LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Motown drummer Uriel Jones, whose hard-driving funk propelled classic tunes by the Temptations and Marvin Gaye, died in a Michigan hospital on Tuesday after suffering complications from a heart attack, a family member said. He was 74. Jones, the last surviving drummer in the Motown session band known as the Funk Brothers, was stricken in mid-February but had been showing signs of improvement, said his sister-in-law Leslie Coleman.... read more...

 DRUM EXHIBITION TO COMMEMORATE VICTIMS OF SLAVERY, TRANSATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE  OPENS AT UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS, 24 MARCH       An exhibition, “Breaking the Silence, Beating the Drum”, will be formally launched in the North-East Gallery of the Visitors Lobby at 6 p.m., March 24th. The exhibit, which includes never-before-displayed cultural items, is organized in remembrance of the victims of slavery and the transatlantic sl... read more...

In a recent announcement made by Metallica's Lars Ulrich, the outspoken one claims that the band will not follow suit like other acts such as U2, Madonna, and Jay-Z by signing a contract with Live Nation.       Live Nation is the largest producer of live concerts in the world, annually producing over 16,000 concerts for 1,500 artists in 57 countries. The company sells over 45 million concert tickets a year and expects to drive over 6... read more...

      Congratulations to drummer Lil John Roberts and fiance Jill Scott who is expecting their first child next month. The couple has been busy since the announcement of their engagement in June 08'. John recently finished touring with Janet Jackson while Jill has been filming her new HBO series 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.'   For those of you who are unfamiliar with John's work  he's performed with many R&B leg... read more...

  If you're a drum manufacturer now is the time to find out if your snare drum has what it take to win at this years 2009 Snare Drum Olympics.     This year's Olympics will be held in Nashville at the Sound Check rehearsal facility Deadline for receiving drums is Friday, July 10 Judging will take place on Sunday July 12 Results will be published on July 14 in time for NAMM Click Here for Applications in .pdf Format or Click Here for Microsoft... read more...

Recently I was invited to see the nationally signed band Crossbreed by their drummer Jay "Diesel" Soldano. I first ran into Jay while covering a drum clinic by Ray Luzier and after a brief introduction we began small talk about drums and such. Turns out that Jay is a good friend of Sevendust drummer Morgan Rose, and he also played with the band Sister Kill Cycle from my home town back in WV... it's a small world after all. After a few more "do you know so and so" questions ... read more...

After a long wait, and literally ZERO news except right before the release, the Modern Drummer 2008 DVD has arrived at my doorstep! I was a bit saddened when Amazon said it wouldn't arrive till the 23rd, but it has shipped as of yesterday and here it is in my hands:         You may or may not recall, but Drummer Connection was at Modern Drummer Festival 2008 last year and we did our best to cover the event. More from that coverage can be fo... read more...

  Frank Bellucci has gained recognition as one of New York's most talented freelance artists. Frank is an outstanding performer, educator, and clinician. He has written an innovative book entitled, 'Feet First.' Frank has presented clinics and performed at drum festivals throughout the USA. He is endorsed by Sabian Cymbals, DW Drums, Vic Firth Drumsticks, and Evans Drum Heads. Frank Bellucci's reputation as a master technician, especially in the area of double pedal te... read more...

          Come join the fun! Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night, Della's invites local jazz musicians to perform in the restaurant. Tonight don't miss...     Trio Vibe, with vibraphonist Sam Koppelman, bassist Philip Booth and drummer/DC Member Don Capone,  returns to Brandon restaurant Della's on March 6 and 7. Please join us for two evenings of jazz -- standards, Latin, blues and more. ... read more...

Our Friends over at Blue Man Library have setup another Blue Man Group Orlando Fan Meet! If you're a fan of those crazy dudes in Blue, please be sure to swing over to BlueManLibrary and check out the 2009 Blue Man Group Orlando Fan Meet!   When: July 25th, 2009 Where: Universal Studios City Walk (Blue Man Group theater) Time: TBA Events: TBA Tickets: TBA   ... read more...