Aaron Serfaty is a drummer and percussionist born in Caracas, Venezuela. In 1991 he moved to Los Angeles to attend the California Institute of the Arts. Since then he has played, toured, and/or recorded with the L.A. Phil, Roberta Gambarini, Kristin Korb, Catina de Luna/Otmaro Ruiz's Lado B, Bob Mintzer All L.A. Band, Arturo Sandoval, Jon Anderson, Sergio Mendes, Dori Caymmi, Frank Gambale, and Oscar Hernandez, among many others. Movie soundtracks include 'Along Came Poly', 'Coco' and 'Encanto'. He is currently on faculty at the University of Southern California (1997-present).

AARON SERFATY

Fascinated by the complex and mysterious religious nature of Afro Cuban music, Abel Valentino has spent his life immersed in the study and performance of that dynamic, spiritual percussion. Growing up in a Puerto Rican household in Arizona, he delighted in the sounds of Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, and Ismael Rivera.    A self-taught percussionist, Valentino began his professional career at 14 years old with the Pete Robles Orchestra. His longstanding friendship with Tito Puente began in 1976 at the Casino Ballroom in Tucson, Arizona, when he was invited to perform with Tito Puente's band. Over the years, Valentino continued to be a guest with Tito Puente's band, the final time being at Centennial Hall at the University of Arizona in 1998.    Valentino has also been a guest with Larry Harlow and  Willie Colon, Poncho Sanchez, and Malo. He performed with the Brazilian band Zum Zum Zum for President Reagan during the Hispanic Heritage Awards in Washington, D.C.    Although he plays various styles, including straight ahead jazz and Latin rock, Valentino's main focus is as a salsa and Latin jazz timbalero. He resides in Phoenix, playing with various West Coast salsa bands and with his band, Abel Valentino & Salsation.

ABEL VALENTINO

Currently touring the world with Dido (over 40 million records worldwide), for her first tour in 15 years. Adam also plays for the French singer, Patricia Kaas (17 million records). They recently finished a tour of 110 concerts in over 100 cities in 25 countries.

Other recent highlights have included being musical director and drummer for Amy Macdonald for many years (over 12 million albums sold. Adam played on her number 1 album and many number 1 singles), and also toured/recorded with Babyshambles.

He is also a band member of One eskimO. Their single "Kandi" was named the #1 AAA song of the year by Billboard's BDS airplay charts, and also won "Song of the Year" at the FMQB Triple A Conference. They were invited to play on the Ellen DeGeneres Show three times, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Jimmy Kimmel Show, and toured the US relentlessly for 2 years.

ADAM FALKNER

Adam was born and raised in Hungary. He studied classical piano and percussion, emerging as a important exponent of latin-pop, -jazz and salsa music. He moved to London in 2007 and immersed himself in the scene there, meeting and working with many of the world's leading percussionists. London's bustling, multicultural hub was inspirational and propelled him forwards on his musical journey. 

Adam has toured extensively with Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Other recent performance highlights include: Anastacia, Rick Astley, Seal, Boyzone, Ronan Keating, Mica Paris, Kenny Thomas, Heather Small, Lemar, Gregory Porter, Kim Wilde, Roachford, Beverley Knight, Gabrielle, Sophie Ellis Bextor, George Ezra, Mel C, Chris Farlowe, James Blunt, Shola Ama, Emeli Sande, The Shires, and many more. When not touring, Adam performs in theatre orchestras in London, most recently on Disney's "Lion King" and "Thriller Live!".

ADAM KOVACS

Adam Manning is an experienced educator, published performer and passionate composer. He performs regularly with prominent Australian artists, writes articles, records for major record labels, and has directed award winning ensembles. 

Throughout his earliest years, the snare drum was his primary instrument, as he was awarded the Australian National Snare Drum Champion in 1998. 

In 2003, Adam completed a Bachelor of Music in orchestral percussion. He has performed with guitar virtuoso Bruce Mathiske, John Paul Young and the All Stars, Australian Jazz legend Andy Firth and many more. 

Adam is the Cohort Leader of Percussion and lecturer at the University of Newcastle Australia. In 2016, Adam led the Newcastle Conservatorium Percussion ensemble to victory at the Australian Percussion Eisteddfod. Adam is currently enrolled in a Ph.D. through the University of Tasmania, where he is investigating new rhythmic thinking and sonic opportunities for the hand drummer.

ADAM MANNING

Adam Nussbaum is considered one of the finest drummers working today. He's played with a virtual "Who's Who" in the jazz world. Longtime associates have included: John Abercrombie, Michael & Randy Brecker, Eliane Elias, Gil Evans, Stan Getz, Vic Juris, James Moody, John Scofield, Joe Sample, 'Toots' Thielemans, Kenny Wheeler & NHØP, as well as freelancing with prominent artists of every generation, being a major asset no matter where he appears.

