Swinging On Vine: Happy 50th, Pro Drum
By Dan Konopka
On June 6th, 2009 at the Avalon Theatre in Hollywood, I was lucky enough to attend the Professional Drum Shop 50th anniversary show.
The show started with owners Stan and Jerry Keyawa taking their roles as the day’s emcees, and accepting honorary plaques and gifts from Gretsch, Sabian, Mapex, and Zildjian.
They then offered the stage to Remo Belli, who shared stories about the shop and introduced Ronald Brunner Sr. for a bit more retrospection.
The Avalon started to fill with people—my guess is around 400 plus. The GA seating was packed with admiring fans and L.A. pros alike. Behind the roped-off VIP area sat Vic Firth, Hal Blaine, Joe Porcaro, Freddie Gruber, members of the Yeager family, and other venerable guests.
Ronald Brunner Sr. introduced his son, Ronald Brunner Jr., and band to kick things off. Ronald’s performance was a thrilling mix of speed and control within a cauldron of aggressive jazz fusion. There were lots of ripping solos, generally escalating to mind-blowing endings with Ronald blazing around his kit. Between songs, Ronald Jr. reminisced about visiting Pro Drum Shop as a kid on Saturdays, getting his first pair of sticks, first cymbal, and so on.
Following Brunner’s performance, Stan and Jerry kept the festivities going with a few stories of their own. They then introduced Green Day’s Tre Cool, whose new signature Leedy drumset was displayed in the theatre lobby.
The second performance of the day was by the amazing Emil Richards and his eighteen-piece band. Playing eight or so bopping big band pieces, they were swinging hard and high. Emil’s performance on xylophone was truly awe-inspiring, but without question my highlight was watching the effortless, loosey-goosey Bernie Dresel—his playing was relaxed, authentic, and exciting.
The crowd had found its groove. Those not intently watching the show were milling about the multiple bars, drinking and hanging: talking gear, shooting the shit about gigs, catching up with friends, and spinning drum tales from as far back as the 1950’s or as recently as the last January’s NAMM show. Not surprisingly, everyone was having a chill good time—this is family after all.
Soon after Emil’s band, Stan and Jerry returned to the stage to call up DW’s John Good and Don Lombardi for a few words and yet another congratulatory presentation.
Next up was an impressive and highly entertaining documentary about the history of the Professional Drum Shop. Narrated by Stan Keyawa, the film explores the rich and colorful life of Pro Drum founder Bob Yeager and the Shop’s 50 year legacy. Jam-packed with old photos and newly-filmed interviews with Pro Drum employees and some of the biggest names in drumming, we get an inside look at the deep roots and far-reaching impact of this tiny shop within the L.A. drum scene. It affirms the rich history of the Los Angeles drumming community, and made me proud to be part of it. A standing ovation was accorded by the pumped and grateful crowd.
To cap the celebration, a Ludwig Black Beauty, a Tama Bubinga snare, and a Tama Bubinga drum kit were raffled off.
Pro Drum’s 50th was a blast to attend, and everyone involved enjoyed a great afternoon of drum-goodness. The unifying vibe was undeniable and felt by everyone. For me personally, knowing Stan and Jerry and being an enthusiastic customer since 2002, it was an honor to be there.
The loyalty, reverence and affection Pro Drum enjoys from drummers in this town is hard-earned and well-deserved. Since 1959, Professional Drum Shop has been serving L.A.’s drummers with the dedication, expertise and goodwill that should easily see them into the next 50 years and beyond.
Dan Konopka is the drummer with OK Go, and wearer of stylish caps. He resides in L.A. with his lovely wife and crazy-face cat.