WHAT IS A GRIZZLINE?

If you go to the restroom you might miss them.  If you walk down Beale Street before the game you might catch them.  If you hear them, you won’t forget them.  If you don’t know by now I’m talking about the Memphis Grizzline, the official drumline of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Grizzline was formed in September of 2006 by Adam Clay and is currently under the direction of Zeke David.  Zeke has been a member of the Grizzline since 2007.  The Grizzline features some of the best percussionists in the Mid-South.  There are 18-20 musicians in the group and as many as 15 of them will perform at an event. You can catch the Grizzline at 12-20 of the Memphis Grizzlies home games and all of the home playoff games.  The performances may take place on court during game breaks, before the game in the plaza or on Beale Street.   On special occasions, drum sets, mallet instruments, and even trash cans, buckets, and brooms are used.

The qualifications for being a member of the Grizzline are: must be at least 18 years old, must be able to read music, and must be a good performer.   Members are recruited and hand picked by the Grizzline staff. The staff looks for the best talent in the area along with players than can play with high-energy while being a professional employee.  Although the members must maintain professionalism, there is a very laid back and fun atmosphere.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s approaching 3:00 pm on a rainy Sunny afternoon in Memphis, TN.  The Grizzline allowed us to join them as they prepare for an upcoming performance.  First, they go over their Beale Street routine which remains the same throughout the season.  The routine is repeated several times until it is performed without error.  Once the pre game routine is perfected, Zeke David, Patrick McNicholas, and the Grizzline create their on court performance for the upcoming game.  They have decided to make their own rendition of a song by rapper Bobby Schmurda.

Although the rehearsal is fairly laid back, as soon as one person misses a note everything comes to halt.  And this happens several time throughout rehearsal.  No names will be mentioned to protect  the guilty, lol.  Once the guys have the music down packed they move on to various solos and some body movements to the routine.  Finally, all parts have been mastered but just to make sure they perform the song about four or five more times without any mistakes.

It’ s about an hour before tip off and the Grizzline has gathered at the corner of second and Beale to entertain fans on the way to game and those just passing by.