ANAHEIM, CA — On Saturday, January 21, Yamaha Drums reinvented NAMM's most anticipated drum event, "Groove All Stars," an evening of unparalleled entertainment provided by the country's foremost musicians. The special concert took place at the Cerritos Performing Arts Center in Cerritos, Calif. and featured more than 20 world-class drummers backed by an all-star band playing Yamaha guitars, basses, keyboards, percussion, and horns. Top-notch vocalists also performed.

After taking a break in 2005, Yamaha's former "Groove Night," held from 2000-2004, set the stage for one-of-a kind drum events. This year's newly named "Groove All Stars" incorporated the best of past events as well as an energy all its own. The evening's master of ceremonies, longtime Yamaha artist Rick Marotta, has recorded and toured with luminaries such as James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Steely Dan, and Paul Simon. "We're back and better than ever. New name, new venue, new songs and great players – what else could any music fan want?" comments Marotta.

"There is no other show that assembled this many of today's top drummers combined with such an all-star band all in one night," adds Yamaha Drums' International Artist Relations Manager, Joe Testa. "Their individual backgrounds are more than impressive and combined record sales are in the millions, if not billions. For any drummer, this night was a dream come true; for any music lover, this night was entertainment at its finest." Drummers that performed included: Tommy Aldridge, Zachary Alford, Eddie Bayers, Michael Bland, Bobby Blotzer, Tom Brechtlein, Matt Cameron, Keith Carlock, Ndugu Chancler, Peter Erskine, Steve Gadd, Rick Marotta, Marvin McQuitty, Russ Miller, Andy Newmark, Chris Parker, John ''JR'' Robinson, Oscar Seaton, Dave Weckl, Ian Wallace, along with more surprises.

The all-star band was comprised of Ross Bolton (guitars), Jon Greathouse (keyboards), Will Lee (bass/vocals), Ralph MacDonald (percussion), George Shelby (saxophone and horn leader), David Spinozza (guitars), Neil Stubenhaus (bass/musical director), and Robbie Wyckoff (lead vocals).

For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Drum Products, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; or e-mail infostation@yamaha.com.