The Way to Monterey: Yamaha Provides Drums For Premier Jazz Festival

Yamaha Artist Otis Brown III appeared with Joe Lovano's Us Five at Dizzy's Den.

BUENA PARK, Calif.—Yamaha drum sets helped raise the sound bar at all eight stages of the 52nd annual Monterey Jazz Festival, the longest-running jazz festival in history, held annually at the 20-acre Monterey Fairgrounds. As always, the festival featured performances by some of the biggest names in jazz, including several Yamaha Artists.

"Artists come to the Monterey Jazz Festival knowing that Yamaha drums will be provided for all of the stages and it provides great peace of mind for all," said Jeff Sloan back line manager and drum tech for the festival.

Yamaha also helped sponsor an Instrument Petting Zoo on Family Day. Children packed the tent to jam on two electronic drum kits, including a DTXPLORER and a DTXPRESS IV.

"We all work very hard to make this a successful festival, and Yamaha is a key player in maintaining the high standards that the festival is known for," said Bill Wagner,
a production manager for the festival.

Yamaha's selection of drum sets included Absolute Maple Nouveau, Absolute Maple, Tour Custom, Absolute Birch Nouveau, Absolute Birch, Stage Custom Birch and Oak Customkits.

Yamaha Artists who impressed the festival crowds included Chick Corea, John Patitucci and George Duke.

"Yamaha Drums consistently provides these world-class artists with the equipment they need to perform at the highest musical levels," said Mark Stotzer, a production manager for the festival. "I couldn't possibly count the artists that come off our stages with smiles after great performances who say ‘those are great drums!'"

For additional information, visit The Monterey Jazz Festival Web site at www.montereyjazzfestival.org, or call (925) 275-9255.

For more information about Yamaha products, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Yamaha Drums, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622-6600; call (714) 522-9011; email infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamahadrums.com.