After about a week of letting the dust settle on our return home from the 2022 Percussive Arts Society International Convention, the Steve Weiss Music team is still buzzing about what was an incredible experience for our company, staff, and customers. This year's PASIC was one which felt nostalgic of simpler times in a pre-pandemic world. One where drummers and percussionists of all kinds could come together and check out the latest and greatest in percussion education, performers and merchandise.
“So what did I miss?”
Although it would be easy to highlight the amazing new products which were featured at this year's PASIC, and trust me, we’ll get to that in due time- let's take some a moment to celebrate what was an incredible lineup of performances by some of the most talented artists and groups in the industry. It would be impossible to cover every amazing performance from PASIC, but here is the buzz from the Steve Weiss Music team highlighted day to day.
Thursday
Thursday opened the convention with an incredible lineup that would make any drum set player drool. Semi back to back performances in the ballroom 500 by Keith Carlock, Jason McGerr, Omar Hakim and Dave Weckl set an incredible tone for the first full day of a three day convention. Flanked by performances and clinics by the Blue Devil’s Scott Johnson, conguero Pedrito Martinez and the University of Delaware’s Quey Percussion Duo, day one of the convention could have served as a sold out event on its own. Thursday’s performance lineup was a testament to the age old PASIC problem…you can’t be everywhere at once!
Friday
Friday saw an incredible variety, and diverse lineup of incredible clinics and performances, beginning with a true masterclass by the immensely talented Ganesh Kumar. We can only imagine that Cooperman Drum Company saw his signature Kanjira to be in high demand! As the day continued on, back to back powerhouses of Allison Miller and Chelsea Levine wowed audiences with articulate execution, instruction and insight. Subsequently, our first stocking of Chelsea’s new text, The Seavine Cymbal Education Book, swiftly sold out shortly after her clinic (don’t worry, we will have more soon!). This is the mark of true impact! Friday’s finale featured a once in a lifetime performance by the incomparable Ju Percussion Group, featuring new compositions by members of their ensemble, and an exciting premiere of BeyonD the bEnd by Gene Koshinski.
Saturday
With heads still spinning from a mind melting Friday lineup, Saturday did not disappoint, kicking off with an amazing performance by the Wakeland High School Percussion Ensemble. Following their morning performance, Damon Grant wowed audiences with his incredible coordination, groove and feel. That afternoon, Dr. Brian Zator held the room in the palm of his hand with his virtuosity on the marimba, only to be followed by drum set power houses, Jonathan Barber and Benny Greb. Saturday closed out with the United States Army Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps bringing us back to our roots, and a funky evening concert from Ghost-Note. What a day!
Weekend Recap
As our team packed the truck to make our return back to Willow Grove, it was evident from the buzz that this year's PASIC had something for everyone- not to mention the great performances that were happening down the road at BOA Grand Nationals in Lucas Oil Stadium! Steve Weiss Music not only attends PASIC for the incredible lineup, and to sell great products, but to stay current within our percussion community. We are leaving the convention this year feeling re-energized, overjoyed, and fulfilled to serve the needs of our percussion community year round.