On Nov. 7th, I went to participate in Texas Big Beat, a fund raising event. As written in the e-mail from the five-star percussion shop that organizes and hosts this event every year, "Drummers gathered on Sunday, November 7th at a warehouse at the Bush Intercontinental Airport to to groove together and make a difference for our youth, our schools and our communities! Over $14,000 (and still counting) was raised by 101 drummers who appreciate the difference that music can make in a young person's life. The funds support Houston youth via programs provided by Cherish Our Children International and The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation!" There were 1,353 drum set players in 14 other cities, making for a total of 1,454 drum set players and 199 hand percussionists. This is my fourth year of participation, starting in 2007, also the year when it first started.

"A music festival atmosphere was created with celebrity performances/clinics by Rick Latham, Derico Watson and Mike Mitchell; entertainment provided by Lone Star Choppaz, Humble High School Trash Can Band and Cypress Lakes Drumline..."

We were connected with drummers in 14 other cities via a fast Internet connection in the attempt to break the record for the most number of drum set players playing together at once. Here are some photos of the event. The main stage just a few feet from my drum set.

Here is me trying out another drummer's drum set.

This is my drum set. The photo looks reddish because there is a large red light on, which means "Stop playing immediately." The others are me aping on the drum set.

Cypress Lakes Drumline

Humble High School Trash Can Band

A general view of the drumming event.

Then, we had the Lone Star Choppaz, who put on a great show!

Performers on the main stage.

Drummers sharing chops.