“We are thrilled to be part of the LP family,” said Peter Williams, Executive Director of Napa Valley Opera House. “We look forward to many shows with Latin Percussion’s excellent gear on stage.”

The Napa Valley Opera House is nestled among world-class restaurants and wine tasting rooms. Originally constructed in 1879, the Napa Valley Opera House is a National Historic Landmark and its Margrit Biever Mondavi Theatre underwent an extensive and lavish renovation in 2002.

“It’s an honor for LP to be partners with such a prestigious and impressive venue,” said Joe Vasko, LP Vice President and General Manager. “Our instruments have found a happy home here and will be used by some of the world’s finest musicians while they perform for some of the world’s most discerning audiences.”

Included in the donation are a wide assortment of LP congas, bongos, timbales, cowbells and many other hand percussion instruments.

Latin Percussion announced the release of its new Americana Series of Cajons. Manufactured entirely in the USA, Americana Cajons are constructed using hand-selected, 11-ply, plantation grown Baltic Birch, chosen for its superior durability and incredible resonance. The Americana Series makes its debut featuring three distinct models, a String Style cajon, a Snare Style model and a traditional Peruvian model. Each cajon is carefully made by hand using a uniquely engineered design and shape that optimizes the instrument’s acoustic performance and delivers a rich, satisfying tonal range. In addition, all of the materials used in the manufacturing of the Americana Series meet Phase II CARB Compliance and Lacey Act Standards.

“With the Americana Series, LP has a taken a giant leap forward in our Cajon offering,” said Victor Filonovich, Director of Product Management. “Months of research went into choosing the optimal selection of materials to maximize our advanced design and ultimately produce the best sounding cajons ever made.

What’s more, our decision to manufacture these instruments in the United States, near our world headquarters in Garfield, New Jersey affords us the opportunity to closely monitor product quality and continue to work with our manufacturing facility on developing more new instruments quickly and efficiently.”

To further ensure the quality of every Americana Series cajon, each instrument receives a final ten-point inspection by a quality control specialist before it is boxed to ship. The specialist closely examines each cajon and upon approval, hand signs an inspection certificate that is placed in the carton with the drum.

The Americana String Style Cajon (LP1437) uses a hand-selected, exotic African Sapele wood front plate and highly responsive, custom-designed D’Addario® strings. The combination of the two results in a crisp vocalization that’s essential for the traditional Flamenco sound. LP’s state-of-the-art tuning mechanism is easy to reach and allows the player to control string sensitivity and tonal response with a standard drum key. The String Style Cajon features angled corners for added player comfort and measures 11 3/4″ x 11 7/8″ x 19″. MSRP for the String Style Cajon is $459.

With a front plate made from hand-selected exotic lyptus and okoume wood, the Americana Snare Style Cajon (LP1438) uses Puresound® Custom Pro brass snare wires that produce a lively, sizzling articulation, that’s bright and resonant. Like the String Style model, the Snare Style Cajon has angled corners for player comfort and measures 11 3/4″ x 11 7/8″ x 19″. The American Series Snare Style Cajon has an MSRP of $429.

To round out the introduction of the series, LP also created the Americana Peruvian Style Cajon (LP1439) The hand-selected, exotic African okoume wood front plate produces a wide spectrum of traditional Peruvian-style cajon sounds, from the highest-pitched slaps to the deepest, most thunderous bass tones. With its precision dovetail construction, the Peruvian Style Cajon measures 11 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ x 19 1/2″ and carries an MSRP of $359.

“With the Americana Series, LP refused to settle for anything less than exceptional quality and premium performance,” said LP Vice President and General Manager Joe Vasko. “LP has a well-earned reputation for developing and producing the world’s greatest percussion instruments and the Americana Series of Cajons is no exception.”

Whether it be a percussionist needing a premium cajon to perform traditional world music or a drum set player looking for a portable rhythmic solution for “unplugged” gigs, the Americana Series Cajons from LP are among the most well-built, best sounding cajons in the world.

Many of these events offer free (or very nominal) admission and all are designed to inspire, educate and entertain everyone in attendance. Please check with the event organizer for admission fees and start times.
 

Thu, May 17th at 7pm
KEITH CARLOCK CLINIC
Guitar Center

2633 N Halsted Street
Chicago, ILLINOIS
Phone: 877-904-7643

Mon, May 21st – Afternoon and
Tues, May 22nd – 7 pm
FREE ZORO CLINICS
Private Lessons both dates by appt
$50 for 30 minute session
Vic’s Drum Shop

Located in the Music Garage
345 N. Loomis
Chicago, ILLINOIS
Phone: 312-770-1200

Mon, June 4th
DAVE WECKL CLINIC
Vic’s Drum Shop

345 N. Loomis
Chicago, ILLINOIS
Phone: 312-770-1200

Thu, June 14th
Santana Percussionists
KARL PERAZZO & RAUL REKOW CLINIC
Jims Music Center
14061 Tustin Ave
Tustin, CALIFORNIA
Phone: 800-644-6874

Sat, June 16th
Santana Percussionists
KARL PERAZZO & RAUL REKOW CLINIC
West LA Music
11345 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA
Phone: 310-477-1945

Mon, June 18th
Santana Percussionists
KARL PERAZZO & RAUL REKOW CLINIC
International House of Music
339 South Broadway
Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA
Phone: 213-628-9161

Thu, Jul 12th – Sat, Jul 14th
JOHN RILEY WORKSHOPS
Contemporary Drums and Percussion Camp
University of Central Florida
4000 Central Florida Boulevard
Orlando, FLORIDA

