Rhythm Traders

10/28/2026

Meet the Rhythm Traders Teaching Crew!

Week Two: Catón Lyles

We're back with week two of our teacher spotlight, introducing the talented local musicians who make our lesson program so special!

This week, we have shop homie Mr. Catón Lyles!

Catón has been a familiar face in Portland's music community for decades. With over 30 years of experience as a percussionist and educator, he's worked with countless musicians, dancers, and students, including nearly 20 years as lead djembe drummer for the Northwest Afrikan-American Ballet.

Specializing in West African and Afro-Cuban rhythms, Catón brings a wealth of knowledge, patience, and good energy to every class. Beginners are always welcome!

Saturday Classes with Catón:

12:00–1:15 PM | Intermediate Djembe
Build your skills with more advanced rhythms and group playing.

1:30–2:45 PM | Djembe Explore!
A fun, relaxed introduction to West African drumming.

3:30–4:45 PM | Conga Explore!
Learn the basics of Afro-Cuban rhythms. Congas provided!

All classes are $20, ongoing, and drop-in friendly!

And don't forget, purchase a djembe at Rhythm Traders and receive a FREE class!

For more information, stop by the shop, call 503-288-6950, or visit rhythmtraders.com.

Rhythm Traders Supporting Portland's drumming community since 1992!
3904 NE ML King Jr. Blvd (Suite A)
Portland, Oregon 97212
[email protected]

10/26/2026

Happy Birthday to the Legendary John "Jabo" Starks! October 26, 1937 –

Today we're celebrating one of the true architects of funk drumming, the great Jabo Starks!

Born in Jackson, Alabama, Jabo was a self-taught drummer who learned his craft listening to blues, gospel, and the rhythms around him.

Best known for his years with James Brown, Jabo, along with fellow drummer Clyde Stubblefield, helped lay the foundation for modern funk. His unmistakable grooves on classics like "The Payback," "S*x Machine," and "Super Bad" helped change popular music forever.

His playing has been sampled countless times in hip-hop and R&B, and his influence continues to be felt by drummers and musicians around the world.

Jabo was a reminder that it's not about how many notes you play, but how good you make them feel.

Much love and respect to one of the funkiest to ever sit behind a drum kit.

Rhythm Traders
3904 NE ML King Jr. Blvd (Suite A)
Portland, Oregon 97212
www.rhythmtraders.com
[email protected]
503-288-6950

10/22/2026

Beautiful set of Gretsch Renown Maple shells recently landed. 22”, 10”, 12”, 14”. Gorgeous 😍😍😍

Come on by and see them.

3904 NE MLK Jr. BLVD
Portland OR
97212

Mon - Sat : 11-7
Sun : 12-5

10/21/2026

Meet the Rhythm Traders Teaching Crew!

This Week's Spotlight: Ryan McPhaill

Thinking about learning to play drums? Maybe you've been playing for years and want to brush up on a few things? Whatever your experience level, we've got a place for you here at Rhythm Traders!

We're kicking off a weekly feature introducing our all-star teaching staff. These are some of Portland's finest working musicians who love sharing what they know and helping folks become better players.

First up is our good friend Ryan McPhaill!

Ryan has been teaching drums around Portland since 1995 and brings a wealth of knowledge, patience, and real-world experience to every lesson.

Whether you're interested in rock, jazz, metal, indie, pop, or soul, Ryan works with each student at their own pace, focusing on technique, reading, independence, and most importantly, building confidence and having fun behind the drums.

When he's not teaching, you'll find Ryan playing around town with Hound the Wolves and The Tumblers.

Here at Rhythm Traders, we have two dedicated teaching studios for private lessons, plus a larger space for group classes limited to just 10 students. It's a comfortable, supportive place to learn, with all the resources of a full-service drum shop right outside the door.

Beginners are always welcome, and it's never too late to start!

Interested in lessons with Ryan? Give us a call at 503-288-6950 or stop by the shop. We'd love to help you get started!

