Berlin Drum Days 2022

May 25 is the kick-off date of this year’s edition of Berlin Drum Days 2022, the line-up: of which includes such masters of the drumming craft as Jost Nickel, Richard Spaven, Felix Lehrmann, Diego Pinera, as well as drum trainer chief-trainer Dirk Erchinger. The event will also feature two young and wild drummers from the Drumtrainer team: Alexander Neubauer & Mario Meruna. The full list of lecturers and trainers is to be found below.

The program of Berlin Drum Days 2022 is as follows:

May 25
19:00 – 20:30 Welcome & Jam

May 26 – 29
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Warm-up
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Masterclass 1
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Masterclass 2
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – Masterclass 3
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Jam, concert or excursion

Jost Nickel belongs to the 21st century generation of drummers from Germany, along with Anika Nilles (one of Jost’s students) or Benny Greb. His name appears on many hit records both at home and abroad. He has played and recorded with the likes of Randy Brecker, Jeff Lorber, Bob Mintzer, Jimmy Haslip, Barry Finnerty, Mitch Forman, Brandon Fields and many more.

Richard Spaven is a member of two José James’ bands and a co-founder of Robert Mitchell’s 3iO. He also features on 4hero’s critically acclaimed ‘Play With the Changes’ and ‘Extensions’ albums. He has toured and performed live with GURU of Gangstarr, Flying Lotus, The Cinematic Orchestra, Nailah Porter, among others.

Alexander Neubauer is an Austrian living in Berlin. Currently collaborates with Eugene The Cat, Max The Sax, Jocelyn B. Smith and former Prince bassist Nik West. He is a University of Popular Arts Berlin scholarship holder and a participant of the Popkurs Hamburg.

Diego Pinera was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, but has lived in Germany since 2003. He studied at the Berklee College of Music (U.S.), the University of Music in Havana (Cuba), and the University of Music and Theater in Leipzig (Germany). His playing blends Latin American music with jazz and the freedom of improvisation that it gives.

Mario Meruna is another Austrian in the line-up. He is a graduate of the Eisenstadt Conservatory and a former student at the Mannheim Popakademie. Now in Berlin, Mario is a junior lecturer at Drumtrainer Berlin and the Drumtrainer Junior Music School.

Gerwin Eisenhauer is featured on the album ‘Consumotionality‘ (2003) by Lazar. He is now active under the name Gerwin Eisenhauer’s Booom. His book ‘Welcome to the Jungle – Drum’n’Bass-Workbook For Drummers‘ (2005) was named „Book of the Month“ by Sticks magazine.

Ralf Gustke is a sought-after studio and live drummer, one of the best-known players in Germany. Has worked with Chaka Khan, Gianna Nannini, Schiller, Sabrina Setlur, Nena, and Barclay James Harvest Featuring Les Holroyd, to name but a few. Cirrently, he is working with the Söhne Mannheims.

Dirk Erchinger is a graduate of the Percussion Institute of Technology in Los Angeles. He has played with many big names in the international music scene, including Gloria Gaynor, Kruder & Dorfmeister, Pee Wee Ellis, West Bam, among others. For over 20 years, Dirk has been the drummer for the funk/soul act Count Basic. He runs his own recording studio in Berlin and produces music for Universal Publishing Production Music.

Felix Lehrmann started his professional career at the age of 17 playing his first European tour with the singer Della Miles. After graduating from high school, Felix immediately went on tour with the German TV star and singer Yvonne Catterfeld. To date, he has worked with the likes of Sarah Connor, Jennifer Rush, Guru, Oceana, Miss Dynamite, Ayo, and Jan Delay, to name just a few.

Kenny Martin was born in Brooklyn, New York. He wrote music history with the legendary funk band Defunkt. He played the drums on Peter Fox’ legendary Album ‘Stadtaffe‘. Kenny was also Felix Lehrmann’s teacher.

Simon Edgoose