Yamaha Drum Artists Steal the Show at MIAC 2012

The MIAC Show is Canada's premier trade show for the Canadian music products industry connecting manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, of musical instruments, print music and associated products.

Yamaha PHX artist Mark Rogers, who also plays with GRAMMY® nominated gospel group NEWWORLDSON, lit the roof on fire at the May 13th 2012 MIAC Awards dinner, a celebration of the Canadian music industry.

MIAC Day 2 – World Touring, multi-Juno nominated drummer who has toured and recorded with artists like Gino Vanelli, Amy Sky, Holly Cole and the incendiary Cuban pianist Hilaro Duran; Mark Kelso, performed a set in the Yamaha Drum-Cave representing Yamaha Drums and Paiste Cymbals. The performance was basically a clinic in the flawless execution of Afro-Cuban rhythms performed without microphones just to show what the drums, raw out-of the-box, under the hands of a master, were capable of delivering. Mark performed with multi-Juno award winning and nominated artists Hilario Duran (piano) and Roberto Ochippinti (upright bass). Mark is also the head of percussion at Canada’s premier college of music in Canada, Humber College in Toronto.

Mark performed on a Maple Custom Absolute Hook-Lug set.

MIAC Day 2 – Mark McLean, the current groove-protector for multi-platinum singer George Michael,performed with his band “Mark McLean Playground” with Marc Rogers on bass, Kelly Jefferson on sax and Robi Botos on Keys. The performance took funk, jazz and blues into Mark’s special domain and blew the crowd away with his musicianship, displaying a facility and maturity far beyond the ages of these young Canadian musicians. Mark currently lives in New York City but grew up and mastered his drumming (as well as many other instruments) in Toronto.

Mark performed on a Birch Custom Absolute set.

MIAC Day 1 – Vito Rezza has been destroying crowds for three decades with his poly-rhythmic and passionate control of dynamics and groove. As a user of Yamaha drums since 1980, Vito performed in the Yamaha Drum-Cave with the masterful Tony Zorzi on guitar and the unstoppable Pat Kilbride on bass. Vito’s group, 5 after 4, has over 7 albums in circulation and he has taught many professional drummers working in Canada and around the world today.

Vito performed on a Club Custom set.

MIAC Day 1 – Larnell Lewis officially joined Yamaha Drums in 2008, performing at the Montreal Drum Fest as a virtual unknown. His facility, dynamic control and musicianship are comparable to the finest drummers on Earth. Currently, Larnell is touring the world with Liali Biallli and Michael Kaeshammer. Joined by bassist Sam Williams and keyboardist Robi Botos, they did a tribute to Stevie Wonder as well as John Scofield and blew the crowd away. No P.A. or mixing board, just live off the floor, representing what Yamaha drums are capable of right out-of-the-box.

Larnell performed on an Oak Custom set.

We are very proud of our Yamaha artists. It is an honor to support them in their careers, and their choice to play Yamaha Drums.