Biagini’s Beats Rock The Horseshoe

by Stephanie Silliker
When most kids are tucked into bed, Samantha Biagini is stealing the show at one of Toronto’s hottest music hubs.

The 12-year-old drummer from east-end Toronto rocked The Edge 102.1’s Nu Music Nite at the legendary Horseshoe Tavern on Tuesday July 22. Decked in pink sneakers and cut-off jean shorts, Biagini gave a powerful performance on The Shoe’s celebrated stage. She was accompanied by Chris Biagini (her dad) on guitar and vocals, and Mark Zarich on bass, in a band called Chasing Sam.

“Chris is usually the one who’s white-faced and nervous before going on,” said Vince Occhipinti, a Biagini family friend. “Sam’s always been the cool one.”

The Horseshoe was a tough gig to get. Chris Biagini said the promoter, Craig Laskey, was concerned that the little drummer girl was just a little too young to be playing at a 19-and-over establishment. But, with the help of Biagini’s coach, drummer Darrin Pfeiffer of Goldfinger, Chasing Sam landed the gig, and Biagini became the youngest drummer to play at The Shoe.

“She’s the type of child who makes things look so easy,” said Biagini’s mom, Debbie, a few minutes before Chasing Sam hit the stage at The Shoe.

Biagini is a rarity. She’s yet to reach her teens, but she’s got the kind of confidence and stage presence you’d find in a seasoned rock star. She’s astounded crowds with her beats at the MQMusic Fest 2008 at Downsview Park and the Drake Hotel’s Elvis Monday, an event that’s featured the best Indie music from around this city for 25 years.

Sam, or Sammy, as her dad likes to call her, developed a love affair with a miniature drum set at age six. Ever since then, Biagini has spent many a night in her basement practicing; inspired by the distinctive and powerful sounds of the late John Henry "Bonzo" Bonham of Led Zeppelin.

Biagini’s beats have even caught the ear of Avril Lavigne’s former drummer Matt Brann. As part of the team at BunkRock Entertainment, Brann helped Biagini get her first gig at the Drake in July 2006. She was just 10-years-old.

To top things off, Biagini has showcased her talent in a Mazda commercial, which aired for one year beginning in September 2006. Not bad for a string-bean kid, who just happens to be a straight-A student from St. Brigid Catholic Elementary School.

“Me and my friends at school ... We’re going to start an all-girl band,” said a beaming Biagini, as she waited back stage before her debut performance at The Horseshoe.

This young prodigy is the new “it” girl on the Canadian music scene.

Watch out; her star is rising fast.