KANSAS CITY, MO, June 4, 2024: The June installment of Charlotte Street’s in(SITE) series features the upcoming one-night-only showcase titled Give the Drummer Some. Friday, June 28th 7PM at Charlotte Street’s Stern Theater promises to be a spectacular event, featuring twenty-five of Kansas City’s most talented and diverse drummers. These drummers represent a wide range of styles and backgrounds, each bringing their unique flair and expertise to the drum kit. From Free Jazz to Bop, Latin to Afro-Beat, and Fusion to Rock the audience can expect a mesmerizing display of rhythmic creativity and skill. The lineup of drummers has been carefully co-curated by Brandon Draper; Drummer/Producer/Educator and Patrick Alexander; CST Programming Manager/Curator, to showcase the rich musical tapestry of Kansas City and celebrate the versatility and beauty of the drum kit as an instrument.
One of the highlights of the showcase is the multi-generational aspect of the drum kit techniques on display. Kansas City drummers from different generations will come together to share their knowledge, experiences, and passion for music. This blending of old and new styles creates a dynamic and rich musical environment, where traditional rhythms meet contemporary beats. “Give the Drummer Some” references the musical term in Funk and Jazz music where the entire band stops playing so that all focus will be on the drummer during their extended solo. The audience can expect to witness multiple drum solos, improvisational duets, shedding and battles, rhythms and sounds that pay homage to the roots of drumming while embracing innovation and creativity.
Drummers featured:
Arnold Young, Doug Auwarter, Lisa McKenzie, John Kizilarmut, Tyree Johnson, Ryan Lee, Evan Verplough, Alaudin Ottinger, Doug Hitchcock, Duck McClane, and more…
With a special tribute to Mr. Leon Brady!
In addition to the diverse range of drumming styles and the multi-generational showcase, the concert will also feature a backline of new and vintage drum kits provided by Brandon Draper. Drummers will have the opportunity to showcase their skills on different types of drum kits, each contributing a unique sonic quality to the overall performance. From vintage kits with warm, classic tones to modern kits with cutting-edge sound capabilities, the audience can expect a captivating auditory experience that showcases the versatility and beauty of the drum kit as an instrument.
ABOUT In(SITE)
In(SITE) is a multidisciplinary performance series curated by Patrick Alexander that highlights local, regional, and national acts at pivotal points in their practices. Each performance showcases contemporary works that push boundaries, take risks, and demonstrate excellence in performing arts.
ABOUT BRANDON DRAPER
Brandon Draper has enjoyed a celebrated career as drummer, percussionist, producer, multi-instrumentalist and educator. In addition to freelancing and teaching, he currently performs as a solo artist, multi-instrumentalist. As an educator, Draper has taught at the University of New Mexico, University of Missouri-Kansas City, East Mountain High School, and multiple high schools throughout the Midwest and Southwest as a clinician and as world and marching percussion consultant. Currently Draper is on music faculty at the University of Kansas where he leads jazz drums and world percussion studio, Afro-Cuban Ensemble, sound design in Film and Media Studies, a First Year Fellowship professor, and is the director of Music Enterprise certificate combining music business and entrepreneurship.
ABOUT CHARLOTTE STREET
Charlotte Street centers Kansas City’s most forward-thinking visual artists, writers, and performers—acting as the primary incubator, provocateur, and connector for the region’s contemporary arts community and its leading advocate on the national stage. Since 1997, Charlotte Street has distributed over $2.5 million in awards and grants to artists and their innovative projects and has hosted countless exhibitions, performances, convenings, and conversations connecting and challenging Kansas City’s contemporary art ecosystem. For more information about Charlotte Street, its awards, programs, and initiatives, visit www.charlottestreet.org.
