Music and Sound Expo
(produced by NAMM)

I Highlights I Finals I Hands Rankings I Feet Rankings I

The first Annual Music and Sound Expo fulfilled its quest to find the ‘World’s Fastest Drummer’. The highly charged interactive event sponsored by THE MUSIC EDGE.COM, NAMM’s new teen promotional initiative, was open to the public and was one of the most attended features at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, MN. The WFD additionally drew the lion’s share of media attention as it was covered by Fox affiliate KMSP’s 9 News Morning Show, CBS affiliate WCCO’s 4 Morning Show, 93X. radio’s "HalfAssed Morning Show,” and the Twin Cities newspaper, Pioneer Press.

The contest, which consists of two categories, Battle of the Hands and Battle of the Feet, started Friday, April 16th, with all contestants scored on playing single strokes (no bounces, presses or buzz) for 60 seconds as recorded by the Drumometer. Over 150 preliminary contestants competed in qualifying ‘heats’ on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, April 18th, the ‘Finals Battle’ of both categories hosted by WFD Champ, Tiger Bill Meligari, was held in which the athletes competed for the Grand Prizes!

Chris Melius of Windsor, WI won The Battle of the Hands with a score of 907 single strokes, while 2nd place went to Kelly Lima with a score of 899 and 3rd place was Troy Hommerding at 869. Winner of The Battle of the Feet contest went to Scott Kautzer of Niles, MI with a foot score of 838. Second place went to Eric Geier with a score of 748 and third place went to Dean Weisser with a score of 734.

Over $12,000 in prizes were provided by Pearl, Meinl, Pro-Mark, Axis pedals, Remo, Mad Player, Drumometer, Warner Bros., and laser engraver Tim Byrd.