Produced since 1987 by Modern Drummer magazine, the two-day Festival presented once again a roster of today's top drumming talents. Some offered solo clinic performances; others appeared in concert with additional musicians. According to the statement: "[...] and it will certainly go down as one of the great ones," you can exactly expect what you thought it would be like.

This years edition had a line-up that was as diverse as spectaculair. From Thomas Pridgen - as 'the complete outer every style-Mars Volta Drummer' - to Simon Phillips as the steady and ever inspiring drummer/producer/band leader for all drummers to come, this first day of the festival reflected the diversity of the drummers' zone world wide already. Be prepared for the second day of the festival after this article, which features videos just as spectacular as this one.

In addition to the performance videos, Hudson Music interviewed several artists. In the listing below you find the videos and interviews.

The line-up and other features of the first festival day this year, by Hudson Music and Modern Drummer:

Day 1: Saturday, September 20, 2008

1. Modern Drummer Festival 2008 Intro
2. Behind the scenes Friday
3. Thomas Pridgen
4. Billy Ward & The Billy Ward Trio
5. William Calhoun
6. William Calhoun interview
7. Ndugu Chancler
8. Simon Phillips & Protocol

Festival photos on Hudson Music.com

Friday Setup and Rehearsals

Saturday show - day 1

In the coming months more videos of the Festival are published. Hudson Music will release the DVD set of the event in 2009.

All videos are published with courtesy of: Hudson Music and Modern Drummer magazine.