Earlier today, we were listening to Phlash Phelps on SiriusXm. He
introduced this sportscaster to talk about the Super Bowl. He then
mentioned this guy was the drummer in a band called "California Toe
Jam," and played a small excerpt of the guy playing "Wipe Out."
I went on line to see if I could find any music samples of this guy's
drumming. In the midst of that, I ran across this article.
Turns out the guy is totally blind, and hosts a podcast called "outta
Sight" sports from Florida.
California Toe Jam returns for Albemarle show
By BJ Drye
Email the author
Published 10:40 am Monday, October 8, 2018
While some notice is given to Trent Ferguson because of his
disability, it is more his ability that is attracting attention.
Ferguson, 20, was born blind with optic nerve hypoplasia, meaning the
optic nerve did not develop fully.
But something that did develop was his sense of rhythm.
Ferguson says his talent became evident when he was 3 or 4 and began
banging on the washing machine.
“My parents, grandparents, they always knew I had rhythm,” Trent
Ferguson said from his home in Florida.
Trent is the drummer for California Toe Jam, a Florida-based cover
band that has performed in Stanly County on multiple occasions. The
band will return to Albemarle Thursday to perform at 7 p.m. at the
Historic Central School Auditorium.
Tickets are $15 and available at Vac & Dash, 154 S. First St.,
Albemarle. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Stanly County
Concert Association.
The band, which has performed since 1984, will call it quits in 2019
after its Sunset Tour.
Ferguson became the band’s full-time drummer last December, but he had
played with Toe Jam for 12 years.
“His first time playing with the band was at my daughter’s sweet 16
party. He was 8,” said lead member Harry Havery.
“He killed it and since then he has been called up to play a few songs
whenever he is in the audience,” added Havery, who is the brother of
Peter Asciutto of Albemarle.
But Trent knew Havery way before that performance.
They knew of Trent because T.J. Kinyon, his grandfather, has been in
the band for more than 20 years.
“We were all just broken-hearted when it was determined that he was
blind,” Havery said. “I knew, however, that Trent would be
exceptional. I knew that he would be successful and an encouragement
to others. …
“When Trent was born, we all naturally wondered if he might have some
‘Ray Charles’ type of music gifts. Turns out he sure does: drumming,”
Havery said. “His first time playing in front of the church was when
he was really young — I can’t even remember his age — but he played a
little bongo on the song, ‘Little Drummer Boy’ at the annual Christmas
special music service. From there he moved on to a drum set. My son
Rodney gave him lessons until he became self-sufficient and was able
to learn on his own.”
Trent became the drummer in the children’s band at church and the
youth band. When he moved to St. Augustine to attend Florida School
for the Deaf and Blind, he continued to play at Christmas programs at
the church and whenever help was needed. Following graduation, he
became the church’s main drummer.
At school, he became involved with Invision when he was in the fourth
grade. He joined another school band, Outta Sight, during ninth grade.
Trent believes he is a nice fit for California Toe Jam, which plays
hits from the 1960s-80s.
“I’ve always been a big ‘50s and ‘60s and ‘70s music fan,” he said.
He likes the styles of Ringo Starr of The Beatles and Jerry Edmonton
of Steppenwolf.
His favorite song to play is by Tommy James and the Shondells.
“[Hanky Panky] has a nice groove, has a nice bounce to it, I can play
that sweet shuffle to it,” he said. “It’s just a fun song to play.”
When the band began in 1984 — before Trent was born — it played songs
such as “Wipeout,” “Barbara Ann” and “409.”
“I love playing ‘Wipeout.’ ‘Wipeout’s’ a great song,” Trent said.
Harry Havery speaks highly of Trent and says when the band needed a
drummer last winter, he knew Trent was the person to call.
“He is a student of classic rock, and knows his parts inside and out,”
Havery said. “He plays the arrangements just like the records, and is
great in his attention to detail. He is a breeze to play with, he’s a
team player and puts the band ahead of his ego. He knows how to play
to the room and is never overbearing. He comes in prepared and ready
for work and gives 100 percent every single time. He has a tremendous
work ethic. I respect him, I admire him, I love him and I love playing
music with him.”
Havery believes having Trent perform during the band’s last season is
taking some of the stress off him.
“It’s unbelievably sad to dissolve a band — really a family — that’s
been together for so long,” Havery said. “Having Trent in the band and
experiencing his relentless optimism and positive attitude makes me a
better person and helps me keep life in a little broader perspective.
He remains a blessing to me, and that’s a fact. I love that guy.”
After California Toe Jam wraps up after 35 years, it is unclear if
Trent will continue his love for music or follow his dream of radio
announcing.
He already co-hosts a sports show in Sebring, Florida and has a sports
podcast on Soundcloud called Outta Sight Sports.
“I’ve loved radio, radio is a big passion of mine,” Trent said. “I
would do whatever in radio.”
He draws inspiration from Enrique Oliu, a Spanish broadcaster for the
Tampa Bay Rays. He is blind and is a color commentator for the Rays.
“In theory, if you’re listening to it on the radio, you can’t see it,”
Trent said.
“You need someone who can paint the picture.”
Trent said he was asked the other day if he could have sight, would he want it.
“I said no because the Lord made me this way for a reason,” he said.
“I don’t let anything stop me from what I want to accomplish.”
Have a story idea? Contact B.J. Drye at 704-982-2123,
bj.drye@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx or follow bjdrye1 on Twitter.
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