AUDW 2009 - Melbourne Australia

drummerstix_au

Senior Member
Hey Everyone,

Thought I'd let you all know about a special performance with Dom Famularo, Mike Mignogna (http://www.lookmanofeet.com), and myself, Andrew Hewitt at this year's Australian Ultimate Drummers Weekend (AUDW) in Melbourne.

The gig is at Darebin Arts Centre corner of Bell Street and St Georges Road, Preston and is at around 2:30pm on Sunday 26th July 2009. Tickets are available through Drumtek http://www.drumtek.com.au/html/audw2009.html

Mike is a former student of Dom's who like myself has overcome the physical challenges of cerebral palsy.

This is going to be a very unique performance. Not to be missed!!!

Cheers,
 
Dammit! the downfall of living in West OZ!
 
Ah. I saw you guys on the DrumTek website and wondered what your story was.

Unfortunately I'm going to be Canada for the AUDW, but I have some mates planning on going.
 
Hi Everyone, thought I'd share some pics from my performance at this year's Australia's Ultimate Drummers Weekend in Melbourne back in July.

On stage was myself, Mike Mignogna and Dom Famularo. Was really cool... Mike and I both have Cerebral Palsy, and it was the first time we had both played together.

Dom is an amazing drummer, and very cool to share a stage with him.

Ive never done a gig before where my knees trembled before I went on stage.

Had 2 stage guys carry me from my wheelchair at the side of the stage, lift me up and over the stool and landed my feet on both pedals with precision :)

Funniest part was getting back stage.... we had 4 kits in a row.. then mine.... Virg's kit was kit #1... the stage guys lifted me up and over Virg's high suspended toms.. legs first.... and carried me the rest of the way to my riser. When the kit was moved into place on stage, I was sitting at the kit... it was such an amazing feeling.

During the rehearsal earlier.. Dom had asked me to lead... so I started with a simple fill on the snare... then laid down a groove. Dom and Mike followed.

At the end I got up on my crutches and went to the front of the stage with Dom and Mike, and did a bow.... almost falling over in the process cos my legs were trembling so much.... at times like that... thank god for wheelchairs!!! :)

My kit, due to my endorsement with DW... was a PDP Platinum series kit in a dark green/grey/black woodgrain finish... wicked sounding kit... also Im endorsed by Zildjian, so I had a mix of K's, A Customs and a Rezo crash... as per usual they sounded amazing.

Anyway hope you enjoy the pics. Im waiting for some video to be sent to me, as soon as I get it... I'll post it.

Cheers.
 

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Hey Drummerstix, good work! It's hard enough to deal with the logistics of drumming without extra hurdles to jump. You guys are just amazing.

Who's who in the photos?
 
Im in Brisbane and was going to see Dom, Thomas Pridgen and Mike but tickets sold out :( looks like it was a blast in melbourne. Im amazed at how you have overcome these problems and still achieved things. You certainly are an inspiriation!
 
Hey Guys,

Yeah my name is Andrew Hewitt... next year Ive been playing drums for 30 years.... I travel all over Australia performing with bands and holding clinics and specialised drum workshops for people with disabilities.

In the photos.. Im the guy with the long hair and the goatie.... Mike is the other guy on crutches, and Dom of course. There is also a photo there of myself, Pete Lockett and Thomas Pridgen.... those guys were amazing to work alongside.

Anyone want to see more, check out my website http://www.drummerstix.com.au

Cheers.
 
Great going Andrew! I hear from some friends that its a heck of an event, and has had some great great performances in the past. I trying to get my hands on past DVDs that I believe are out there..

great pics too! cheers
 
I'll echo Polly's reply. I have a progressive spinal tumor that will result in my legs failing eventually. I have some disfunction now but I can mostly still use my legs. I haven't heard of you or your activities before and find it very inspiring to hear there's drumming after paralysis. I'm very curious to know how you get around the operating the kick drum & hats. Would be good to know for when the day eventually comes. Here's hoping that's a long way away. I think what you're doing is simply superb. Huge respect & fondest regards, Andy (KIS).
 
That last picture of you and Dom is priceless. That is his outstanding personality beaming through. I met him some months ago and it was as if he had known me for ever. Poor guy even told me I looked like his ex-wife.
 
I'll echo Polly's reply. I have a progressive spinal tumor that will result in my legs failing eventually. I have some disfunction now but I can mostly still use my legs. I haven't heard of you or your activities before and find it very inspiring to hear there's drumming after paralysis. I'm very curious to know how you get around the operating the kick drum & hats. Would be good to know for when the day eventually comes. Here's hoping that's a long way away. I think what you're doing is simply superb. Huge respect & fondest regards, Andy (KIS).

I have for many years worked with sound guys having my kick drum mic to the red... but the past 8 years I have been using triggers on my kick. I trigger my kick, and a 10inch tom which is mounted next to my snare, which is also triggered as a kick... this way I can play both kick drum with right foot or left hand if my foot gets tired.... or... I am now working on double kick between right foot and left hand. My hihat usage is very minimal...I usually keep it closed but can play some open/close hihat stuff when the songs are slow and moody.

Cheers,
 
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