SPC’s second-annual Groove Day to feature John JR Robinson

LEVELLAND – The South Plains College Commercial Music Department will host its second-annual Groove Day, featuring the world’s most recorded drummer, John JR Robinson. The event will begin at 10 a.m. on April 6 at the Tom T. Hall Production Studio in the Creative Arts Building on campus. Admission to Groove Day is free.

Robinson’s work is featured on hits by talented artists including Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, The Weeknd and many more.

Groove Day will be sponsored by DW Drums, Aquarian Drumheads, Paiste Cymbals, Remo Drumheads and Innovative Percussion. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early when the doors open at 9:30 a.m. to register for sponsor prize drawings.

The event will then start with a free masterclass by Phillip Smith, SPC director of percussion in commercial music, followed by Robinson’s masterclass.

“We are thrilled to have one of the ‘Mount Rushmore’ drummers here on campus. This is not only a rare event for West Texas but a rare event for any school to host. SPC is proving that you don’t have to go to New York, Boston, Nashville or Los Angeles to participate in this kind of event or attend a high-caliber music school,” Smith said. “You owe it to yourself to come see our venue and hear a legendary musician who has been a major component in shaping popular music for the past 40 years.”

Ahead of Groove Day, attendees can register to participate in the Groove Contest that will take place at 1:30 p.m. Each contestant will perform five compulsory grooves as well as a groove of their choice. A panel of judges will award prizes to the winners. Participation will be limited, but all ages and experience levels are encouraged to participate. Registration can be completed at https://www.spccreativearts.com/grooveday/ and will be first come, first served.

At 3 p.m., attendees can participate in a Q&A session with Robinson. Following this session, he will conduct a private masterclass at 5 p.m. Students with valid IDs from SPC and other schools can participate in the private masterclass at the cost of $50, and non-students can participate at the cost of $100. Space will be limited.

For more information, visit www.spccreativearts.com/grooveday/ or contact Smith at 806-716-2290 or psmith@southplainscollege.edu.