Richmond drummer Jeff Hamilton to play Reid Center fundraiser Nov. 11

RICHMOND, Ind. — Drummer Jeff Hamilton, a Richmond native, will participate in a fundraising concert for The Reid Center.

The Jeff Hamilton Trio will play at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 in The Reid Center, 1004 N. A St., according to a news release. The fundraiser is part of The Reid Center's efforts to evolve as a community arts center after the building formerly served as Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Tickets for the event are $50 and available online at tickets.reidcenter.org and at the Wayne County Convention andTourism Bureau, 5701 National Road E. A reception for attendees will follow the performance.

During a five-decade career, Hamilton has earned recognition as a jazz drummer. After attending Indiana University, Hamilton got his first big break in 1974 with the New Tommy Orchestra. He has since performed with legends Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney and Woody Herman.

Hamilton and John Clayton formed the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and traveled with jazz singer Diana Krall. Hamilton has appeared on more than 200 recordings with performers such as Barbra Streisand, Natalie Cole and Mel Torme. He appeared in Natalie Cole’s Great Performances PBS special, "Unforgettable," and the Oscar Peterson documentary "Music in the Key of Oscar."

In Richmond, Hamilton began playing drums to Oscar Peterson records, then he studied under John Van Ohlen at Indiana University. He credits Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Mel Lewis, “Philly” Joe Jones and Shelly Manne as influences.

Hamilton's drumming is "technically accomplished" and features "sensitivity and sizzle," according to reviewers. Hamilton also teaches, arranges and composes.

The Reid Center features Louis Comfort Tiffany windows, a 1905 Hook and Hastings pipe organ and a 1902 StarrPiano Company 9-foot concert grand piano.

This article originally appeared on Richmond Palladium-Item: Richmond drummer to play Reid Center fundraiser Nov. 11