"Chicago Show" Coming This May

Known throughout the worldwide drumming community simply as the "Chicago Show", the 14th Annual International Custom and Vintage Drum Show is scheduled to be held on May 15 and 16, 2004 at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles, Illinois. The "Show's" 15,000 square-foot exhibit area will feature displays from many of today's leading drum manufacturers, drum shops and drum collectors along with presentations and performances by special guests, including world-renowned drum artist Steve Smith, legendary drum builder Johnny Craviotto and top Chicago-area drummer/educator, Joel Spencer.

According to the event's founder and host, vintage drum historian, collector and author Rob Cook, the "Chicago Show" is unquestionably the largest and longest-running show of it's kind in the world. "Since we started-out in 1990, we've become part of the global vintage and custom drum phenomenon," explains Cook. "Our 'Show' has seen an increase in attendance and exhibit space every year and last year we had our biggest show ever with over 70 exhibitors from around the world participating. This year promises to be even bigger... and even better."

A partial list of custom drum and accessory manufacturers exhibiting at the 2004 Chicago Show includes: Acoustic Woods, the Craviotto Drum Co., C&C Drums, Drum Solo, Dunnett Classic Drums, Drum Workshop, the Ludwig Drum Co., Puresound Percussion, Smith Drums, Tempus Drums and Vaughncraft Percussion. Among the historic drum company representatives, educators and publishers scheduled to attend the show are Jake Jerger, Wm. F. Ludwig, II, Wm. F. Ludwig III, Not So Modern Drummer's John Aldridge, Gregg Potter, Chuck Scalia, Joe Luoma, Lee Ruff, Doyle Pendock, Rebeats and Vintage Drummer. Blair N Drums, Drum Headquarters, Drummer's Galaxy, Huber & Breese and Skins 'N' Tins are just a few of the many drum shops and independent drum collector's that will be on hand-- displaying both classic drums and hard-to-find vintage drum parts.

In addition to this roster of exhibitors, artists and collectors, the 2004 show will also offer several special events and activities. As of press time confirmed show highlights include:

• STEVE SMITH DRUM SEMINAR -- 1:00 PM on Sunday, May 16th. Steve is an authority on the history of the modern drumset and the evolution of drumming in the 20th Century. Over the past few years, Steve has appeared on the cover of every major drum publication and in 2002 he was inducted into Modern Drummer Magazine's highly-exclusive Hall Of Fame. Sponsored by Rebeats, Sonor, Zildjian, Remo, Vic Firth, DW and Hudson Music.
• JOHNNY CRAVOTTO MULTI-MEDIA PRESENTATION -- 1:00 P.M. on Saturday. May 15th. This event will feature an audio and video presentation including biographical, historical and performance information on a remarkable man who is much more than a great drum builder. Sponsored by Rebeats, Not So Modern Drummer and The Craviotto Drum Co.,
• JOEL SPENCER DRUM SEMINAR -- 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 15th . Joel has performed with a variety of artists from Wayne Shorter, Clark Terry, Joe Williams, Chet Baker and Wynton Marsalis to the Count Basie Band and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He is currently Jazz Percussion Instructor at DePaul University and Coordinator of the Jazz Combo Program and Instructor of Drum Set at the Northwestern University School of Music. Sponsored by Rebeats, Premier, Stephen Maxwell's Vintage and Custom Drum Shop of Chicago, Regal Tip sticks and brushes, and Aquarian drum heads.

The "Chicago Show" is open to the public from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. on Saturday, May15th and 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. on Sunday, May16th with an adult admission price of $8.00 for one day and $12.00 for two days. VIP Admission, good for entry during exhibitor-access hours, is $75.00. Daily admission for children 5 to 12 is $5.00 and children under 5 are free. Door prizes and raffles will include many rare and unique drums, including a one-of-a-kind 4x14 solid shell Birch snare drum made by Johnny Craviotto with custom engraved hoops by John Aldridge.

For an updated listing of activities as well as complete exhibitor, travel and hotel information please go to the "Chicago Show" website at www.rebeats.com/drumshows.html.