Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers
Portland, Oregon, United States
Music
Press
“Whether performing in front of thousands of anxious cyclists getting ready to leave the start, or greeting hundreds of runners at the finish, or anchoring a community parade, Last Regiment never ceases to get the crowd pumped! Their energy is so contagious that the young and the old can be found dancing to the clean, thumping beats. Over and over, we receive comments from participants of our events that their favorite part is when Last Regiment performs and that they will be back next year to hear them perform again.” - Good Sport Promotion
“On behalf of the Portland Marathon which has more performing artists and musicians along its 26.2 mile route than any other race in the country, I am writing to say that the Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers is our most thrilling and inspiring on-course performing group. We station them just after the start so that all 10,000 runners and walkers get the full impact of their call to action for the task ahead. Every year, we observe the marathoners startle when they hear the drummers, and then cheer, thrust their fists into the air, actually jump up and yell, etc. We have more than 60 groups and I can think of no other that rivals the excitement and energy that the Drummers provide.” - Portland Marathon
“Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers brings and adds a whole different level to our event. I am the promoter for Single Speed Cyclocross World Championships and feel that adding the Last Regiment was adding the next level of energy. We had many athletes from all over the country and spectators, all of which mentioned their favorite part of the even was the addition of the drummers. I get goosebumps the minute they start playing. For the athletes in the races, they all felt the Last Regiment boosted their excitement and they loved coming through the drumming section… They are a spectacular addition to our event and I am hoping to use them again this coming year.” - Portland Single Speed Collective
“How does one manage to get between 350 and 500 nervous and/or excited high school cross country runners to focus while at the start of a demanding race? Simple. Bring in the Last Regiment Drum Corps and have them pound out their heart thumping beats five minutes before the start of every race. Gene Gilbertson, starter for the races, shares ‘The Last Regiment gets those kids so fired up to run, they are having fun dancing to the music, just waiting for the start. They simply have taken the meet to a completely new level. And at the finish, you can see the thrill on the faces of the runners and spectators as kids are sprinting to the finish line to the beat of the drums.’ After the first year they played, coaches and athletes always ask ‘Are you going to have the drummers back?’ I could not imagine not having them at our meet. It’s hard to put into words what the corp means to this event.” - Three Course Challenge Invitational
Discography
Under the Bridge, CD
Photos
Bio
“Whether performing in front of thousands of anxious cyclists getting ready to leave the start, or greeting hundreds of runners at the finish, or anchoring a community parade, the Last Regiment never ceases to get the crowd pumped! Their energy is so contagious that the young and the old can be found dancing to the clean, thumping beats. Over and over, we receive comments from participants of our events that their favorite part is when Last Regiment performs and that they will be back next year to hear them perform again.”
The Last Regiment is one of the few remaining syncopated drum corps. It was formed in September 1998 by Greg Odell in the hopes of continuing a style of drumming that incorporates both military style rudiments with “street beat” rhythms borne out of Long Beach, California.
LRSD members are individuals from all walks of life who share a common love of drums, their community and a commitment to keeping this legendary style visible (and audible!) for everyone to enjoy.
Drums are a sure fire way to garner attention. Drums motivate people on a primal level and bring out enthusiasm in even the least excitable person. People of all ages and backgrounds love the drums and it’s not uncommon to see crowds of multi-generational, multi-cultural people start moving to the beat when the Last Regiments starts up a set. Our high energy, heart pounding sound is always a crowd pleaser and the intensity of our “look” is meant to enhance that experience. Our “old school” drums and slings, along with mile high stick techniques, black uniforms and a red, flaming logo make us an imposing presence.
Our corps has played events both large and small, from private birthday parties and weddings to high profile corporate events for Nike and Wieden & Kennedy. Many organizations who organize running, cycling or awareness walks hire LRSD to “kick off” the event and send participants on their way with high energy support. A short list of our clients includes:
• Rose City Rollers women’s roller derby team
• Portland Rose Festival Starlight Parade and Grand Floral Parade (televised on KGW)
• Nike Team Nationals Cross Country Finals (televised on ESPN)
• Portland Marathon
• Awareness walks for Multiple Sclerosis, AIDS, Alzheimer’s and more
• “Grand openings” for Portland’s famous “VooDoo Donuts” and the new “Virginia Café”
• Parades and street fairs throughout Portland and Oregon.
Noteworthy historical moments:
• On September 27, 2008, the Honorable Mayor Tom Potter proclaimed it to be “Last Regiment Day” in the city of Portland to commemorate the ten year anniversary of the group. The official proclamation is proudly displayed in our studio.
• LRSD was included in an essay by author Kathy Pape in the book “CITADEL OF THE SPIRIT: Oregon’s Sesquicentennial Anthology – A Merging of Past and Present Oregon Voices and Stories” (page 418, “Different Drummers”); Nestucca Spit Press, 2009.
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