Blackman Santana Welcomes PMC’s International Drum Month ‘Roadie for a Day’ Grand Prize Winner

The Percussion Marketing Council (PMC) celebrated the 2019 International Drum Month (IDM) “Roadie for a Day” grand prize winner Anthony Lowe. This year’s winner received a backstage tour and visit with celebrity spokesperson and internationally acclaimed drummer Cindy Blackman Santana at the Santana concert in Tinley Park, Illinois on August 4.

Lowe had an all-access backstage experience. Before the show, Cindy’s drum tech gave Lowe a detailed tour of her kit as it sat on stage. Lowe learned about her monitoring system, how she rotates her sticks, and unique aspect to her approach for a long show. Cindy Blackman Santana was a gracious host, bringing Lowe and his wife into her private dressing room. She explained how she prepares for each show, her special diet, and her practice routine. The winner also received a special gift package from the PMC members which included a crash cymbal, drum sticks, and a wide assortment of branded merchandise.

This year’s “Drum Roadie for a Day” winner Lowe from the Chicago suburbs was selected from the nearly 1,000 contest entries. The 26-year-old winner explained, “This experience allowed me to meet Cindy Blackman Santana and her drum tech. Having these professionals give me such valuable information on her drum set and how she plays, tuned and travel. They helped me realize that I can do this, too. Thank you, PMC, for helping the drum community.”

“Cindy Blackman Santana was a fantastic celebrity drummer and IDM event host who enjoyed giving this educational experience to this year’s winner. Every year the PMC hosts this contest where one lucky winner receives a life-changing experience. This connection of the percussion industry, music retailers, and the drumming community throughout the country is amazing and grows every year,” commented PMC representative and on-location host Brad Smith.

“The 2019 International Drum Month campaign and ‘Roadie for a Day’ grand prize received widespread interest and support from the entire percussion industry,” says PMC co-executive director Karl Dustman. “We saw growing participation from drum retailers nationwide, all developing their own regional International Drum Month promotion and event theme. “Roadie contest” entries were processed, and more than 145,000 social media impressions were recorded. Plans are already developing for the PMC’s 25-year anniversary in 2020 with a completely new May International Drum Month theme and market development initiative.”