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Area Store Participating In Drum Solo Contest

Klint Lowry/SUNCOAST NEWS

He's just a beginner, but 10-year-old Austin Ratliffe of New Port Richey gives his beat of approval to the new Dixon Drums "Demon" kit at Encore Music Emporium in Port Richey. Experienced drummers who give the skins workout could win a trip to Hollywood through a contest sponsored by the manufacturer.

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By KLINT LOWRY | The Suncoast News

Published: September 3, 2008

PORT RICHEY - Ah, the drummer: the unsung, usually un-singing foundation of any rock band. While the guitarists and lead singers strut about up front for the fans to fawn over, it's the drummer's steady hand at the back of the stage that gives the group its heartbeat.

Finally, drummers, the spotlight is on you. And as usual when that happens, it means it's time for a solo.

Only this time, instead of the admiration of a roomful of head-bangers, the stakes are a bit higher. Beat those skins impressively enough, and you could be going west, young man - or woman as the case may be.

Dixon Drums is holding a nationwide drum solo contest, with the grand prize a trip to Hollywood, television exposure and a chance to meet and impress the "right people."

The first step to entering is to visit a participating Dixon retailer, and is has it happens, Encore Music, 11614 U.S. 19, is one of only two music stores in all of Florida listed on the contest Web site as a participating retailer. Bring a buddy who knows how to point a video camera.

Then comes the easy part. Have your friend make a two-minute recording of you playing your best drum solo on the Dixon Demon kit at the store. The audio-video must be in a format that can be uploaded to a Web site.

"They don't have to call ahead," Encore Music General Manager Mike Trapani said. "Part of the agreement is that the kit is available at all times during business hours."

Encore Music is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays. For more information visit the store's Web site, www.encoremusicstore.com>.

Once you have your video, go online to www.youtube.com/user/DixonDrums> or www.dixondrums.net>, click on the promotion link and upload your entry. All entries must be completed and submitted by 11:59:59 p.m., Sept. 27.

The public will then get to vote to determine the top six entries. Once the final six are picked, a panel of judges from The A&R Channel will then vote on a Grand Prize winner.

The A&R Channel is an on-demand cable channel that features mainstream and underground music. Its main focus is finding and showcasing up-and-coming talent.

The grand prize includes a three-day, two-night trip for two to Hollywood, including airfare, hotel and transportation between the airport and the hotel. While in Hollywood, the winner will perform with studio musicians live in front of an A&R panel at a major recording studio.

The performance will be videotaped and be the feature for a television special that may air on the A&R Channel. The trip is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 19 - 21.

The grand prize also includes a Dixon Outlaw Series seven-piece drum set and a full Dixon 900 series hardware outfit, including double bass pedal and throne. All told, the grand prize is valued at $10,000. The other five finalists will also win Dixon gear, including a snare drum.

The contest is open to drummers age 14 and older. Be sure to check out the full contest rules at www.dixondrums.net> so your video is submitted properly and gets posted for voting.

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