Our Debt to Pete Seeger

There's a good chance that Rockcreek Steel Drums would not exist without the influence of Pete Seeger. While Kevin had fallen in love with the steel drums as a teenager after attending a concert at the Ocean Pines beach community near Ocean City, Maryland, it wasn't until years later when his brother Sean showed him a film he had checked out of the Ithaca, New York, Public Library that the idea of building a steel drum popped into his mind.

That film was Music from Oil Drums, made in 1956 by musician, activist, and ethnomusicologist Pete Seeger and his wife, Toshi Seeger. It chronicles the Seegers' trip to Trinidad's panyards and their efforts to build steel drums back home in New York. Click the button below and enjoy.

Kevin built his first steel drum with his brother Sean using Seeger's book Steel Drums - How To Play Them and Make Them. Their first drum was built in the invader style seen in the video above and is similar to the one hanging above the original shop doors. 

Rockcreek Archives: NAMM

In 2010, Rockcreek exhibited its Steel Tongue Drums at The NAMM Show, the trade show held every January in Anaheim, California, for the National Association of Music Merchants. We made some great contacts and the tongue drums were well received. It was nice to see family, friends, and business partners turn out for Rockcreek's debut on the national stage. 

Hot off the Press: Rockcreek in the News

Our copies of Trumpf Express: Magazine for Sheet Metal Processing in North America arrived today! Kevin was interviewed for the magazine a while back last year. In the article, he talks about how he chooses his barrels to build the traditional steel drums, and confirms what we all know – Kevin loves what he does. Thanks to Joe Karr for the awesome photo. You can find a PDF of the article here.

Steel Drum Students play for Baltimore Mayor's Press Conference

On January 16, 2014, students from Liberty Elementary in Baltimore welcomed Baltimore Mayor, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, to the podium by playing songs they learned in their week-long residency with Rockcreek Steel Drums. The press conference was held to announce the return of the Creative Baltimore Fund, which grants funds to organizations that add to the cultural and artistic life of Baltimore through public events and performances. 

The press conference (and the students!) appeared on WJZ during the evening news.

Pictures of the event are posted in the City of Baltimore Official Photo Gallery.  

Rockcreek Archives: Kevin Goes to Chicago

Back in 2008, Kevin traveled to Chicago to work with sculptor James Brenner. The project involved building metal sculptures to be installed at Mt. Greenwood park that would become musical instruments that anyone could play. Designing and building the structures was Brenner's job. Tuning them was Kevin's job.