What is Woodstick Big Beat 2011?

Woodstick Big Beat is a drumming event that will occur simultaneously in 15 cities across North America. Each individual city will attempt to set a World Record for the most drummers playing drumsets simultaneously. We will also attempt to set a cumulative record for all 15 cities playing drumsets simultaneously via live internet connection.

What are the current world records for drummers playing simultaneously?

The current U.S, single city record is 533 drummers set at Woodstick 2006 in Seattle. The current world city record is 583 set by drummers in Birmingham, England in 2008. The current world multi-city cumulative record is 1,187 set by drummers in 11 North American cities participating in the Five Star Big Beat 2009.

What happens at Woodstick Big Beat 2011?

You'll join hundreds of drummers on drumsets (our goal is 600), several celebrity drummers, and a live band playing several songs and drum patterns. The celebrity drummers will be featured in a series of mini-clinics that will take place on-site before the main event begins. Over $16,000 worth of drum gear will be given away to the highest pledge earners, in several contests and in random drawings.

When/Where is Woodstick Big Beat 2011? How long will it last?

Woodstick Big Beat 2011 will be held at Juanita Field House at Juanita High School, Kirkland, WA (10601 NE 132nd St, Kirkland, WA, 98034 map). Sunday, November 6, 2011 2pm - 4pm. Doors open at 10:00 AM. Plan to arrive no later than 1:00 PM in order to be set up before the event starts. Free drum clinics and drum performances will begin at 11:00am up until 2:00pm show time. Check the Event Details page for more details.

Who is sponsoring the event?

The Woodstick Big Beat 2011 is a joint venture of Donn Bennett Drum Studio in Bellevue and CK Financial Services. Here is our complete list of sponsors.

How much does it cost?

To participate, general admission costs $12.00. To watch, $10.00. Gold package registration is $125.00. Platinum package registration is $250.00. This is a fundraiser. All participants are highly encouraged to raise pledges (similar to walkathon). Anyone that raises $200.00 or more will be entered into a drawing for a huge prize package valued at over $5,000. There are a few different ways to register. All of the details are on the registration page.

Do I need to pre-register or can I pay at the door?

We highly recommend that you pre-register. Pre registraion will get you into the event and playing much quicker. You can also register and pay at the door on the day of the event.

I want to be in the very front rows. How can I be sure to get right up front?

There are two ways to assure that you are in the front. You can simply get there very early or you can register for the Gold or Platinum Packages. We will reserve approximately 1/2 of the front 5 rows for Gold and Platinum Package holders.

Are there any hotels nearby?

We have arranged a special rate of $79.00 per night at the Courtyard Marriott in Kirkland, less than 5 minutes from the Woodstick Big Beat venue. Please note that all individual reservations must be made by Friday, October 15th to ensure group rate and availability. Call (425) 602-3205 and ask for the Woodstick Big Beat group rate, good for the nights of 11/05 & 11/06. Click here for Hotel Information

Who can participate/attend?

Anyone can participate or attend, even beginners. To participate you must bring your own drumset and be able to play a simple rock beat at a moderate tempo (about 100 beats per minute).

Is there an age limit?

Woodstick/Big Beat 2011 is open to drummers of all ages. We have had drummers as young as three years old and as old as 85 years old. Participants will not be supervised. We ask that very young children be accompanied by an adult.

How can I participate if I do not play the drums?

We're offering a FREE Woodstick group lesson. You'll learn to play a basic drum set beat and fill; everything you need to know to participate in this Guiness world record event. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. ALL AGES.

We supply drums for the class. The class is FREE but you must register in advance. Class is limited to the first 20 registrants. Details to follow.

Do I need to raise pledges to participate?

No, but we urgently request that everyone that attends try to raise at least $50.00 in pledges. If you raise $200 or more in pledges, you will be entered in a drawing for a $5,000.00 drum prize package.

Can I print a flyer?

Yes! Click here to get a flyer.

I want to participate at a location other than Seattle/Juanita. Where can I go?

Contact the other participating Five Star Drum Shops across the USA and Canada.

Bellevue, WA - Donn Bennett Drum Studio - www.bennettdrums.com
Buffalo, NY - Buffalo Drum Outlet - www.buffalodrumoutlet.com
Champaign, IL - Skins-n-Tins Drum Shop - www.skinsntins.com
Columbus, OH - Columbus Percussion - www.columbuspercussion.com
Fort Collins, CO - Colorado Drum & Percussion - www.coloradodrum.com
Hollywood, FL - Resurrection Drums - www.rezdrums.com
Houston, TX - The Percussion Center - www.percussiononline.com
Plainview, NY - Original Long Island Drum Center - www.lidrum.com
Portland, OR - Rhythm Traders - www.rhythmtraders.com
San Jose, CA - Lemmon Percussion - www.drumsusa.com
St. Louis, MO - Drum Headquarters - www.drumheadquarters.com
St. Paul, MN - Ellis Drum Shop - www.ellisdrumshop.com
Toronto, ON - Just Drums - www.justdrums.com
Tulsa, OK - Drum World - www.drumdaytulsa.com
Willowick, OH - Stebal Drums - www.stebaldrums.com

Where does the money go?

By raising pledges as part of your participation in the Woodstick/Big Beat, you'll be helping school music programs and a local camp for seriously ill children. See the fund raising page for more details.

How do I get my drums into the venue?

You will be able to unload your car very close to the spot you will be setting up (100-200 feet). You can either leave one person from your party with your drums while the other parks your vehicle OR a volunteer will wait with your drums until you can park your car. Carts will be available for moving your drums. Parking is free.

Should I label my gear?

YES. There will be hundreds of drum sets. We don't want anyone to lose anything. We recommend you label each piece of your drum set with your name and phone number. To the best of our knowledge nobody has ever lost any drum gear at Woodstick in the past. Let's keep it that way.

What equipment should I bring?
You can bring as many drums as you like. In order to be recognized as a complete drumset you must have at least:
- A Bass drum with a pedal
- A snare drum with a stand
- A tom tom
- A hi-hat, ride or crash cymbal
- Any and all spikes MUST be retracted or covered with rubber feet.
- You MUST bring a small rug to set up on large enough so that none of your hardware touches the floor.

Will my drums be safe at the venue?

There has never been a problem with theft at Woodstick and we want to keep it that way. We cannot be responsible for anyone's drums. Label your drums and use common sense.

Will it be loud in the venue?

Yes! We strongly recommend wearing earplugs. Bring your own or purchase them at the event for $1.00.

Is there food/water?

The Field House concession stand will be open during the event.

What celebrity drummers will perform?

No drummers are confirmed at this time. We expect a total of 10 celebrity drummers this year. Check out the Woodstick 2011 Artists page and watch for updates of all the latest additions.

Will I be able to meet the celebrity drummers?

There will be an autograph line with all participating celebrity drummers following the event. Also, as part of our Platinum packages there will be a meet and greet reception just prior to the start of the event.

Can I take pictures/video/record audio?

Yes.

How do I get involved?

There are several opportunities for volunteers. Some of the areas we'll need help in are parking, floor direction, set up and tear down, and hospitality. If you'd like to volunteer, please contact Lori Morisette