I have played electronic and acoustic drums, but have created the best of both worlds for any type of venue with hybrid acoustic/electronic kits and amazing percussion instruments. I use an Alesis DM10 electronic drum module with Roland Triggers on my kits. This gives me over 100 versatile drum kits and provides consistent sound output instead of using drum mics. I am comfortable playing with a click or tracks and have all my songs on my iPad for consistent tempos and set flow.
I love my custom-made compact nested kit from TreeHouse Drums in Topeka, KS. The drums all fit inside the Bass Drum so I can quickly load in and setup with one bass drum case for the drums, one case for cymbals and a small case for the compact hardware. There is minimal footprint because all the drums and cymbals are mounted on the bass drum instead of floor stands.
For those special events where more percussion or an acoustical setup is preferred, I use a complete unplugged setup (or full acoustic/electronic percussion options). In addition to many traditional percussion instruments, I have amazing electronic options including the Roland HPD-20 Handsonic Percussion Pad, Roland El Cajon Electronic Cajon processor, and Roland triggers with Alesis DM10 Drum Module, all with a combination of programmed pedals.
I was blessed to grow up in a musical family. My Father played trumpet and sang and my Mom played Piano and organ and sang with Dad.
The Beatles were popular when I was in grade school and I started playing drums as "Ringo". I played drums and percussion in concert band, marching band and orchestra at Ottawa High school. One of the highlights was playing percussion with the Ottawa community orchestra for our guest conductor, Aaron Copland. I was finally able to share the stage with "Ringo" when Last Chance Flight opened for Liverpool, a great Beatles Tribute Band, at the 2014 Olathe, KS Summer Concert Series.
After high school I traveled and recorded with Simple Truth, a pioneering contemporary Christian band from Kansas City whose style was described as country rock with a touch of the unusual. We had the opportunity to record albums and travel all over the United States and overseas, including tours to Africa. One interesting highlight was when we were invited to play at the 1974 Ozark Music Festival in Sedalia, Missouri. The crowd and heat became so bad the festival was a disaster. They expected maybe 50,000 people, but had over 250,000 and weren't prepared. We had to drive our van/trailer through the huge crowd unlike the big acts - Aerosmith, the Eagles, Blue Oyster Cult, Lynyrd Skynyrd. Bob Seger, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Joe Walsh, America, Charlie Daniels Band, REO, Ted Nugent, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, etc. They keep planning a documentary: http://www.kansascity.com/…/music-news…/article27672037.html
Last Chance Flight was a popular band from Olathe, KS playing original and classic rock music. We recorded 6 CDs and played hundreds of events at clubs and festivals such as the Plaza Art Fair, Governor's Freedom Rally, Olathe Concert Series, Johnson County Old Settlers Days and many more. Last Chance Flight Videos
Hard@Play is a fun 10-piece Classic Rock Band with Horns. I add percussion to fun songs by Chicago, Blood Sweat & Tears, Santana, Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan and many more.
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I have the pleasure of jamming with some talented musicians on Saturdays as the Walmer Jam Band.
Big Rick Soul Band is a local band specializing in Soul, Motown, Funk, R&B and Classic Rock that I played with for awhile.
I have a great time filling in with Live Circuit at Garmin events.
The talented Don Desmond is always fun to play with. We provide instrumental music for various Garmin events.
I played for awhile with Knock Kneed Sally, a popular and busy Kansas City Band playing original Blues and Americana music at top clubs and festivals.
I have played most of my life with various Christian Bands and church worship teams. God has allowed me to enjoy many opportunties to play with talented musicians as we lead worship.
