Cape Breton International Drum Festival


The Cape Breton International Drum Festival, also known as the Cape Breton Drum Fest, is an annual event held in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. The first festival was in 2001, and there have been festivals ever since, around the beginning of May of each year.

History

This festival was organized by drummer and educator Bruce Aitken Over the past years, famous drummers such as Todd Sucherman, Alan White, and others have performed at this event. Bruce himself has been featured in many magazines as a great promoter of drumming in his community.

2001

Otarion Show Case 2009:
Special Guest Stars 2009
10th anniversary: "Year of the Legends"
Each year, beginning with 2006, there has been a special Masters class associated with the drum fest. This consists of a drummer performing at the Crown & Moose Pub and Grill at the Delta Hotel, in Sydney. The class takes place on the second day of the festival, before the festival at the Savoy Theater has started. The performer takes questions and educates the audience. In 2006, Bernard Purdie performed there, and Denny Seiwell did the Masters class in 2007. The Masters class in 2008 will be performed by Uriel Jones.

Legends Award

Also beginning with 2006, Bruce had organized an award to be presented to the drummer who should deserve it. In 2006, it was presented to Bernard Purdie and Hal Blaine. Blaine did not attend due to his declining health, but he sent a message with his regards. In 2007, the award was presented to Denny Seiwell and Steve Gadd. The award to Gadd was presented to Alan White, who delivered it to Gadd. At the drum festival, by way of e-mail, Seiwell received an acknowledgment from Paul McCartney, with whom Seiwell had performed.