AUG. 01 th 2008 – UNITED KINGDOM

In its 10th year Drumfest added a fourth date to its 2008 billing, firmly establishing itself as the world's premiere drumming event. It is also the only event in the UK to include a full retail village where MAPEX featured all our new products.

Last week, ten of today’s greatest players headed to the UK for Drumfest 2008, including Terry Bozzio (Frank Zappa, Jeff Beck, Korn), Thomas Lang (World renowned clinician), Steve White (Paul Weller), MAPEX artist Chris Pennie (Dillinger Escape Plan), Russ Miller (Ray Charles, Cher), Mike Terrana (Yngwie Malmstein) and Jeremy Stacey (Sheryl Crow). They were all hosted by the most respected solo drum artist in the world and MAPEX Education Director, Dom Famularo.

Top MAPEX artist Chris Pennie is the co-founder and former drummer of the math core band Dillinger Escape Plan. He is currently the drummer for the progressive rock band Coheed and Cambria. Chris has turned the public on with his style which is best described as rapid machine-like sequences of rudiments juxtaposed with jazz-inflected expressiveness. At Drumfest 2008 Chris, as usual, impressed the crowd with his superb independence which allows him to keep the constant theme going with his feet. Check out some of the best drumming from his session below.

The world's leading motivational drum set artist and MAPEX educator, Dom Famularo hosted Drumfest 2008, ensuring that the show ran smoothly and that audiences and artists were well entertained during the four venues. Dom, true to his character and ever the entertainer, delivered humorous speeches that kept the audience enrapt throughout. Without Dom and his brilliant communications skills, Drumfest 2008 would not have been as spectacular and well-organized.

The MAPEX Team also went to the UK and was thrilled to participate in Drumfest 2008. They were able to record sessions at the world’s premiere drumming event so you can share in the magical atmosphere of the four venues.

Over the course of the event, Drumfest visitors and players came to the MAPEX booth in the exhibition hall to take a look. There MAPEX displayed new products and drum sets for all the drum enthusiasts to try.

The Drumfest 2008 was thoroughly enjoyed by all the attendees and performers, bringing to UK a drum event to remember. We think we speak for everyone when we say we are enthusiastically looking forward to next year’s event!

For those who missed this year festival, check out the videos and interviews from the MAPEX team and book your schedule now for Drumfest 2009.

Videos and interviews are available on the MAPEX website
and on Youtube MAPEX