Hosted by Global Drum Ambassador Dom Famularo, whose motivational introductions made the audience stand on top of their toes, the festival didn\'t have any dull moments. Belgium drummer Sean D\'Hondt co-hosted with Dom and had his own performance with the Adams Trio, consisting of Sean, Eric Bosteels and Bram Raeymaekers.
Almost all artists performing on the Adams Stage during the changeovers were presented by Adams. Several endorsees made appearances, Dirk Dergent with his trio and Angelo Crisci are some of them. New upcoming is the spectacular drum trio Tres Mambini (Jan Hapeslagh, Maarten Hemmen and Barto Staalman). In the near future these three drummers will take their place in drum history, with heavy rhythmical performances, but also their show case, which is just as outstanding as their musical performance.

Main stage: Gregg Bissonette & Cindy Blackman

Gregg Bissonette is one of those drummers you can hire to do almost anything for any style of music. With great humor and expression he is able to connect with the public 100%; playing his music, but playing with the audience just as strong. Gregg made the audience literally sing the songs while he was playing only the grooves, showing how (very) important rhythms are for a good song. A brilliant way of looking at songs from that particular angle. Part of his clinic was his The Police-medley: an ode to Stewart Copeland who\'s drum work with one of the most succesfull bands of the planet was ground breaking for the evolution of drums in music.

Cindy Blackman\'s history starts within the old Jazz tradition. She grew up between all the drum heroes, of which Art Blakey is the most important one to her. Cindy: \"He was like a father to me.\" Dom Famularo adds: \"Listen to Tony Williams and you will learn where she comes from.\"
From the first down stroke until the final simultanious cymbal-hihat-crash she dictated the room and kept it focussed. Every beat, stroke, crash and roll is right, and has that warm, full sound while her playing remains having that open sphere. You may call it technique on the highest level, but consider the musicality of her solo\'s and style with that. An experience that is always new, worthy to watch her play every opportunity you have.

Watch videos of Gregg and Cindy below. Make sure you check out some of the photos in their albums as well.

Cindy Blackman plays: Gretsch, Istanbul, Vic Firth
» Click here for Cindy\'s Adams Drummers festival photo album

Gregg Bissonette plays: Mapex, Zildjian, Remo drumheads
» Click here for Gregg\'s Adams Drummers festival photo album

More articles of the Adams Drummers festival 2009 on Drummerszone.com:
Part I: Mel Gaynor & Will Calhoun
Part III: Pete Lockett & Simon Phillips (online soon)