The contest invited individual musicians and vocalists to upload a two-minute video to coverband2010.com between July 15 and September 15 of last year. A public vote determined the finalists; a panel of celebrity judges then selected the winners. Didi’s entry was a mix of Latin, pop, and fusion styles that burned and grooved at the same time. “I love to solo,” says Didi, “but I love a pocket, too. So for my contest entry I decided to show the groove . . . show the chops . . . just do it all!”

A trip to Anaheim, California to perform at the NAMM International Music Products trade show this past January 16 was part of the prize for the seven winning CoverBand members. Twenty-three-year-old Didi also received a brand-new Gretsch Catalina Ash drumkit personally presented by Fred and Dinah Gretsch. Dinah was particularly pleased to chat with Didi, since female participation in music is an issue that’s near and dear to Dinah’s heart. "

Didi is now in her second year at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she’s studying with such well-known drummers as Ralph Peterson, Terri-Lyne Carrington, and Dave DiCenso. Not surprisingly, Didi’s goal is to become a professional drummer. “It’s all I’ve ever really thought about,” she says.