Rhythm Traders — Supporting Portland's drumming community since 1992.
3904 NE ML King Jr. Blvd (Suite A)
Portland, Oregon 97212
503-784-2819
www.rhythmtraders.com
[email protected]

10/21/2026

Happy Birthday to the Great Dizzy Gillespie! October 21, 1917

Today we're celebrating the birth of one of the true giants of American music, John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie, born on this day in 1917 in Cheraw, South Carolina.

A trumpet virtuoso, composer, bandleader, educator, and one of the founding fathers of bebop, Dizzy helped change the sound and direction of jazz forever.

Alongside Charlie Parker and other pioneers, Dizzy helped usher in a whole new musical language. His contributions to Afro-Cuban jazz were just as important, helping bring together musical traditions and rhythms that continue to influence generations of musicians. His influence can be heard in generations of great trumpet players, including Miles Davis, Clifford Brown, Lee Morgan, Jon Faddis, and Arturo Sandoval, to name just a few.

Dizzy was more than a remarkable musician. He was a teacher, an innovator, and an ambassador for jazz who helped bring this music to people all over the world.

Happy Birthday, Dizzy! Thank you for the music, the inspiration, and the incredible legacy you left behind.

From all of us at Rhythm Traders, much love and respect to one of the architects of modern jazz.

Rhythm Traders
3904 NE ML King Jr. Blvd
Portland, Oregon 97212
www.rhythmtraders.com
[email protected]
503-288-6950

10/15/2026

From the Vault - We made a music mall with Hank's Music Exchange and Eastside Guitar Repair

10/14/2026

PM Percussion Conga set available at Rhythm Traders.

Handcrafted in Petaluma, California by master builder Peter Musser, PM Percussion congas have earned a reputation as some of the finest boutique hand drums available.

What makes these drums especially unique is Peter's use of Oregon Pepperwood. Native to the Pacific Northwest, Pepperwood is prized for its striking grain patterns, exceptional strength, and tonal character. The result is a drum with incredible projection, warm lows, articulate highs, and a rich, musical voice that stands out.

We had them priced at $2000, now we have marked them down to $1800. Local pick-up or shipping in the contiguous US (buyer pays shipping)

If you've never played a PM Percussion drum, you're missing out. Stop by Rhythm Traders and experience these beauties for yourself.

Rhythm Traders
3904 NE ML King Jr. Blvd (Suite A)
Portland, Oregon 97212
503-288-6950

[email protected]

10/12/2026

Quick Heads Up, Y'all!

Want to let everyone know that Caton won't be holding his Saturday hand drumming classes on Saturday October 17th.

He'll be back at it with his regular class schedule on Saturday, October 24th!

Any questions, feel free to give us a shout here at the shop.

Thanks!

Your friends at Rhythm Traders

10/11/2026

09/29/2026

A huge thanks to everybody who came out to the Rhythm Traders Swap Meet this past Saturday!

It was a great day. The vibe was cool, a whole lot of gear changed hands, plenty of deals were made, and we got to spend the afternoon hanging out and talking drums with old friends and made a bunch of new ones. That’s what the Swap Meet is all about.

Big shout out to Don Schultz of Portland Drum Company, Kaleb Shields of West Craft Drums and his family, and Mr. Tim Ennis of Cymbal & Gong for showing up with the goods and helping us up our game. We appreciate you guys being a part of the day and supporting what we’re doing.

And a big THANK YOU to everyone who continues to support Rhythm Traders and other locally owned businesses. Every time you walk through our doors, buy a pair of sticks, purchase a cymbal, bring in some used gear, take a lesson, come to a clinic or show up for something like the Swap Meet, you’re helping keep an independent drum shop alive and kicking in Portland. We’ve been doing this since 1992, and we’re still here because of you.

The Swap Meet is for our Portland drumming and percussion community. No big corporate production. It's about drummers, percussionists, local builders, friends and neighbors getting together and keeping the local music community strong.

We hope to see everybody back again next year!

Rhythm Traders
3904 NE ML King Jr. Blvd (Suite A)
Portland, Oregon 97212
503-288-6950
www.rhythmtraders.com
[email protected]