drumFantasy.15 August 711,
2015
Vic's Drum Shop
Chicago, IL
After seven great years in Cleveland, Ohio (and one
year in South Orange, NJ), Drum Fantasy Camp made a
big move in 2015. The camp took place in Chicago,
IL, at the country's largest independent drum store
- Vic's Drum Shop!
2015 was a record year for Drum Fantasy Camp. Every
spot in every class was full. The concerts were larger than ever and, as always,
attendees came from more than a dozen countries!
It all started on August 7. Attendees arrived at the
Crowne Plaza hotel in Greektown throughout the day
while our world-class band rehearsed for the
evening's opening concert.
Back for his second year was legendary bassist
James
Genus (Herbie Hancock/Saturday Night Live). He was
joined by our Music Director and guitarist Vinny
Valentino (Geroge Benson/Vital Information) plus our
dynamic singer Chrissi Poland (Bette Midler/Sam
Moore). The band also welcomed a newcomer - Stu
Mindeman (Fareed Hague/Gloria Estefan) - who played
keyboards at the jams and both concerts!
The August 7 show featured performances by DFC
instructors Benny Greb, Mike Mangini, and
Steve
Smith. At the end of the show, the three drummers
pulled off an amazing three-way jam. But, that's
wasn't really the end.
With the crowd chanting for more, Dave Weckl and
Jojo Mayer marched through the crowd playing a
cadence on their snare drums. They marched up onto
the stage, and sat down in a line with the other
three instructors. The band joined in for "When The
Saints Go Marching In" and the song ended with a
blazing snare jam! It was an incredible night!
Still overpowered by the opening event, attendees
arrived the next morning for their first classes.
Benny Greb immediately marched his class down to the
parking lot for a unique lesson in rhythm. Full-time
attendees spent four days with our instructors
learning a variety of skills while also soaking up
the intangibles you only get in such an intimate
setting.
In the evenings, we ran our famous "Jam Nights" in
Vics' Showcase Room. Attendees were treated to three
private "concerts" with our incredible band - but
they got to be the drummers! Of course, the
instructors sat in, including a really fun moment
with Dave Weckl and Benny Greb performing "Don't
Stand So Close So Me" by The Police! And Steve Smith
joined Jojo Mayer for Stevie Wonder's "Higher
Ground."
On the final day, it was business-as-usual until the
afternoon class ended. That's when we rushed Dave
Weckl and his gear out to Martyrs' for the closing
concert!
Of course, it took forever to get out there, set up,
and sound check. This caused a delay that led to a
lineup of eager concert-goers all the way down the
street! With tensions mounting, Steve Smith and
Benny Greb came to the rescue. They went outside
with their snare drums and performed "Salt Peanuts"
on the sidewalk!
Once the concert began, Jojo and Dave took over -
each with their own energy-charged sets. But that
would not satisfy the audience. So, they came back
out and traded solos over "Higher Ground!" It was
the perfect ending to the ninth annual Drum Fantasy
Camp!
"What Is
Hip" Green Room Rehearsal
featuring Chrissi Poland, James Genus, Stu Mindeman,
Vinny Valentino, Benny Greb, Jojo Mayer, Steve Smith,
and Dave Weckl
Duet: Steve Smith and Benny Greb
"Salt Peanuts" Street Performance