Ethan was invited by his sponsors, Mapex and Zildjian to perform at the prestigious China Drumfest 2009 in Beijing on 24th July. It was truly a privilege as Ethan got to perform alongside China’s top professional drummers and internationally acclaimed drummers such as Brady Blade (Dave Matthews Band), Cindy Blackman (Lenny Kravtiz) and his all time favourite, Akira Jimbo. Ethan got the event started by playing Galatic Funk, The Continental Way and a drum solo featuring his newly picked up left foot clave which he picked up from ‘Uncle Akira’. The enthusiastic crowd was very supportive as they watched this kid from Singapore do his thing. At the end of the event, the crowd queued up for autographs and pictures with the drummers. It was really funny as Ethan had just developed his autograph that afternoon in preparation!

Waiting for sound check….calm before the storm…

 

Letting the reality sink in…performing with famous international drummers (see his picture on the lower left corner of the billboard?)

 

That’s me! (While in the green room, Ethan spotted his photo in Z-Time 2009 – Zildjian’s Annual Magazine

 

Take it away, Ethan!

 

Akira Jimbo – Wowing the crowd!

 

(L-R) Brady, Ethan and Akira holding up their autograph postcards

 

This is like manuscript practice, but a whole lot more fun!

 

Drummers posing for a picture after a hard day’s work