Percussive Arts Society Announces 2008 PASIC Highlights
The Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) will take place in Austin, Texas from November 5 – 8, 2007. For the second time in the event’s history, Austin will play host to more than 7,000 drummers and percussionists from around the world at the Austin Convention Center and Hilton Hotel.
PASIC is the world’s largest and most prestigious drum and percussion gathering that features more than 130 events on 13 stages with the leading artists from around the world in the percussion community. Session topics span a variety of areas including drumset, symphonic, marching, recreational, world and keyboard percussion.
“The Percussive Arts Society and the City of Austin are very excited that we are bringing our 33rd annual convention back to the Austin Convention Center,” states PASIC Director Jeff Hartsough. "If PASIC 2006 is any indicator for what to expect this year, we have the potential to set an all new record for both attendance and exhibitors; add in the incredible line up of artists and PASIC 2008 is no doubt going to be the largest and best convention ever!"
Legendary jazz drummer Roy Haynes and the Fountain of Youth Band will present Saturday evening’s showcase concert. Other showcase events include German marimba virtuoso Katarzyna Mycka and a performance by Na’rimbo, a marimba ensemble from Chiapas, Mexico.
Drumset artists include Thomas Pridgen (Mars Volta), Ed Soph (Stan Kenton, Woody Herman), Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree), Derico Watson (Victor Wooten Band), Erik Smith (Erik Smith Trio, Smiths Venner), Albe Bonacci (Jack Segal, Diane Warren), Derek Roddy (Hate Eternal, Malevolent Creation) and Marc Quiñones, Bobby Allende, and Jessie Caraballo will come together for a joint Latin drumset session.
Nick Angelis and Dominick Cuccia will each present marching percussion sessions. The United States Military Academy Band West Point “Hellcats” with guest Marty Hurley is also scheduled to perform a marching clinic. Keyboard artists include Latin jazz legend Victor Mendoza, leading vibraphone and marimba artist Arthur Lipner and international marimba soloist Pedro Carneiro. Symphonic session presenters include the Marine Band Percussion Section, Rob Falvo with John R. Beck and a timpani master class by French percussionist Frederic Macarez. Recreational drumming specialists will include sessions by Jim Greiner, Kenya Marsala with Steve Campbell and Arthur Hull will lead the Sunday Drum Circle Facilitation Workshop. World presentations will be given by Bernard Woma, Taku Hirano and a world/electronic clinic by Luis Conte with Brad Dutz. Victor Mendoza will also perform a Late Night Performance as well as the Pete Zimmer Quartet. All artists mentioned have confirmed their appearance at PASIC 2008; however, artists are subject to change without notice. Additional confirmed artists will be updated throughout the summer at www.pasic.org.
The convention’s International Drum and Percussion Expo will highlight more than 100 industry exhibitors showcasing the latest in percussion instruments, publications and services. The Expo will be open to convention attendees November 6-8 and available to the general public daily for $15; children under 12 are admitted free.
The annual PASIC Marching Percussion Festival will take place on November 6 and 7. The festival features a competition of high school and collegiate drumlines and solo performers vying for top honors in this nationally recognized contest. Tickets for Friday, November 7 are available to the general public for $15 and includes access to the International Drum and Percussion Expo; children 12 and under are admitted free.
Attending PASIC 2008
Registration for PASIC 2008 is available online at www.pasic.org or by calling (800) 540-9030. Early registration pricing is available through September 26; on-site registration is also available.
About PAS
The Percussive Arts Society was established in 1961 as a non-profit music service organization. Its mission is to promote percussion education, research, performance and appreciation throughout the world. PAS is the world’s largest percussion organization with more than 9,000 members representing over 50 countries and serves as the central source for information and networking for drummers and percussionists of all ages.
For more information about the Percussive Arts Society or PASIC, visit its web site at www.pas.org or call (317) 974-4488.
