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 LP Endorsers Giovanni Hidalgo (center), Vince Cherico and Johnny
Almendra (rear) performing at the 14th Annual Thelonius Monk
International Jazz Competition. This year, for the first time in its history, the competition featured Afro-Latin Hand Drumming. And in choosing hand drums for the competitors during the event, Associate Director Shelby Fischer went straight for the world's best hand drums - and called LP.
Ten world-class hand drummers traveled to D.C. to compete for more than $60,000 in scholarships and prizes, and for the chance to launch a recording career on a major jazz label. LP congas, bongos, and toys were all on hand, making it possible for each contestant to sound his or her very best.
Semi-finalists performed a fifteen-minute program before a distinguished panel of judges, including three of LP's premiere and highly respected endorsers - Giovanni
Hidalgo, Candido
Camero, and Milton Cardona. Other judges included Ray Barretto, Babatunde Olatunji, and Big Black. LP artist and popular bandleader Johnny Almendra was the Artistic Director of this year's event. He and his group, Los Jovenes Del Barrio (which also includes LP drummer Vince Cherico), accompanied the competing percussionists at the event.
Secretary of State Madeleine Albright hosted a reception at the State Department on Sunday evening in honor of the competition, with Honorary Chair Tipper Gore attending and speaking at the evening's festivities.
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LP
artist and legendary conguero Candido |
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Pedro
Martinez of Cuba, dances in celebration
as 1st place winner of a $20,000 scholarship
at this years hand drum competition. |
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