In order to beat the record he will have to play for over 120 hours in a row with only taking a 5 minute break every hour which can be banked for later use. He must also play to recognizable songs, without repeating within 4 hours and only 30 seconds of pause time in between. Over 200 Songs from many styles from the 50's to today will be played.
Specialist Troy Yocum was born in Louisville, Kentucky on June 25th, 1979 and has been drumming for the last 11 years. He is currently deployed in Iraq and Kuwait with the 100th battalion/442 Infantry off the pacific coast islands.
In 2007 Troy was presented with a challenge by the event coordinator of KCRF, Ali Omar to help raise funds for cancer research. All plans were in order to play for the Thunder over Louisville fireworks show kicking off the Derby season when he received orders from the military to report for duty. After that he was sure that he would not make the attempt for at least 15 months. When arriving in Kuwait a performance on stage quickly helped change the outcome. Now he has been planning the event with the help of his commander and the USO.
Troy’s Record-Breaking home page is www.drummarathon.com. Live video will be streamed via a link from the homepage using www.Ustream.tv. Video will be fed live as best as possible given the remoteness of the location.
Specialist Yokum’s local newspaper, The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky picked up the story which provides an in-depth look into the record attempt including interviews and detailed plans plus official rules for the event, which can be found at website address...
http://www.courier-
J. Kelly of Kelly Concepts, LLC said," When Troy contacted me, I didn't think twice about getting involved. You have to hand it to these guys, they're away from their families, day after day and if you can help one soldier, you've actually helped them all. I have not a doubt that he'll be successful."
Sponsors of the event include:
Louisville Slugger http://www.slugger.com
The Kelly SHU http://www.kellyshu.com
Audix Microphones http://www.audixusa.com
Sabian Cymabals - http://www.sabian.com/
Pro-Mark Drumsticks - http://www.promark.com/
db Drumshoes - http://www.drumshoes.com
Bionic - http://www.bionicgloves.com/
Mom’s Music - http://www.momsmusic.com/
ABOUT SPECIALIST TROY YOKUM:
Troy started off learning percussion playing with street musicians at local art and music festivals, taking several road trips to play bucket drums at Mardi Gras, Hooka Fest, All Good Fest, Bonnaroo Fest and New York City subway stations, and further molding his talent with lessons from teachers at Mom's Music and Flying Hands of Kentucky. He has been playing many shows and venues ever since to raise money for charities such as Kentucky Cancer Research Foundation (KCRF) and Kosair Charities for kids. Troy has also drummed for up and coming artists spanning many different genres: Two Headed Giant A.K.A. Unibomb (disco/dance)
Sadly, Ali Omar passed away in February. Without Ali, the idea of the drum marathon would have not come about. So Troy will be dedicating the attempt in his honor. He was a great man who helped many people with Cancer. "He will be missed!!! " -- Specialist Troy Yokum.
