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As the sticks start flying at Treble Trouble, all eyes will be on Howard and Thomas — proof that rhythm knows no age, and that the love of music can span lifetimes in a single beat.
Both 81-year-old drummer Howard Kelly and Thomas Smith, 5, will be taking the stage to perform Roy Orbison’s Pretty Woman for the drum recital that's part of Treble Trouble, hosted by the Cochrane Drum Tutor.
Held at the Cochrane Lions Event Centre on June 22, the day-long celebration of music, mentorship and multi-generational talent features everything from youth competitions to disco dance-offs to an open jam — but it’s the pairing of the oldest and youngest drummers in the lineup that’s likely to steal the show.
The Old…
Kelly, born in 1944 — the same year Bing Crosby crooned his way through Swinging on a Star — isn’t one to let age define his rhythm.
While many of his peers settled into cards and quiet walks, the retirees who recently moved to Airdrie opted for something a little louder: a full drum kit.
“I haven't been evicted for noise — yet,” he joked.
Instead, he’s earned admiration from fellow residents who’ve taken to the sound of his steady improvement. It wasn’t long before he began making regular trips on his three-wheeled Spyder motorbike to the Cochrane Drum Tutor.
“Howard is a complete original,” said Edward Allen. “He’s feisty and fun, and has shown tremendous grit. It’s such an inspiration watching him work so hard at something he loves.”
For Kelly, drumming has become more than just a hobby.
“It gives me energy, joy and something meaningful to look forward to each day,” he said, citing Chris Rea and Tony Joe White as his musical heroes.
…And the Young
Born 76 years later — in 2019, when Shawn Mendes topped the charts with If I Can't Have You — Thomas Smith is already a seasoned performer. Last year, he brought the house down drumming Yellow Submarine alongside Calgary Beatles tribute band All You Need is Love at the unique drum recital John, Paul, George and 30 Ringos
The youngest of three drumming brothers, Thomas follows in the musical footsteps of siblings Daniel and Eli. All three boys, along with their father Jeremy, study under Allen and will perform at Sunday’s showcase.
“I like playing drums. It is fun,” Thomas said simply. “Mr. Edward is a good teacher and I like how he lets me not do fills. I like when I get to hit the drums really, really hard!”
His instructor agrees the youngest Smith is a standout — with a sense of humour to match.
“Thomas is a great little drummer,” Allen said. “Aside from his endless bad jokes that always seem to involve me having a chicken on my head, he’s a joy to teach.”
Dad Jeremy says it’s a joy to watch his boys develop their skills and passion.
“I've always loved listening to drums, and it’s really cool to watch them play new rhythms and songs,” he said. “And I get to learn things too!”
By coincidence, both drummers chose the same song for the recital, which begins at 4 p.m. They’ll perform in separate sets as part of a 36-song lineup, each backed by the award-winning Treblemakers band.
The day kicks off at 1:30 p.m. with a youth talent competition, followed by the recital, and wraps up with an open jam session at 7:30 p.m.
Admission is free, with food and beverages available for purchase.