For Immediate Release: July 14, 2005

PASIC 2005: A Preview of Artists and Events
Highlights Include Buddy Rich Tribute Concert Featuring Steve Gadd and Steve Smith

Steve Gadd (photo courtesy Yamaha Drums)	Steve Smith

The Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) will roll into Columbus, Ohio, Nov. 2 for four days of concerts, clinics, master classes and events for drummers and percussionists of all ages and interests.

This 30th anniversary celebration is expected to draw 6,000 percussion enthusiasts and will also feature an 80,000 sq. ft. Drum and Percussion Expo where attendees may see, hear and try the latest instruments and gear from top manufacturers and dealers.

Plans are in the works for spectacular evening headliner concerts in celebration of PASIC's 30th anniversary, including the much-anticipated tribute to Buddy Rich featuring Steve Gadd and Steve Smith, along with Buddy's Buddies and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra on Saturday, Nov. 5. PAS will make announcements regarding the other two special evening concerts in the coming weeks.

Drumset, world drumming, keyboard, symphonic and marching clinics and master classes will be presented Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 3-5 by several of the world's top artists. Some of the many confirmed drumset artists include funk artist Rick Latham and The Groove Doctors, jazz/free form drummer Stanton Moore and Galactic, international drumming sensation Akira Jimbo, and alternative rock drummer/percussionist Glenn Kotche (Wilco).

Other artists in the line-up include marimba artist She-e Wu, marching percussion experts Thom Hannum and Jeff Queen, orchestral percussionist Don Liuzzi, Latin percussionist Miguel Castro, and drum circle guru Kalani. The program will also feature a variety of professional percussion ensembles.

Some of the most cutting edge, contemporary marching percussion performances for high school and college marching percussion ensembles will be presented at the annual Marching Percussion Festival starting on Thursday evening, Nov. 3 and concluding on Friday, Nov. 4 The competition includes high school and college divisions in solo, small ensemble, and drumlines.

"FUNdamentals" sessions on Saturday, Nov. 5 offer beginner to intermediate players of any age, and teachers, an opportunity to work one-on-one with some of today's top educators. Sessions will be offered for snare drum, drumset, keyboard, timpani and accessories.

For more details and registration information, log-on to www.pasic.org or call PAS at 317.974.4488.

ABOUT PAS
The Percussive Arts Society (PAS) is the largest percussion organization in the world with more than 8,000 members and is considered the central source for information and networking for percussionists and drummers of all ages and skill levels. Established in 1961, the society is dedicated to promoting percussion education, research, performance and appreciation throughout the world.