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Recycled Percussion Is One Of The Most Unique Acts In Las Vegas

Updated on May 6, 2013

Recycled Percussion (Otherwise Referred To As "Junk Rock")

They are hard to see because of the lights, but there really ARE four drummers here hanging upside down and playing "drums".
They are hard to see because of the lights, but there really ARE four drummers here hanging upside down and playing "drums".
It's much easier to see the four drummers (upside down) in this picture.
It's much easier to see the four drummers (upside down) in this picture.
Very talented percussionists.
Very talented percussionists.
Sparks fly, using chainsaws to create them!
Sparks fly, using chainsaws to create them!
Bringing audience members up on stage, and having them wear masks.
Bringing audience members up on stage, and having them wear masks.
Here you can tell who got the mask without the eye holes!
Here you can tell who got the mask without the eye holes!
The audience members that went onstage were very good sports!
The audience members that went onstage were very good sports!
The guy wearing the gorilla mask was especially funny!
The guy wearing the gorilla mask was especially funny!
Playing inside of an old van that was cut in half, very different acoustics!
Playing inside of an old van that was cut in half, very different acoustics!
More from inside the van... this is a neat part of the show!
More from inside the van... this is a neat part of the show!
Who else would have thought of using ladders as percussion instruments? Recycled Percussion does!
Who else would have thought of using ladders as percussion instruments? Recycled Percussion does!
Using ladders as percussion instruments.
Using ladders as percussion instruments.

Recycled Percussion Performs Live!

Their Show Includes Audience Participation

One of the most unique shows to go see on the Las Vegas strip these days is known as "Recycled Percussion." They are a group composed of four guys who play an odd variety of "instruments" which vary from plastic drums, to metal cans, and even ladders, to many other forms of "junk" that's being recycled and used as instruments. You might take one look at them and think, how in the world are they going to make a show from this?

It is one of the most interesting performances that we have seen on the strip here in Las Vegas. They are now playing in a showroom at the Quad Hotel, formerly known as Imperial Palace, on Las Vegas Blvd. which is also called "the strip." Formerly, they played at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino and at The Tropicana. The travel all over the country, so to see them, it is smart to check their website for their tour dates.

Recycled Percussion was started back in 1994 by Justin Spencer. The group was formed to perform in a High School talent show in Goffstown, New Hampshire. He based the group's concept on acts he had seen in New York featuring people playing unusual "instruments" to create amazing sound. From this, Recycled Percussion was born. Recycled Percussion is now affectionately referred to as "junk rock."

The other members of Recycled Percussion include Ryan Vezina, a percussionist, and a specialist in "body percussion." Another member is Todd Griffin, he is the DJ and Media director, as well as a percussionist. In addition, there is Matt Bowman, a guitarist and percussionist. Justin Spencer is the group's founder, creative force, and he refers to himself as the "world's fastest drummer."

Once the group was formed, they did well and requests began to come in for them to perform at various venues throughout the United States. Once they had been in business for ten years, they were "discovered" on the National television show called "America's Got Talent," where they came in third place, out of 100,000 contestants. This was the highest finish for any group that did not include a singer. They are a musical group, plus they feature humor and hilarity in their show.

All this in addition to the special effects used, create a truly memorable experience for the entire family. The first night we went to see them, the audience ranged in age from three to ninety-three (and for all we know, there could have been someone even older than 93.)

Everyone seemed to enjoy the show, although we were there on another night when a four year old girl was in the audience, and she seemed to be a little frightened at times. That could have been due to the flashing lights, combined with the noise made both by the audience and band members onstage. Most of the kids there really enjoyed it, though. We've seen Recycled Percussion twice now, and recommend seeing them if you enjoy watching some very talented percussionists!

Once you walk into the theater, you are given a drumstick, and your choice of "instrument" that you get to pick out from several trunks that are located at the theater entrance. I chose a plastic bucket, which turned out to be a good choice. Others chose things like old pots and pans, metal strainers, and other assorted, well, junk! Each piece makes a different sound, and the audience participation is one of the best parts of the show.

The audience is guided as to when to play along, and when there should be "silence" so everyone can hear the band play their outstanding brand of "junk rock." There is a tendency among Las Vegas shows to be geared towards adults, but this is very much a family show, one that all ages most likely will enjoy. The fact that the audience can participate turns the fun up a notch.

The first night we were there, a little five year old boy was allowed to go onstage and play with the band. I bet that's a night he won't soon forget, his eyes were as big as saucer's when they chose him from the audience to go onstage and play with them! And his parents very well could have run their battery down on their camera by taking so many pictures. He really did a great job for such a little guy, very cute!

Members from the audience are chosen before the show even starts, while everyone is standing outside waiting to get into the theater. These audience members go onstage during a special part of the show, and they put on masks and follow the directions of the "leader" (Justin). Only one small problem... one of the masks doesn't have any eye holes, so the person wearing it cannot SEE what's going on!

Hilarity ensues as most of the people onstage follow the directions very well, but when it comes the turn of the person with the "special" mask... the results are hilarious as they just stand there and don't follow the directions. You have to see it to get the humor, it really IS funny.

Towards the end of the segment where the audience members are onstage, there is an "elimination round" that is very funny. The winner eventually gets a prize, and it seems that everyone that goes up onstage really enjoys it.

Not only are these some extremely talented guys, they have "heart" as well. Every Christmas, they go back to New Hampshire, and distribute toys for tots. In addition, when merchandise is sold at their shows, 20% of all sales go to the Josh Stevens Foundation. This is a foundation in memory of a thirteen year old boy killed in a tragic accident. He was always smiling, and the entire community remembered him for his acts of kindness.

The Josh Stevens Foundation exists to remind children that there is a great need these days for acts of kindness in the world. The Josh Stevens Foundation partners with both youth sports teams and schools. Kids are given "kindness" cards when they are "caught" in the act of being kind to one another. It's a great concept, and is a great aid in teaching children some wonderful values.

For a fun, interesting night out on the town, and for a show that you can actually be a part of, "Recycled Percussion" is a fantastic choice. It will leave you with memories of a great show and fun night out that you will treasure!

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