Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) 2023 Brought More Percussionists than Ever to Indianapolis

Indianapolis, Ind. – The Percussive Arts Society International Conference 2023 (PASIC), held November 8-11 in Indianapolis, offered nearly 6,000 attendees the opportunity to see percussion greats in concert and learn from them in a variety of clinics, masterclasses, and demonstrations. The convention, which is the most significant percussion convention in the world, truly had something for every percussionist.

Some of rock music’s legendary drummers gave concerts and clinics, including Matt Chamberlain, Kenny Aronoff, and Matt Cameron. Newer drummers on the scene, such as The Pocket Queen and Nic Collins, gave their perspectives on how they got where they are today.

World music was well-represented at PASIC 2023, with multiple sessions with renowned gyil player Valerie Naranjo, a kickoff concert by Red Baraat, and a closing concert by Latin Grammy Award winner and recent Grammy nominee Tony Succar and friends.

Percussion ensembles are always a big hit at PASIC events. This year, Chicago’s Third Coast Percussion entertained a packed Sagamore Ballroom the same day they, too, were nominated for a Grammy Award. They premiered a composition by Michael Burritt titled “Since Time Began” that was created to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Zildjian cymbal company. Other ensemble offerings included a collegiate all-star ensemble premiering a new work by composer and violinist Jessie Montgomery.