The global drumming community is once again turning its attention to the Midwest this May as the 34th Annual Chicago Drum Show prepares to welcome musicians, collectors, and builders to St. Charles, Illinois. Hosted at the Kane County Fairgrounds, the two-day event on May 17 and 18 continues to hold its title as one of the longest-running and most widely attended drum-specific gatherings in the world.
Though officially designated a gear expo, the event has become a cultural touchstone for percussionists of all levels. Drawing from decades of tradition, the show offers not only a wide array of vintage and contemporary drums, cymbals, and accessories but also a space for dialogue, experimentation, and education. This year’s edition will also be marked by a major historical exhibit and several unique appearances from industry figures and artists.
One of the most significant highlights in the Chicago Drum Show 2025 comes in the form of a touring drum kit once used by Matt Sorum during Guns N’ Roses’ famed Use Your Illusion tour. This Yamaha Rock Tour Custom kit, having appeared on stages across 27 countries and in front of over seven million attendees, will be on display in the fairground’s main lobby. It stands as a tangible reminder of the percussive backbone behind one of the most high-profile rock tours of the early 1990s.
In addition to vintage exhibits, a new initiative titled the Indie Cymbal Summit is scheduled to take place on May 16, the day before the official show opening. Limited to just 50 guests, this pre-show event gives attendees the opportunity to interact with independent cymbal makers. Notable figures in this group include Dave Collingwood, Paul Francis, Matt Nolan, and Mariano Quijano. Hands-on sessions and demonstrations are designed to offer both players and collectors a rare behind-the-scenes look at the craft of cymbal making.
Clinics, as always, remain a key component of the Chicago Drum Show’s educational focus. On Saturday, May 17, the schedule includes appearances from Jessica Burdeaux, known for her rapid rise from social media to touring drummer; Makaya McCraven, whose approach to jazz and electronic hybridization continues to garner critical interest; and Carter McLean, a Broadway and studio veteran with a distinctive touch on groove and tone.
Sunday’s slate includes Timothy Roberts, a figure whose handmade cymbals have gained a growing following; Rich Stitzel, whose practice systems have reached drummers seeking mindful technique refinement; and Dave Elitch, whose focus on physical mechanics and longevity has made him a sought-after instructor among elite players.
Drumming great Bernard Purdie:known for laying down more tracks than just about anyone—will be stopping by for a casual meet-and-greet, giving fans a rare chance to connect with a true icon. Just having him there adds a certain depth to the event, tying the past to the present in a way that makes you pause and appreciate how far this world of rhythm stretches.
And it’s not just about the performances or workshops. This year’s Chicago Drum Show is packed, with more than 150 exhibitors setting up shop to show off an incredible spread of gear: from handcrafted snares and custom kits to rare cymbals and those offbeat accessories you didn’t know you needed. That mix of old-school soul, fresh innovation, and face-to-face community has always given the Chicago Drum Show its unique vibe—something you won’t find at your average gear expo.
As the date approaches, expectations remain high that this year’s edition will continue to serve not only as a marketplace, but also as a shared space for passion, preservation, and progress in drumming. Whether attending for inspiration, education, or connection, the show underscores the continuing vitality of rhythm in musical expression.