Adam Nussbaum is considered one of the finest drummers working today. He's played with a virtual "Who's Who" in the jazz world. Longtime associates have included: John Abercrombie, Michael & Randy Brecker, Eliane Elias, Gil Evans, Stan Getz, Vic Juris, James Moody, John Scofield, as well as freelancing with prominent artists of every generation, being a major asset no matter where he appears.

Nussbaum has joined forces with other musicians to form such groups as "BANN" w/Seamus Blake, Jay Anderson & Oz Noy, and many more. He's been on hundreds of recordings, including the Grammy winning "Don't Try This At Home" recorded with Michael Brecker. In addition, Nussbaum is an in-demand educator doing Clinics and Master Classes, teaching at such institutions as Berklee, NYU, State University of New York, the New School, and at numerous Conservatories around the world. He also coproduced with Hudson Music, "The Art of Playing Brushes."

ADAM NUSSBAUM

I relocated to Miami in 1973 from New York. My life changed completely when I started working as a full time musician 5 nights a week. My name started to spread among musicians. There was a movement going on at that time with the music called the "Miami Sound" where a mix of Rock and Cuban music were played.  Willie Chirino hired me (8yrs).  He was one of the bands with that Miami sound, and other bands like "Miami Sound Machine", which later became International stars with Gloria Estefan. I Performed with Jose Luis Rodriguez (El Puma) 5 yrs.  Got hired to do "Sabado Gigante Int." TV show for 30 yrs.  In between was hired by KC & The Sunshine Band.  Bobby Keys, Mick Taylor, Ivan Neville, Celia Cruz, Jon Secada. At the moment I am performing in Bad Co., Foreigner, and Aerosmith Tribute Bands and other projects.

ADOLFO "FOFI" LANCHA

Musician, drummer, musical director and producer, Adolfo has a degree in social communication from the Universidad Central de Venezuela. He has also studied with maestro Andrés Briceño and has participated in over 70 commercial albums, 4 of them resulted in Latin Grammy nominated albums. He studied at Berklee College of Music from 2002 to 2004.

Adolfo resides in Miami where he is currently on the"AGRADECIDO" tour with José Luis Rodríguez "El Puma.
In his career he has worked with Franco De Vita, De La Paz Ensemble, Raices Jazz Orchestra (led by Tony Succar and Pablo Gil) Aquiles Báez, La Mala Rodriguez, Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), Lena Burke, Siudy Flamenco Dance Theater, Otmaro Ruiz, Simón Bolivar Symphony Orchestra, Miami Symphony Orchestra, South Florida Symphony, Leo Blanco, Antonio Canales, Farruquito, Anita Loynaz, Huáscar Barradas, Rafael "El Pollo" Brito, Karina, Kiara, Guillermo Carrasco and Frank Quintero, among others.

ADOLFO HERRERA

Aicha Djidjelli studied the drums at the prestigious Drumtech drum and percussion school in London. She supported singer Ainslie on his promotional tour for Keep Me A Secret by playing drums on the likes of Top Of The Pops and Des And Mel.

AICHA DJIDJELLI

A.J. Hall has been living a double life most of his career and he's loving every minute of it. The Florida native who grew up gigging in high school and studying Jazz at Florida State has one foot in the hip hop world and one foot in the touring world with artists like John Cleary. While cutting his teeth in New Orleans and playing live shows he was not so secretly spending equal time in the studio, crafting beats and producing hip hop records. Although he's known for different skills in different circles, both groups seek out A.J. for the same things: Authenticity, attention to the tradition of the music and and a work ethic like none other - oh, and beats that slap, of course.

A.J. HALL

When I was in college I met Don Roeser and we formed a band with some other guys in our dorms. That band was called the Travesty and once again we went from humble beginnings to wild success. So wild, in fact, that our grades suffered proportionally. After a couple years of Travesty Donald and I left college to start another band that eventually included my brother Joe and became Blue √ñyster Cult. Once again my musical endeavor was more successful than we could imagine, selling millions of records and touring the globe. After 17 years in bands together Don (now called Buck Dharma) and I went our separate ways in 1982.

I started another band that broke up before our record came out and took work as a session musician and musical director for oldies shows. I also went back to college and got a BA in music and a MA in English Literacy and took grad courses in administration. Along the way I formed a band with my ex-wife, Deborah Frost, called the Brain Surgeons. The Brain Surgeons performed from 1994 until 2006 when marital tensions pulled the band apart.

In 2008 I played some gigs with my brother, Joe, and Dennis Dunaway, legendary bass player with the Alice Cooper Group. We called called ourselves Blue Coupe.

