Steve, from Team Utalk, was invited to a special celebration of Yamaha Drums 50 years of innovation and success. It was an awesome day of live music with nearly two dozen world-renowned drummers Yamaha had assembled on September 30. More than 400 people gathered at Musicians Institute in Hollywood to check out interactive exhibits of both current as well as legacy Yamaha drum gear including Yamaha’s very first drum set from 1967.
Students, dealers, professional drummers, hobbyists, media and others, had the opportunity to test-drive all of the gear on display as they hung out with professionals from the Yamaha Drum Artist roster. Drum designers were on hand offering technical and historical perspective on the company’s evolution into the trailblazing drum manufacturer Yamaha is today
(Yamaha Artist Tommy Aldridge) (Yamaha Artist Larnell Lewis)
The hands-on opportunities were followed by cool stage performances by the three Artist headliners of the day: Larnell Lewis (Snarky Puppy), Dave Weckl (solo artist and session legend) and Tommy Aldridge (Whitesnake, Ozzy Osbourne); all three Artists put on an amazing show. The Yamaha team also took time out from the festivities to honor two more Artists, Bill Gibson (Huey Lewis & the News) and Rick Marotta (Aretha Franklin, John Lennon, Stevie Nicks), with special appreciation awards.
(Yamaha Artist Dave Weckl)
The evening ended with comments by Yamaha Drums marketing manager Steven Fisher, who said, “50 years of making high – quality hand -crafted drums is a major milestone in Yamaha’s history, and it’s a pleasure to be celebrating it with our customers, artists, and Yamaha colleagues. What we’re really excited about, however, is the next 50 years. Yamaha has the resources, knowhow and innovative spirit to Take drums and drumming to the next level for the next generation of drummers. You’ll see the next sign of that spirit this fall with a brand-new product every drummer will want, so stay tuned.”
(Steve interviewing MB Gordy)
Besides test-driving some gear, Steve also had the chance to interview MB Gordy – LA Session drummer (Frozen, Moana). Stay-tuned for it to be on Utalk along with other artist interviews
(Steve with Tommy Aldridge) (Steve with Darnell Lewis)
Yamaha Corporation offers a full line of award-winning musical instruments, sound reinforcement, commercial installation and home entertainment products including: Yamaha acoustic, digital and hybrid pianos, portable keyboards, guitars, acoustic and electronic drums, band and orchestral instruments, marching percussion products, synthesizers, professional digital and analog audio equipment, Steinberg recording products and NEXO commercial audio products, as well as AV receivers, amplifiers, MusicCast wireless multi-room audio systems, Blu-ray/CD players, earphones, headphones, home-theater-in-a-box systems, sound bars and its exclusive line of Digital Sound Projectors.
