Last weekend, the wife and I went to a play (yeah, I know, how bourgeoisie!! It was "Sweeny Todd -- so at least there was a lot of blood and swearing!) at the Carpenter Center here in Long Beach.

Remember that band "The Carpenters" from the 1970's? This Theater is named after them. They're gold records and Grammy awards are in display cases.

And then, in a corner of the lobby, is this:



The plaque on the ground said that these were 1965 Luddys, and the Cymbals were all Zildjian A's from the same period. This was one of Karen Carpenters touring kits.

In the picture behind the kit, you can see her playing a Clear Vista Light Snare drum!

For those of you who don't know who Karen Carpenter was . . . check out Wikipedia. It's an interesting and sad story...
A funny story is that she beat out John Bonham in the Playboy Magazine "Best Drummer" poll repeatedly, much to his annoyance!

I actually love Karen as a drummer. I have a SERIOUS Carpenters fetish, and the drumming on their albums is IMPECCABLE.

Hal Blaine was in love with her playing, and I think that says quite a bit.

here's a li'l shot of her playing in Osaka, Japan in the 70's.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20TcvvFr3FM

Timely posting, Karen Carpenter died today Feb. 4th, 1983. I always thought she was an underappreciated musician. Sure their music was corny at times and their variety show was pure cornball, but they were good entertainers and very popular in the mid-late 70's.

Tom, I think that picture is from this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9IagAg7 ... vie_player