MN

Didi Negron

Northampton, PA

Robin Lopez

San Antonio, TX

Go-Go Ray - WINNER

Kansas City, MO

Held Thursday, Nov. 4th @ 7 PM, at Las Vegas Sam Ash music store

It all happened Thursday, November 4th at 7:00 pm. The event was free and open to the public.

It was a electrifying evening of Drums at the newly remodeled Sam Ash in Las Vegas Thursday evening. The 6 finalists who arrived from all over the country, came to show off their drum skills in the first Roland V-Drum Competition finals. These six finalists made it here after earning their spot against 300 other drummers who came to do battle. All six played their hearts out, but...there could only be ONE winner!

The stage was filled with multiple V-drum kits tended to by a small army of Roland techs, each on-hand to do the gear switch-out for each player. Video cameras fueled 3 large plasma screens enhancing the visuals and giving everyone a great view of the action from the stage.

Blue Man Group, who came out and performed a really cool intro tune, opened things up before heading out to the audience to grap some unsuspecting women to introduce the nights MC, Mr Tim Root from Roland. Tim, with his assistant Amanda, did a fabulous job hosting the event. Good humor and banter quickly earned a good rapport with the audience as the free swag from all the competitions sponsors began flying everywhere. The fine panel of Judges included a variety of serious players including Thomas Lang himself, producer Peter wolf, and renowned drummer/percussionist Richie Gajate-Garcia.

Next up was a performance from the extremely talented Johnny Rabb who did an amazing job exhibiting his many drum skills while showcasing the sound variation and versatility of his V-drum kit. He clearly showed all in attendance why he is one of the top players in the world, and why Roland V-Drums are the number one selling electronic percussion system.

Now it was time for the 6 anxious finalists to come out and give it their all. Host Tim Root again doing a great job as he interviewed each contestant post performance while the busy Roland crew switched out gear for the next drummer to perform...and did I mention TONS more swag being handed out!!

After all 6 had given there drum performances, the judges deliberated while the crew began wheeling out Thomas Lang's massive V-drum set-up. A great finishing touch to a great evening of drumming was an explosive and hard hitting performance from the incomparable Mr.Lang.

But things weren't quite over yet...now it was time for Tim to draw names for the winners of some really serious gear, including electronic practice pads, recording gear from Sam Ash, and the grand prize which was a TD4 Roland kit [that went to a very lucky and excited local man]. Then came the announcing of the runner up, and winner, with more swag being thrown out to the packed house.

Competition was fierce as six talented drummers performed an original drum performance exclusively on the Roland TD-20SX V-Pro Series V-Drums and the Roland OCTAPAD SPD-30 Percussion Pad. The official grand prize winner was Go Go Ray from Kansas City, MO with the runner up being Robin Lopez from San Antonio, TX. The winner will receive a top of the line TD-20SX V-Drums Kit, complete with amplification, hardware and custom shell wraps, courtesy of Roland, Drum Workshop, and REMO, Inc. For more details about the contest visit http://www.rolandus.com/go/v-drums_contest/.

Hats off to general manager Tom Kachnik and all his crew at Sam Ash, the Ash Family [who did an outstanding job with preparing and hosting this great event], the performers, judges and contestants. Along with a special thanks to Roland, their crew and all the sponsors who made this an evening to remember for all who attended.

ARTISTS: Blue Man Group, Thomas Lang and Johnny Rabb - Blue Man Group is best known for its widely popular theatrical shows and concerts that combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. Thomas Lang, who closed the show, is known for his stunning multi-pedal orchestrations, powerful drumming style and incredible technique. Johnny Rabb has performed and recorded with numerous artists. Johnny Rabb, the Chicago-based live and studio drummer, clinician, and author's unique freehand technique and creative use of electronic percussion continue to wow audiences worldwide.

Sam Ash Music is the country's leading full-line music store chain with over 45 stores. The family owned and operated business opened in 1924 with a small store in Brooklyn and now operates stores nationwide. For more info visit www.samashmusic.com.

Sam Ash Music, America's premier full-line music store chain and Roland, the world leader in electronic percussion, hosted the Roland V-Drums® Contest National Finals at Sam Ash Music in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year's event was co-sponsored by Blue Man Group, REMO, Drum Workshop and DRUM! magazine.

CONTESTANTS:

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