The first China International Drummers Festival kicks off Thursday at the New International Expo Center in Shanghai.

The festival, a key part of the Shanghai International Arts Festival, has drawn nearly 100 world-renowned drummers from both home and abroad who will give audience a drumbeat feast.

Some classic-brand drum manufacturers like Mapex, Yamaha, Tama and Sabian are also attending the festival. They will showcase their new products, providing a good opportunity for drum enthusiasts to communicate with each other.

Modern Chinese music has enjoyed a history of 20 years since the first real Chinese rock song was written in 1986. Drum sets have been playing an important role in percussion ever since.

"It is almost an annual event for some world-famous drum makers to come to China demonstrating their latest products, but it is the first time for all renowned drummers to get together with fantastic performances," said the festival organizers.

(Xinhua News Agency October 21, 2005)