Sutton Music Centre Drum Day ’25

We’re excited to host the evening part of Sutton Music Centre’s Drum Day ’25.

Whether you’re a seasoned drummer with years behind the kit or just starting out with your first pair of sticks and a practice pad, Drum Day ‘25 is your chance to connect, learn, and be inspired. This full-day event brings together passionate players, cutting-edge gear, and world-class educators.

The Sound Lounge are hosting the evening part of the day, doors at 6.30pm, event finishes at 9.15pm. If you wish to buy tickets for the whole event including the Drum Tuning workshop and Digital Drums masterclass these are available from Sutton Music Centre. Info at the end of this description.

Creative Drumming with Sophie Alloway 6.45pm

Sophie Alloway is one of London’s most sought-after drummers, known for her versatility across jazz, funk, and session work. In her workshop, Sophie will share techniques for becoming a more adaptable and expressive player—covering groove development, stylistic fluency, and musical creativity. Her insights are grounded in years of professional experience and a deep commitment to musical storytelling.

Drum Hang & Interview Session 7.30pm

Join fellow drummers and music lovers for an informal hangout where you can chat, share ideas, and connect with our workshop leaders. There’ll be a short on-stage interview with Drum tuning guru Jeff Davenport, Digital Drum specialist Simon Edgoose, and Sophie, plus a chance to enter our prize draw and showcase your favourite rudiment at the Meinl drumstick practice pad area.

Live Performance: The Sophie Alloway Band 8.15pm

To close the evening, enjoy a high-energy set of funky classics performed by The Sophie Alloway Band—featuring legendary bassist Laurence Cottle and acclaimed guitarist Paul Stacey. This is a rare opportunity to hear world-class musicians in an intimate venue, surrounded by a community of rhythm lovers.

Sophie Alloway is one of the most in-demand drummers on the London jazz scene. She has performed with an impressive array of artists including Jason Rebello, Mornington Lockett, Yazz Ahmed, Laurence Cottle, George Melly, Guthrie Govan, Shez Raja, Vimala Rowe, Geoff Eales, Nigel Price, Tony Allen, Wild Card, Tony Kofi, Jay Rayner, and US actor-comedian Jason Kravits, among many others. A career highlight includes performing for Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace shortly before his coronation.

Sophie has toured internationally with rapper Roots Manuva, pop singer Gala, Blue Note pianist Chihiro Yamanaka, and the hit Michael Jackson musical Thriller Live. As a sought-after session drummer, she has recorded at some of the UK’s most prestigious studios, including Abbey Road, AIR, and Angel Studios.

At the rock and soul end of the spectrum, Sophie performs with Paul Stacey (Oasis / The Black Crowes) and John Hogg (Roger Daltrey), and regularly backs acclaimed vocalists such as Leee John (Imagination), Kenny Thomas, and David McAlmont.

For over a decade, she has been the driving rhythmic force behind the original fusion band Lydian Collective, whose music has earned over six million Spotify streams and two million YouTube views.

Her television credits include Later… with Jools Holland, Glastonbury, the MTV Video Music Awards, the Mercury Music Prize, BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year, and Gareth Malone’s Christmas Specials, as well as appearances in a Sky TV advert and all episodes across two series of Adrian Dunbar’s ITV/PBS drama Ridley.

Sophie’s featured performances on Abbey Road Masters: The Drum Sessions have been broadcast worldwide on radio and television. Recently, she played drums for all the finalists in the BBC Young Jazz Musician 2024 competition, held at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall and broadcast on BBC TV and Radio.

Laurence Cottle

Laurence Cottle is one of the UK’s most respected electric bassists, known for his versatility across jazz, rock, and pop. A prolific session musician and bandleader, he has recorded and performed with artists including Eric Clapton, Seal, Alan Parsons, and Black Sabbath (playing bass on Headless Cross). Laurence leads his own acclaimed big band and has written celebrated tributes such as A Portrait of Jaco. A renowned educator, he also teaches at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

Paul Stacey

Paul Stacey is a British guitarist, producer, and engineer recognised for his work with Oasis, The Black Crowes, and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. Equally at home on stage and in the studio, he has produced, mixed, and performed with artists spanning rock, pop, and jazz, including Steven Wilson, Claire Martin, and the Finn Brothers. Known for his masterful tone and musical precision, Paul continues to balance an active career as both performer and producer.

Tickets for the whole day events including workshops, gear demos, prize draw and giveaways are available at www.suttonmusic.co.uk. £15 including the Sound Lounge entrance.

This ticket is just for the evening event at the Sound Lounge. 6.30pm-9.15pm.