Month: May 2024

Hal Blaine at Zildjian. It was May 12, 2012, an extraordinary day when I found myself at the Zildjian West headquarters for a special private event held exclusively for Zildjian artists. In the main room, famous drummers and percussion enthusiasts were mingling. Among the attendees was a renowned cymbal expert from the Zildjian factory in Boston, who shared fascinating insights into the craftsmanship behind the iconic cymbals.

As I wandered towards Kirsten Matt’s office, I had the incredible fortune of bumping into Hal Blaine, the legendary drummer known for his work with The Wrecking Crew. To my amazement, Hal and I hit it off immediately. Surprisingly, our conversation veered away from drums and music. Instead, we talked about life. Hal’s warmth and humility made it feel like I was catching up with an old friend rather than meeting an iconic figure for the first time.

Hal Blaine at Zildjian

Kirsten Matt captured the moment with a photo, a treasured keepsake of that unforgettable encounter.

Years, before this chance meeting, I was at my local skatepark. That morning was cold (by California standards), so I was wearing my favorite Zildjian sweatshirt. As I took a break, a familiar face approached me—Josh, a fellow skateboarder who frequented the park.

“Hey, cool sweatshirt! My grandpa drums for that company,” Josh said, pointing to the Zildjian logo.

I was momentarily stunned. “who is your grandpa?” I asked, connecting the dots.

“My uncle is Hal Blaine” Josh replied with a big grin.

We never spoke of it again. And I didn’t think I would ever have a chance to meet Hal Blaine or speak of his grandson. But that chance meeting with Hal Blaine at the special Zildjian artists’ event and the subsequent connection with his grandson Josh were reminders of the unexpected ways our lives intersect. I am lucky to have met Hal, his drumming was the soundtrack of my generation’s life.

Other drum content from this website

Drumline Tryouts: 1980 memories is a song by Ken Hada from the series of songs called March. I wrote this series of songs about my time in the drumline at Kennedy. and this song is about my first encounters with the drumline. The pictures and film clips are from the drum lines between 1980 and 1982. Again the song is about the 1980 Drumline. You can hear any of the songs I wrote on all streaming apps as well as YouTube.

The drumline was my first real taste of what felt like a 1980’s male bonding and almost frat house experience. The relentless rehearsals, the inside jokes, the late-night hangouts, and the unspoken competition created an environment that was both intense and incredibly formative. This rite of passage was not just about mastering the paradiddles and flams, but about finding my place in a community that valued precision, passion, and a bit of playful chaos.

Drumline Tryouts: 1980 memories

“Drumline Tryouts” stands as a tribute to those formative years. The song is part of a larger collection I began writing in the 1990s called March. I wrote the chords and arrangement for this and the rest of the songs in the collection back then. Revisiting these old compositions and breathing new life into them has been a journey in itself. Although I wrote the music in the 1990s, I didn’t know what stories these songs would eventually contain.

While I played drums, arranged, and recorded most of the tracks, I was fortunate to collaborate with Joey Grijalva, who brought his guitar expertise to the table, and Don Duckworth, whose bass lines added depth to the composition. Their contributions helped shape the sound of “Drumline Tryouts,” but the essence of the song remains deeply personal. Every beat, every chord progression, and every lyric is infused with the memories of my high school days, capturing the essence of that unforgettable rite of passage.

Skateboarding on Mother’s Day? In a world where skateboarding events often prioritize competition and sponsorship deals, “Mighty Mama Skate-O-Rama” stands out as a rare beacon of grassroots skateboarding. Mighty Mama Skate-O-Rama is a celebration driven not by corporate interests, but by the pure love of the sport. Founded by author Barb Odanka, this event embodies the essence of skateboarding for the sheer joy of it.

Photographing Mighty Mama Skate-O-Rama offers a glimpse into a world where skateboarding isn’t about prizes or recognition. Instead, this yearly event is about the simple pleasure of rolling on four wheels. Each photograph captures moments of enthusiasm and unfiltered creativity. Mothers and their children revel in the freedom of expression that skateboarding provides.

Against the backdrop of the Laguna Niguel Skatepark, these images tell a story of authenticity and community. In fact, this is a place where skaters of all ages and backgrounds come together to share in the thrill of riding. From beginners finding their balance to seasoned veterans, Mighty Mama Skate-O-Rama embraces skateboarding in its purest form—a celebration of freedom, creativity, and the boundless joy of rolling with friends.

As the event continues to thrive year after year, it serves as a reminder that, at its core, skateboarding is about more than just tricks. Skateboarding is about connection, camaraderie, and the simple pleasure of riding. In a world that often moves at breakneck speed, Mighty Mama Skate-O-Rama offers a chance to slow down, connect with others, and rediscover the joy of skateboarding for the sheer love of it.

Skateboarding On Mother’s Day?