06/15/05

CHRIS ADLER BRINGS THE METAL TO THE MODERN DRUMMER FESTIVAL

Chris played his Mapex Saturn Kit at the festival.

Chris makes last minute adjustments during sound check.

The Best Undiscovered Drummer Under 18, Eloy Eloy Casagrande Lopes was no longer a secret after his show-opening performance on Saturday.

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center proved to be the perfect venue for the festival.

Newark, NJ — The Modern Drummer Festival took place over the holiday weekend at the NJ Performing Arts Center. Drumming fans from all over the country came to see legendary players display their chops. Among the players was Chris Adler from Lamb of God, who was recently voted the “Best Up and Coming Drummer” in the Modern Drummer Reader Poll.

Chris played a Mapex Saturn kit for the festival and showed off his lightning fast hands and feet. He performed several Lamb of God songs with the accompaniment of his band mate and brother, Willie Adler, on guitar.

Chris’ drumming was impressive, and his communication skills really thrilled the crowd. During his performance, Chris told of how he started drumming at the age of 22, long after most people start playing. He described how never being formally trained has actually served to his advantage. "The nice thing about having never taking a drum lesson,” he said, "is that if I screw up, I don’t really know any better." The crowd was charmed by Chris who stressed to them that drumming is about having fun. It’s not about what you can do. It’s about having fun with what you can do.

Chris was the buzz of the show. Attendees both young and old were amazed with his talent both as a drummer and a storyteller. During the question and answer period of Chris' session, one gentlemen said he had no idea that a metal drummer could be so well spoken and eloquent and owed the heavy metal drumming community an apology.

Another performance that had people talking was that of 14-year-old Eloy Eloy Casagrande Lopes. The young Brazilian was named Best Unknown Drummer Under 18 by Modern Drummer. Mapex Drums supplied Eloy with a Saturn kit, and during his soundcheck and performance, he showed what he was capable of doing. Eloy blew the crowd away with his incredible hand and foot speed and remarkable sense of rhythm. "I don’t know about you,” said Rick Van Horn, Senior Editor of Modern Drummer, " but I certainly couldn't play like that when I was 14. I am not sure I can play like that now."

After a year away, the festival returned to the beautiful and spacious New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. The venue featured outstanding acoustics and an enormous stage area. This year’s festival was recorded for DVD which according to Modern Drummer will be available in the late fall.