gvdc Golden Valley Drum Club
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About the Band
Mike James started the Golden Valley Drum Club in 2016 with his good friend Corey Wavinek. Mike's friend, Mark Craney, the drummer with Gino Vanelli and Jethro Tull was hosting an Open Jam for Drummers event in Los Angeles. This event would invite any drummer to sit in on a song and play with the band. This event attracted all levels of drummers and gave an opportunity for a drummer to perform with a real band. This concept is very similar to the "Open Mic" event you may find at a comedy gallery. Mike and Corey thought this would be great idea to start this event in Minneapolis and Outtakes Bar & Grill (New Hope, MN) was the first location for this event in 2016. The Golden Valley Drum Club has created the same opportunity for any drummer to sit in and play with the band. The musicians of the GVDC are enthusiastic to see drummers take and stage and play one or two of their cover songs from their setlist. The Golden Valley Drum Club members all have a heart of gold and welcome the young, the old, the experienced and the beginner to the stage. It's all about fun and the love of music.
In Memory of Mike James
Mike unexpectedly left this world on December 11, 2021. His unrelenting energy and dedication to the art of drumming will be greatly missed. It was always about the music for Mike. From the early days drumming with Coupe Deluxe in Sioux Fall, SD, to the realization of his dream the “Golden Valley Drum Club,” his passion for providing the back beat to his beloved classic rock and roll was an inspiration to many. Mike created a space at the GVDC where drummers from all walks of life, young and old, were welcome to mount the stage and rock out with the band. Even while battling lung cancer to a standstill, Mike kept the club going and only the pandemic put a temporary hold on his dream. Mike Lived his life like an adventure and his zest for life drew others to him. More than anything he valued his friends and the time he shared with his best friend and soulmate, Kim Ripley listening to music, biking, Valley Fair or entertaining their dogs.
