Staff Writer
HOULTON — A “magical mystery tour into the world of percussion” will open Thursday at Visions followed by an opening reception on Friday.
The show, based on the collection of David “Kawika” Loendorf of Hammond, will feature a percussion petting zoo, a percussion instrument flea market, ongoing clinics and workshops and guest artists.
Loendorf, a professional percussion player and teacher, said the show has been in the works for a while.
“Now, everything seemed to be in the right place at the right time,” he said. “So, I just looked around my studio and found pieces for the show.”
The show, dubbed “Drums Along the Meduxnekeag,” is made up of memorabilia and collectibles, including an exact replica of the Beatles’ drum set.
“I’m trying to gear it primarily to the youth,” said Loendorf. “But there will be lots of things to see and do.”
Loendorf said he started playing drums when he was in seventh grade.
“I was one of the kids who dropped their baseball bats and gloves went out and bought a drum set,” he said.
Loendorf, who considers himself “a lifetime student,” studied music theory while attending college at Brookdale and Rutgers. For eight years, he also studied hand development techniques in New York City with Henry Adler . He spent 19 years in symphonic orchestra, as well as, teaching private lessons.
“It’s like an addiction,” he said of his craft. “Once, it’s in you, you can’t do anything about it.”
Locally, Loendorf has played for the summer arts event “Arts Around the Square,” and most recently, he played with Travis Humphrey for a benefit concert.
“I’m semi-retired now, but when I play, I mean it,” he added.
The goal of his show, he said, it to share his passion with others.
“It’s a great outlet,” he said.
Drums Along the Meduxnekeag will be at Visions from Dec. 6 through Jan. 26; the show can be viewed during regular store hours which are Tuesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The opening reception will be Friday, Dec. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. The percussion instrument petting zoo will be every Saturday in December from noon to 2 p.m. and the percussion instrument flea market will be during regular gallery hours. (Proceeds benefit the arts.) Ongoing workshops and clinics will be announced; the first one has been set for Dec. 15 at 2 p.m.
Call 532-9119 for more information.
