Since its completion in December 2003, The YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts has come to establish itself as a premier cultural institution on Long Island. A wide range of programs and classes are offered across the arts spectrum including music, dance, film and spoken word. After bursting on the music scene in the late 60’s, Carmine Appice has continued to influence and shape the face of drumming to this very day.
By using all of his years of experience, Carmine has been able to transform this theater into a really cool rock rhythm spectacular which he calls SLAMM!!
Now in its first year of production SLAMM is a high paced performance geared for the adrenaline drumming junky. Banging on everything from buckets, trash cans, dixie cups, ironing boards to full on drum kits, SLAMM delivers an overload to the senses and a performance you don’t want to miss.
Already gaining success from its first run of shows the cast and crew of SLAMM are looking in the future to expand the show nationwide. Having just acquired Carmine as their newest artist- the ddrum company is currently working on creating some custom masterpiece kits for the super percussion ensemble.
The show opened up shortly after an obnoxious gorilla was bounced off stage after harassing the crowd. Once removed Carmine came out with a young, energetic cast that performed in neon frenzy.
This colorful cast of characters was acquired through a rigorous audition process. Potential members had to not only be talented, but creative as well in order to express themselves on stage while playing on a variety of different instruments from drum kits to ironing boards, these brave few who prevailed to become the members of SLAMM!!
Everything about the performance was very well scripted. All segments of the show seemed to flow together nicely without any lag or technical difficulties. The talented cast switched from playing every instrument on the stage without a hitch, providing a witty sense of humor while participating in some friendly competition.
At one point “Z-man” stepped up to challenge Carmine at a snare duel, then later he was joined on stage by a celebrity impersonator.
As the night went on the cast of SLAMM was joined by punk rock drummer Marky Ramone to participate in a medley of songs Appice has played throughout the years. The audience cheered and sang along to some of their favorite tunes from Vanilla Fudge, The Ramones, and Rod Stewart.
SLAMM is a must see for any and everyone who has a passion for the drums and music in general. Carmine delivers a class act performance with a stellar crew to back him up. Afterwards there was a meet and greet planned for everybody in attendance for pictures and autographs. If you ever get a chance to see SLAMM make sure to scoop up the merch as soon as you can because it sells fast!
Drummer Connection would like to thank Carmine Appice, the SLAMM crew, and Terry Platt of ddrum for inviting us out to this special performance.
To see all of the pics go here https://drummerconnection.com/v/Users/webadmin/SLAMM/
Check out SLAMM!! here http://www.carmineappice.com/slamm/
To see the lates gear from ddrum go to http://www.ddrum.com/