X8 Community Drummer Spotlight: Evil Monkey

HI! I’m Ed Hofer from the band Punk Fiction. I have been playing hand drums for the last 15 years, more so in the last 6. Drumming gives me a sense of ecstasy that I can't get anywhere else.

I normally just play with acoustic acts and sometimes sit in with full bands until i heard about Jim Donovan's drum class at Saint Francis University in Lorretto, PA. I started taking his class last semester and it has changed my life for the better. Jim has taught us how to, aside from play djembe, interact with people in a positive way. I've also learned that I am not the only person impacted this way by drumming.

When I leave my drum class I feel cleansed of all stress and a feeling of happiness stays with me for the rest of my day. Being part of a drum circle has also honed my skill as a hand percussionist and it shows when I play with any of the acts I jam with. I find myself adding African beats to songs that are usually blander, making them more upbeat and fun to play and listen to for everyone else.

I often suggest to friends that drumming is a great stress reliever and a lot of fun, and it shows when I let them play my drums... NEVER have I seen ANYONE play my drums without a big smile on their face. This warms my heart and keeps me drumming for years to come!

My drum collection includes a 14" Toca freestyle key tuned djembe.. beside that i have 11" Remo Tubano drum that I customized by adding a Toca brass/steel tambourine to the bottom of which can be engaged if you hit the drum a little harder. My throne is my oldest drum and it is an LP burlwood front snare cajon. I also customized it by adding foam to the back of the playing surface. This is to keep the rattle out of the bass hits. Finally, I use a steel jingle tambourine on my left serving like a hi-hat and a brass jingle tambourine on the right serving like a splash cymbal. I sit in with many area musicians and they all seem to love it and want more. I've become so popular with area musicians that they gave me a nickname that I now use as a stage name: Evil Monkey. I have an absolute blast playing with everyone and plan to do it for some time to come!

Drumming is music, rhythm, stress relief and a lifelong passion, and we know you get the vibe, Mr. Monkey! Thank you for sharing your story with us!