54 - Kelli Rae Tubbs - Drumming Historian

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Where the backbeats meet the spirits.
Episode #54.  On this podcast, our guest is Kelli Rae Tubbs. She's a drummer and percussionist working in the music industry for more than three decades, Kelli’s resume spans the musical spectrum, covering jazz, pop, country, bluegrass, drum corps, brass band, and children's music. Since 2017, she has served as the house percussionist at the Smoky Mountain Opry in Pigeon Forge, TN. Over the last decade, Kelli has established a formidable “second” career as a collector, researcher, and clinician. She has presented on the preservation and restoration of antique drums as well as historical drumming methods at the Chicago Drum Show,  the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, the Delaware Drum Show, and the National Women's Music Festival.   

The opening track is written by Kelli and Andy LaCasse titled "Calcutta Rodeo". The outro track Kelli drums on "Landlocked" by "Waltzing on Waves"  solo artist, Jen Bluhm. 

Here are a few things you will hear in this episode: 

• Being the house percussionist at the Smokey Mountain Opry in Pigeon Forge, TN, and performing with The Voice's season 12 winner, Chris Blue
• Receiving grants and fellowships to document and explore the history of drums
• Working on a book with noted drummer, author, and educator Daniel Glass. 
• A riverboat gig as a riverlorian. Think river historian fused with music
• Check out her YouTube channel where Kelli showcases the history of drumming and instruments used
• Being a judge for Hit Like a Girl for the last few years and what styles, or things she's seen change over the years with the competitors and offers some advice for future competitors.

In four beats or less:

• If she was asked at the same time to fill in on drums for the Beatles or the Police, which gig does she take?
• Which era of music is her favorite to perform?
• Most interesting drum hardware she's come across?
• What’s a Spinal tap moment she had at a gig?
  
  

Visit Kelli's links:
Drum Magazine article featuring Kelli
https://kelliraetubbs.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KelliRaeTubbsDrums/
https://twitter.com/kelliraetubbs
https://www.youtube.com/kelliraetubbs

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