What began as a student drum recital has grown into a full-day celebration of local music, bringing together performers, instructors, businesses and community organizations under one roof.
The third annual Cochrane Drum Tutor recital, organized by local drum instructor Edward Allen, takes place June 20 at the Cochrane Lions Legacy Centre.
Since launching the event, Allen has reimagined the format each year, transforming it from a traditional recital into a broader community showcase featuring multiple performances and opportunities for residents to explore Cochrane’s music scene.
The inaugural event in 2024 was the Beatles-inspired John, Paul, George and 30 Ringos, which drew a strong response from audiences. Last year’s Treble Trouble expanded the concept by pairing the drum recital with a youth music talent showcase judged by a panel of local music experts.
RELATED STORIES
This year’s edition adds even more performances for a full afternoon of entertainment.
Allen welcomes people to stay for the entire event, but says it is also designed as a drop-in experience for those who want to come and go throughout the day.
“It’s a big ask to have people sit there all day,” Allen said. “We’ve tried to create different things for people to enjoy and make it a real community event.”
Full day of music
The showcase gets underway at noon with performances by students of guitarist and music producer Patrick Zerlinski. Singer-songwriter Justine Vandergrift will follow with a featured set before local violin instructor Ivy Pan and her students take the stage for a short showcase.
Allen said he feels fortunate to have Vandergrift as part of the lineup.
A growing name in Canada’s country roots scene, Vandergrift has toured in Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and the United States. She was also a recent headliner in The Found live music series in Cochrane.
“I think she’s just a real draw on her own,” Allen said. “We’d all pay $25 a head to see her do a set, and people are going to be able to walk in and see it for free.”
The drum recital begins at 3 p.m. and features 42 students, up slightly from the 36 performers a year ago.
Having the drummers accompanied by a professional band is a staple of the event. Joining them on stage will be Canmore-based Northern Quarter, which will perform alongside the students throughout the recital.
“They’ve been very supportive of all the players,” Allen said. “They sounded great and I’m really looking forward to working with them on stage.”
More than a recital
While the performances remain the centrepiece, Allen has added a number of attractions designed to keep people engaged throughout the day.
The event features a Music Mall for people to browse and make inquiries.Visitors can browse the event’s “Music Mall,” featuring local businesses, music organizations and community groups. Participants are expected to include the Cochrane Music Society, saxophonist Amy Clayton, local schools and other organizations connected to the arts community.
The event will also feature a music trivia contest, a disco dance-off competition, prize giveaways and refreshments.
Allen hopes the mix of performances and exhibitors will introduce residents to the wide range of musical opportunities available in Cochrane.
Community support grows
One of the day’s biggest attractions will be a drum kit giveaway. Attendees can enter a free draw upon arrival, with the winner able to take the kit home immediately.
The giveaway serves as the finale to a day that has become increasingly ambitious with each passing year.
Allen said one of the most rewarding aspects of the event’s growth has been seeing more organizations, businesses and volunteers step forward to help.
“Every year more people recognize it and want to help,” he said. “Different groups are stepping up and getting involved, and that’s really heartwarming. It feels like we’re starting to gain some traction in the community.”
Admission is free and residents are welcome to attend all or part of the showcase.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source cochranenow.com ’
