Bang A Drum!
By John Benson
Shedfest is not a celebration of lawn sheds or a convention of The Biggest Loser watchers.
Instead, it’s the vision of West Park native Dominic Tancredi, a local drum teacher who created Woodshed Percussion, which provides stage artwork and logos for drummers and musicians across the nation. Feeling as though he wanted to give back to the community, last year the 1999 St. Ed’s High School graduate went back to his alma mater to create Shedfest.
“We wanted to host a free education event,” said Tancredi, who also is a percussion teacher at St. Ed’s. “I wanted to have some really cool education thing I could bring my students to because we don’t really have a lot of free programs like this at this kind of level in Cleveland right now. So we decided to make it happen instead of waiting for somebody else to do it.”
Last year’s event came together fast but proved to be a success with 125 people coming out to meet, greet and hear visiting drummers from artists such as Mary J. Blige, American Idol, Justin Bieber and Sean Kingston. In fact, Tancredi said the inaugural Shedfest was so popular, for months people have been asking about this year’s event, which takes place Sat 6/16 at St. Ed’s in Lakewood.
The 2012 lineup includes featured drummers Rich Redmond (Jason Aldean), Brett Baker (Jay-Z/Eminem), Steve Bowman (Counting Crows) and Tracy Broussard (Blake Shelton).
“Most people who love music don’t ever really get to see and experience talking to famous people and hearing what they have to say and how they did it,” Tancredi said. “We’re bringing in four famous drummers to put on kind of a performance clinic. They’re going to play and also talk about where they came from and how they got famous.”
As far as who would enjoy Shedfest, Tancredi said it’s an inclusive event catering to naturally young drummers learning their craft, musicians interested in the business and even casual music lovers looking to meet someone famous.
Looking ahead, Tancredi said there are endless possibilities regarding Shedfest. If the local community adds other musical elements it could grow into a major event for Northeast Ohio. Or, if it remains relatively the same size, Shedfest could be a nice annual niche affair.
Finally, considering the event does feature drummers who will be playing separate and together, is there a no “Moby Dick” rule?
“We should, otherwise we’ll be there all night long,” Tancredi laughed. “That’s a great idea.”
The free Shedfest takes place at 1 p.m. Sat 6/16 at St. Edward High School, 13500 Detroit Ave. in Lakewood. For more information, visit http://WoodshedPercussion.com.
Freelance writer John Benson spends most of his time writing for various papers throughout Northeast Ohio. When he’s not writing about music or entertainment, he can be found coaching his two boys in basketball, football and baseball or watching movies with his lovely wife, Maria. John also occasionally writes for CoolCleveland.com.
4 Responses to “Famous Drummers Converge for Shedfest 2012”
Morey Klein
John did a CD review on an exceptionally talented and much loved local singer/songwriter named Vicki Chew
a few years back where he mercilessly and recklessly ripped her work to shreds. The CD “The Bells of St. Rose” had gotten rave reviews till this moron put his pen to it. I pressed the PD at the time to qualify Benson, in other words provide some background as to his “musical expertise”….of course they couldn’t. Every time I see this idiots name my blood preasure goes up…
Alice Jeresko
Did someone say “Famous”? Maybe four times and in the title? Glad to hear about a free event featuring drummers, but why the focus on fame rather than talent, technique or tradition? There are many amazing drummers living and playing in Northeast Ohio who love playing and developing their skills — I don’t think getting famous is their primary goal.
Also, regarding M. Klein’s response: I can’t imagine anyone ripping on Vicki Chew’s work. Her lyrics, voice, phrasing and guitar are all top-notch — an original and local artist who certainly merits wide FAME.
Morey Klein
Ms.Jeresko….Benson did indeed rip her CD to shreds and had the gaul to give it a grade of “C+”….who the hell does this guy think he is….?? Is he a musician…?? Does he have some sort of degree in the Arts….?? I know Vicki and have been a fan for years and I also know that his scathing review was very upsetting to her….. and yes I agree with you that Cleveland has always been home to some exceptional talent.
Morey Klein
BTW…..all the Drummers mentioned are far from “famous”……….Buddy Rich was “famous” these fellows just have gigs…….