Sun, Jul 15th – Sat, Jul 21st
University of Louisville, School of Music
Hands On Percussion Experience (H.O.P.E) Percussion Camp
DR DON N. PARKER WORKSHOPS
Louisville, KENTUCKY
Contact: Dr. Greg Byrne, Host
Phone: 502-852-4665

Mon, Jul 16th
TOM TEASLEY WORKSHOPS
Goucher College Drum set and Percussion Camp
1021 Dulaney Valley Road
Baltimore, MARYLAND
Contact: Wes Crawford
Phone: 301-275-4675

Mon, Jul 16th
STEVE FIDYK WORKSHOPS
The Performing Arts Institute
201 North Sprague Ave.
Kingston, PENNSYLVANIA
Contact: Nancy Sanderson
Phone: 570-270-2188

Wed, Jul 25th – Sat, Jul 28th
MICHAEL SPIRO WORKSHOPS
Explorations in Afro-Cuban Dance & Drum Workshops
Humboldt State University
1 Harpst Street
Arcata, CALIFORNIA
Contact: Ward Angles

All four percussionists are members of Ruben Blades’ band, Seis Del Solar, whose recording, Todos Vuelven Live, recently won the Latin Grammy® for Best Salsa album. All four artists received the coveted award for their work on the recording.

“We are so proud to have these stellar artists on our endorser roster,” said Steve Nigohosian, Director of Artist Relations for LP, Toca, Gretsch and Gibraltar. “This is a well deserved honor and we’re thrilled that these gentlemen are being recognized for their talent and many years of contributing to Latin music.”

“Just playing in a band and being surrounded by such immense talent is a true privilege in itself,” said renowned LP Artist Eddie Montalvo. “But to then be awarded such a prestigious honor on top of that it’s icing on the cake!”

A wide variety of LP and Toca instruments were used during the recording of Todos Vuelven Live including LP congas, djembes, bongos, cowbells, blocks and shakers. Marrero used a wide variety of Toca hand percussion during the tour and the recording of the award-winning album.

“My very first drumming influence was John Bonham. My older brother gave me a couple of Led Zeppelin tapes when I was 7 years old, and I fell in love,” says Ellen. “In high school I got really into William Goldsmith of Sunny Day Real Estate and Jeff Kropp of Hum. I started paying guitar and singing in a band with a great drummer named Ben Kane. I would have to say Ben is the reason I ever became a credible drummer. I would watch him during practices and we would air-drum together to songs we loved.”

Among several LP products Elaine will be playing LP’s all new Twist Shakers. She particularly loved the variety of sound combinations that could be achieved with the multiple-volume shakers.

Neon Trees is currently on the touring the United States supporting their new album, Picture Show. The tour is scheduled to continue throughout the summer. For more information, you can visit the Neon Trees website at fameisdead.com

“I’m proud to be a member of the LP and Gretsch teams,” said Carlock. “The gear sounds fantastic and I’m thrilled to be involved with the new and innovative instruments that are being introduced.”

One of those new and innovative instruments is the all-new Gretsch Brooklyn Drum Series. Gretsch outfitted Carlock with a new Brooklyn kit and he immediately began breaking it in while gigging in New York City with friends Anton Fig and Will Lee. Carlock is also using a range of LP gear on his kit, from a Rock Cowbell, a Micro Snare and the all-new Hi-Hat Chick-Ita.

On March 7, Carlock gave an afternoon clinic hosted by American Music in Seattle, Washington and played to a packed house.

Michael Cotta from American Music said, “This was the first time the store has held a clinic in the middle of the day and it was a big success! Working with Keith was incredibly easy and very much a pleasure. He answered everyone’s questions and made everyone feel comfortable and happy to be there. He’s a great ambassador!”

The clinic at American Music was a tune-up for Carlock’s upcoming 13-city clinic tour that kicks of on Tuesday, April 17 at Professional Drum Shop in Hollywood, CA and wraps up on Thursday, May 3 at DiCenso’s Drum Shop in Weymouth, WA.

For more information about Keith Carlock clinic dates, times and locations, visit lpmusic.com.

Lowe will be primarily be playing LP cajons, djembes and assorted hand percussion. “I’m happy to be part of the LP roster,” said Lowe. “There’s such a great heritage of legendary players that have played LP. I’m proud to be a part of that group of performers.”

Having toured with prestigious national and international artists throughout her career, Jen Lowe is no stranger to some of the world’s most influential songwriters. She has most recently been working with Ed Roland from Collective Soul, Kevin Griffin from Better Than Ezra, Ed Kowalczyk from Live and Emerson Hart from Tonic. She is also working on her second solo record.

“We’re thrilled to have Jen as a member of the LP family,” said Director of Marketing, Jeff Ivester. “She brings a broad range of talent to the table and having her perform on stage playing LP instruments is tribute to our brand.”
 
Jen recently recorded several how to videos at LP, click here to view.
 

Vicki has long been a supporter of Latin Music, and is known for her long-running Salsa and Latin jazz radio program Que Viva La Música, heard on 89.1 WFDU-FM and www.wfdu.fm, in the New York City metro community.
 
 

LP returns to Winter NAMM in Anaheim this week with a treasure trove of new products. Take a look at our NAMM videos and see what’s in store for drummers and percussionists in 2012.

Day 3 Video:

Day 2 Video:

Day 1 Video:

Jamming on the LP Classic Model Congas:

Jamming on the LP Drum Set:

The LP Mini Merengue Guira (LP303) is made in the U.S.A. from durable stainless steel and measures 9.75 inches in length and 3 inches in diameter. Its attached metal handle makes it easy and comfortable to hold. The instrument includes an LP333 Pro Scraper and carries and MSRP of $75.99.