Rig Rundown: The Grinch

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The Grinch is off to a good start here in Green Bay. Let’s take a look at my setup for this season:

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This year I’m playing a Champagne Sparkle DW kit It sounds great for this particular show. Beefy toms! I’m using a variety of Zildjian cymbals.

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Using the always trusty Roland SPD-SX with 9 different kits programmed (woodblocks, gong, tambourine, bass drum, chimes, glock, sleigh bells, triangle, finger cymbal, ratchet, and one timpani patch are all programmed). Two Adams timpani (29” and 26”). I also have an acoustic cowbell and Jam Block, but they didn’t make the pictures.

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Mmmm… I love a good metal station. Mark tree, two triangles, one finger cymbal, and three Miller Machines.

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Delvcam mounted on my music stand so I can see the conductor when I’m reading the music.

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Stick tray with a variety of multi-sticks, timpani mallets, brushes, triangle beater, sus mallets, and two caxixi.

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And finally, Aviom land. Each band member has their own channel in addition to a conductor mic and onstage mic.

That's a Wrap: Hundred Days

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My time performing in Hundred Days at La Jolla Playhouse was a dream come true. It was a pleasure to get to work each day with some of the most artistic, compassionate, and talented people I've ever met. I can't wait to start up the show again in Tampa in January. Until then, I'll be walking, I'll be walking.

📸: Lindsey Augusta Mercer

Rig Rundown: Hundred Days

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The cellist is naked! The throne is falling off the riser! What kind of show is this??? Let’s take a look at my setup for Hundred Days here at the La Jolla Playhouse!

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La Jolla Playhouse provided me with this black Gretsch Catalina maple kit. It was amazing not having to worry about schlepping drums across the country or setting up a rental in San Diego. The kit sounds great. We are expecting some new heads to arrive any day now.

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AVIOM land is a good scene! I have two running here: One for each instrument and voice and a dedicated one for just the drum mix. We are all using in-ear monitors which has been a godsend. I may never be able to go back to a wedge again!

Drum key and Moon Gels in an accessible position in case of emergency.

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I’m using my trusty SPD-SX for this one. I’ve built 12 kits (some of which are just running click tracks). The electronics add a nice element to this show. All sounds were provided by the composer, Shaun Bengson, except for a few 808 bass drums and claps. I’ve enjoyed working with our sound designer, Nicholas Pope, on dialing in levels and effects for each sound. I have a few glow dots on the machine so I know where to hit during two black out sections.

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I’m running a pedal trigger out of the SPD-SX for bass drum and other sounds and using a foot switch to turn the click track on and off. More glow dots!

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I finally get to put those contemporary percussion ensemble skills to use during a song that features bowed crotales. It’s a nice effect for the piece and serves as a few meditative minutes for me to re-center and think about what’s coming up next.

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Oh yeah, I’m a singer now! I sing harmony on a few songs. It has been a challenge for sure, but I’m surrounded by many amazing and supportive singers who are always uplifting.

The show runs in San Diego through October 21. If you are in the area, come on out to a show! Otherwise, perhaps I’ll see you this winter in Tampa or Miami!

From the Rehearsal Room: Hundred Days

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Hello from Day 2 of rehearsals for Hundred Days. Things are going along swimmingly! I’m an actor now! In addition to drumming for the show, I do some singing and choreography. Pray for me! Here’s a pic of my rehearsal setup. The midi keyboard is not part of my track, it’s just to help me with the vocals, as I’m singing on stage for the first time since singing a song from Annie at my seventh grade choir concert. Yikes.

VÉRITÉ

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Vérité is the truth, ya'll. It was a pleasure to backup Kelsey with an all-female orchestra at National Sawdust last night. She has a rabid fan base and it was heartwarming to watch the audience sing along to every tune. Thanks to The Hum and Kristine Kruta for making this happen! 

Take Flight

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Thanks to Cameron Kinnear, who I first met on Grinch last year, for having me at Lake Dillon's gala last week. We played a wonderful program consisting of blocks of music from Cole Porter, Pasek & Paul, and women composers of New York. Colorado was amazing. I hope to be back next year! 

Altar Boyz

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I had the pleasure of being the rehearsal drummer for Cape Playhouse's upcoming production of Altar Boyz. It was my first time working on a show from it's absolute beginnings. I was incredibly impressed with the leadership of director/choreographer Jason Sparks and his associate, Gina Duci, as well as the dancing and singing capabilities of the 5 performers. It was a fun and rewarding challenge to work literally measure-by-measure with Jordan Jones-Reese, who I first collaborated with during The Grinch in 2016. If you're in Cape Cod over the next two weeks, I highly recommend checking out the show!