Drumfest mixes intimate clinic-style masterclasses, with full-on performance, giving those assembled a chance to witness world-class players in full ‘show mode\', and be able to interact with them, as each drummer conducts a question & answer session during their set-piece. In addition, there will be the chance to pick up a drum-related bargain from any one of the Drum product manufacturers who will be exhibiting at the event.

Headlining 2 of the three will be the legendary Billy Cobham , who began his career in 1968 (after 3 years as a percussionist in the US Army band) playing alongside George Benson & Stanley Turrentine. Then spent the next 30-plus years recording and touring the world with Miles Davis, John McLaughlin, Jan Hammer, Tommy Bolin, Roberta Flack, Jack Bruce, Tom Scott, Grover Washington, Eric Gale, Peter Gabriel, Stanley Clarke; aswell as with \'Spectrum\' and \'Culture Mix\'. In addition to his recording and heavy touring schedules, he has found time to produce a range of educational and tutorial material, and impart his experience and technique to clinics and workshops the world over.

With him at The Brentwood event will be \'Asere\', who are no strangers to Billy - them playing together numerous times before, or the UK - having played over 100 dates here. They mix 70\'s salsa with contemporary urban \'son\' - percussive, powerful, and dynamic.

Also appearing will be
Will Calhoun - perhaps best known for his work with groundbreaking funk-rock crossover band \'Living Colour\', his career is not simply confined to that - His recording, producing, and touring engagements have led him to work with Mick Jagger, Carly Simon, Stanley Jordan, Run-DMC, Lou Reed, Herb Alpert, and B.B. King; a Grammy award winner, Will has no doubt influenced a great number of people with his techniques, ability, and attitude.

David Garibaldi - Born in Oakland, California. David Garibaldi grew up just East of San Francisco & through his fascination for drums, he began playing music at the age of 10. After his discharge from military service (where He was with the 724th US Air Force band), he joined Tower of Power - It was in this setting that David became one of the most influential drummers of his generation and became known as an innovator in funk drumming.
In addition to his being in Tower of power, He has appeared in a variety of studio and live settings, including television and film; & working with Patti Austin, Natalie Cole, Larry Carlton, Mickey Hart\'s Planet Drum, Jermaine Jackson, Ray Obiedo, the Buddy Rich Orchestra, Boz Scaggs, Gino Vanelli, Deniece Williams, the Yellowjackets and Wishful Thinking.

Multi-Grammy award winner Rodney Holmes\' early home life was filled with music, so its not then surprising that Rodney is where he is today. Starting off in the Junior band at School, he earned scholarship to long Island university, but took to watching Billy Cobham, Jon Bonham, and Steve Gadd; and began getting jazz gigs and recording work. Through his time with Joe Zawinul and Mitch Stein, and the \'Hermanators\', Rodney met with Carlos Santana, who, impressed with his abilities, invited Rodney to join him for the 1993 tour, and again from 1997 to 2000. Rodney has been busy ever since, pursuing his own musical and artistic goals.

Seeing Louis Bellson changed Steve White\'s life, and fed on a drumming \'diet\' of the Jazz greats - Gene Krupa & Buddy Rich - He was nicely set up to become quite an accomplished player himself. A spell with Bill Bruford further focussed his attention, and thus, Steve won scholarship to the drum school at PIT in Los Angeles, and separately to Berklee Music College in Boston , Mass. Steve eventually left that to begin life as a gigging drummer. His dedication to the \'art\' has seen him work with some of the best known in the business - Paul Weller (including stints with The Style Council - Steve was the youngest musician on the \'Live Aid\' stage in 1985!); The James Taylor Quartet, Dr John, Ocean Colour Scene, and with Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers. Steve\'s appearance at the Brentwood event will be almost like a \'hometown\' show for him!

Beginning his career at the age of 11 with a jazz trio, and then in Reggae and Funk-Rock acts in Germany, Marco Minnemann\'s technique and style has brought him together with Doug Wimbish, Gary Willis, Andy Timmons, and Paul Gilbert, in both recording and performing situations; and has taken him on clinic tours, both in his own right, and with Terry Bozzio - proof, if any were needed, of this 36 year old German\'s ability! Further curiosity can, however, be satisfied with any of a number of his instructional DVD\'s, and music CD\'s.

Like a lot of drummers, Jason Bittner started by banging on pots and pans, but soon progressed to be good enough to join His Middle and High School Jazz, and Orchestra ensembles, eventually attending Berklee College of Music in 1988, where he studied theory, arranging, and Latin and Jazz drumming styles. Leaving to seek his musical destiny may not have been a good idea to some people, but it obviously paid off - He joined \'Stigmata\' in 1994, and in the following 7 years, recorded 3 albums and toured the US and Europe with them, until their split in 2001. Almost immediately, Jason was signed with Shadows Fall, initially for a one-year tenure, which soon became a permanent one. In this time, Jason has been voted \'number 1 Metal Drummer\' despite his( or maybe due to?) his early Latin & Jazz studies!

Compereing all 3 events will be none other than Feeder drummer Mark Richardson!

Brentwood Schedule (Sunday 22nd October):
Held at the Brentwood Centre, Brentwood , Essex.

• Billy Cobham
  
• Will Calhoun
  
• Steve White
  
• Marco Minnemann
  
• Jason Bittner

Northampton Schedule (Wednesday 25th October):
Held at the Park Inn, Northampton

• Billy Cobham
  
• Will Calhoun
  
• Rodney Holmes
  
• Marco Minnemann
  
• Jason Bittner

Birmingham Schedule (Sunday 29th October):
Held at the Cocks Moors Woods Leisure Centre, Birmingham

• David Garibaldi
  
• Will Calhoun
  
• Rodney Holmes
  
• Marco Minnemann
  
• Jason Bittner

Tickets are on sale now, and can be bought over the web at:
www.drumfest.net

Or order from each of the 5 branches:
Birmingham +44(0)121 359 5056
Northampton +44(0)1604 230433
Oxford +44(0)1865 725221
Romford +44(0)1708 746082
Southend +44(0)1702 436501