The 3rd Laguna Drum Festival was held on 30th-31st October in the Isauro Martinez theater in the city of Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico. After the event opened with a batucada organized by the Absalom Music Center music school, the Festival’s featured artists – Jose Luis Campos and Mapex endorsers Javier Barrera and Glen Sobel – wasted no time in taking the stage.

Beloved in his native Mexico, Javier Barrera was cheered on by the audience as he took the stage after Jose to lay down a number of impressive funk and R&B grooves, including a fresh arrangement of “What Is Hip” (originally by “Tower Of Power”). Javier also performed a few songs from his album “Personality”, capturing the audience’s attention with his indepedence and ostinato-based drum solos. He addressed the audience’s questions with positivity and wisdom, stressing the importance of drumming foundations such as rudiments. Javier Barrera

Next in the spotlight was Glen Sobel, who launched immediately into his famous “Monday Night Football theme” (as heard on ESPN) followed by a few other tracks; needless to say, both his chops and groove were nothing short of impeccable. Glen was exceptionally generous with his time in the question and answer session that followed, covering a broad range of topics from stick tricks to snare drum technique and drumset coordination. He finished his set with a drum solo that demonstrated why he is one of the most in-demand session players on the LA circuit. Glen Sobel

All three drummers returned to the stage for a Jam session, and the audience were ready for them with their cameras and cell phones to capture this unique collaboration. The audience showed their appreciation with a standing ovation, showing just how much they were inspired by this extraordinary display of artistry.

The festival concluded wtih a raffle on day 2, and Mapex were proud to be able to support this event with three giveaways: a Meridian Maple MP7287PE 7 pc “Plus Bass Fusion Pop 22” kit in Midnight Steel, a Black Panther “Phatbob” 14 x 7 snare (both played on by Javier during his performance), and a P1000TW Falcon Twin Pedal.

Lucky Little Winners

Out of six winning tickets, the first three winners each took home a Laguna Drum Festival 2010 t-shirt and the LDF 2007 DVD, the fourth won the P1000TW (Roberto Valenzuela was not present, but picked up the prize the next day after being notified by telephone), and the fifth (Axel Ramirez) won the Black Panther “Phatbob”. Many congratulations to all our runners-up.

Everybody’s breaths were held as the ticket for the grand prize – the 7pc Meridian Maple “Plus Bass Fusion Pop 22” kit – was drawn by Lucy Ruiz (wife of the Director of the Laguna Drum Festival, Absalom Ruiz). Daniela Maria Galindo, shouted with joy and excitement on being announced as the lucky winner, and Daniela’s mother burst into happy tears. She explained that they had always wanted to buy a drumset for Daniela as she has shown such dedication and passion for the drums, but were not yet able to do so. Mapex feel privileged to be able to support and nurture the next generation of talent: many congratulations, Daniela, Mapex wishes you all the best for the future, and would love to hear how you’re getting on with your drums from time to time.

Javier and Glen signing the grand prize- Meridian Maple MP7287PE “Plus Bass Fusion Pop 22” kit in Midnight Steel.

To find more about Laguna Drumfest, please check on
http://www.lagunadrumfest.com/lden/

Glen Sobel official website http://www.glensobel.com/
Javier Barrera official website http://www.javobarrera.com/site/