After 20 years, why is Jeff Burrows ending his Drum Marathon?

The Tea Party drummer Jeff Burrows at Caesars Windsor in Windsor, Ont., on April 18, 2019. (Melanie Borrelli / CTV Windsor)

After two decades of music and fundraising, Windsor drummer Jeff Burrows says this year’s 24-Hour Drum Marathon will be his last.

In a media release, Burrows announced the 20th annual event — taking place May 29 and 30 at Good Time Charly in Windsor — will mark the end of the long-running fundraiser that has supported charities across Windsor-Essex for the past 20 years.

Burrows said the decision follows the loss of his longtime friend and colleague Gary Demmans, who helped organize the annual marathon since its launch in 2006.

“For 20 years, Gary Demmans, my dear friend and colleague, worked tirelessly as my ‘master of logistics’ setting up equipment, coordinating bands and prepping facilities to ensure our annual 24-Hour Drum Marathon would make its mark as a popular entertainment venue and fundraising initiative,” Burrows said in the release.

According to Burrows, the fundraiser has generated more than $800,000 for local charities and organizations supporting mental health, addiction recovery, food banks and life-altering illnesses since it began.

Burrows also credited LiUNA!625 for serving as a major sponsor of the event since 2014.

The final marathon will feature 15 local bands performing continuously over 24 hours at Good Time Charly.

“I’d love to have you join me along with fifteen amazing local bands rocking round the clock,” Burrows said. “For our community! For Gary!”

Burrows, best known as the drummer for Canadian rock band The Tea Party, launched the marathon in 2006 as a way to combine live music with community fundraising efforts.

Additional details about participating charities and fundraising goals for this year’s event were not immediately available.