Cut To The Drummer features 50 portraits of 50 drummers by 50 artists in an Art Show and Drumming Event in support of F.U.M.S. for the MS Society of Canada’s Scholarship Program.

The month long exhibition of Cut To The Drummer at the Steam Whistle Gallery is being launched with this one night only celebratory reception and Drum-O-Rama, hosted by two drummers - Darrin Pfeiffer of 102.1 The Edge and GOLDFINGER, along with Aaron Solowoniuk of BILLY TALENT.

The special VIP Preview from 7pm – 9pm will offer art and music fans first crack at the 50 unique and often startling portraits on display with a Silent Auction and exclusive reception. The portraits are expected to fetch between $300 - $2500 each. The beat picks up at 9:00pm, with Darrin and Aaron spinning the tunes, cash bar, and a one night only Drum-O-Rama. Some of Toronto’s best drummers - from Monster Metal to BeBop Jazz, from Latin to Gospel, from newcomers to masters – will move to center stage for some explosive and competitive drumming where stamina and ‘chops’ will rule.

The portraits include an international mix of drummers - the talented, the notorious, the influential – from jazz great TONY WILLIAMS to LED ZEPPELIN’s John Bonham. From Neil Peart of RUSH to Travis Barker of BLINK 182. The illustrators in this group show have had their work commissioned by every major publication in Western culture – magazines, newspapers, Broadway posters, books, postage stamps, product packaging, t-shirts, CD covers. They are the aesthetic leaders of our times.

The drummer, often hidden by equipment and relegated to the back, is the goalie of the band, and a vital presence in the music. So too the commercial artist, whose work does not always hang on the wall, but plays a crucial role in defining our world. It is fitting to bring the drummers and artists to the front of the stage.

Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system. In Canada, three people are diagnosed with MS every day. F.U.M.S. is an annual concert by Billy Talent and Friends to support the MS Society of Canada Scholarship Fund. The Fund was initiated by Aaron Solowoniuk, who was diagnosed with MS in 1998.

Internationally recognized artist Sandra Dionisi launched the Bepo+Mimi Project in 2007 as an initiative to shift industry and public awareness to the inherent value of original artwork. After meeting Aaron, Cut To The Drummer was conceived and Sandra is producing this show in conjunction with JOINT Design Advocacy with the support of Warner Music Canada, Steam Whistle Brewing and Belvedere Vodka.

Cut To The Drummer

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Steam Whistle Brewing, The Roundhouse

255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto 1–866-24-0-BEER

VIP Preview, 7pm-9pm - $150 includes Private Reception and Silent Auction

Art Opening and Drum-O-Rama, 9pm–12am - $30 advance ticket.

Tickets on sale Thursday, December 11, 2008 at www.ticketweb.ca

www.cuttothedrummer.com

Cut To The Drummer Art Exhibit

February 5 – 28, 2009

Steam Whistle Gallery in the Roundhouse

255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto 1–866-24-0-BEER

www.steamwhistle.ca