Blue Coupe have found continuing glory with their highly acclaimed album, Tornado On The Tracks, which has multiple Grammy considerations in 2011 and 2012, including "Angel's Well" featuring Robby Krieger legendary guitarist for The Doors. And Blue Coupe continue to tour North America and Europe with such illustrious shows as the Halloween Parade in New York City where they were seen by more than a million people.

Blue Coupe released their second album in 2013, featuring Tish and Snooky from Manic Panic, Ross the Boss from Manowar and the Dictators, Buck Dharma from Blue √ñyster Cult and Goldy McJohn from Steppenwolf as special guest stars. The album was recorded at the Carriage House Studios in Stamford CT and was mixed in LA by Jack Douglas (Aerosmith, John Lennon, Cheap Trick, Alice Cooper, BOC, etc.) and Warren Huart (Aerosmith, The Fray, James Blunt, etc.)

I put out my first solo record in 2014, an acoustic oriented record, featuring several tracks with no drum set at all.  I was featured on local FOX 5 News in September of 2015 for my work as a music teacher in a Public High School in Manhattan.  In early 2016 I played a half dozen shows with Blue Oyster Cult, mostly playing guitar and singing. In May of 2016 President Obama honored me at the White House for being an outstanding educator.

 In the fall of 2016 I released Beauty of the Bambo by the David Roter Method, The Roadmap Inside Your Head by Spirits Burning & Clearlight and Manic Panic Christmas by Albert and the Sleigh Riders.

By Decmber of 2017 I had released 4 more records, a re-release of Helen Wheels ARCHETYPE, a re-release of Albert & the Sleigh Riders called ITS CHRISTMAS'Ä¶ AGAIN, David Roter Method's ROTER'S MONSTERS and my second solo record called SURREALIST. I also started a weekly vlog called MOST COWBELL!!!. 

In 2018 the Al & Mark collaboration, Fidelis Ad Mortem came out and another Spirits Burning collaboration, this time with Michael Moorcock called AN ALIEN HEAT was released.

In 2019 Blue Coupe completed their 3rd full length album, ELEVEN EVEN, and was released on 11/11/2019. BC went to Sweden for an appearance at the Sweden Rock Festival before returning to the States to play some midwest shows. I continue to work on the last record of the Dancers At The End Of Time trilogy, The End Of All Songs with Spirits Burning and Michael Moorcock. The first two records of the series, An Alien Heat and Hollow Lands, are now available.

In 2020 I signed with Jeff Keller for personal management. His first move was to arrange for the release of the Re Imaginos album (a reimagining of my legendary Imaginos record) in November. I also played and sang on the new Blue Oyster Cult record, The Symbol Remains, and appeared in their first video from it in September 2020.

In addition to Blue Coupe, since 2006 I have recorded songs for Blue Oyster Cult, Fabienne Shine, Left on Red, Underbelly, Al & Mark, Albert & The Sleigh Riders ,Tish and Snooky, the Bouchard Bros., The Dictators, David Roter, Robert Gordon, Knuckle Head, Spirits Burning and many others.

Albert Bouchard started playing drums in 1950 at 3 years old. Currently he is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, singer, educator and vlogger. His first professional recording was with Tom Paxton on the album, 'Things I Notice Now' in 1968. Since then, he has played, sang and or produced 80 commercially released records and in 2020 charted in Billboard twice, first with his former band Blue Oyster Cult (playing cowbell, of course) and then again as a solo artist. 

Although not originally a percussionist he did play cowbell on Blue Oyster Cult's hit, (Don't Fear) The Reaper. He currently hosts a weekly vlog called Most Cowbell!!!

In 2016 he visited the White House to be honored as an educator by President Obama at the educator of the year ceremony. Later that year he toured with his old band, Blue Oyster Cult as guitarist, percussion and vocals). 

In recent years he has appeared with the Yacht Rock Revue, Joe Hurley's Irish Rock Revue, Joey Ramone Birthday Bash, Mike Pinera's Classic Rock All Stars, Blue Coupe, Shakin' Street and many others.

He is currently playing drums and singing with punk rock legends, The Dictators.

ALBERT BOUCHARD

Alberto López received his first music lessons as a child in a neighborhood music school in Medellín, Colombia.  Upon his family's move to the United States, he furthered his studies in piano and percussion at the New England Conservatory in Boston, MA and The Juilliard School in New York City, respectively. In addition, Alberto studied counterpoint, harmony and orchestral conducting privately under the great Jacques-Louis Monod.  While in New York, he came under the tutelage of Afro-Cuban drumming master and legend Felipe García Villamil, with whom he learned not only the drumming and music, but also the religious and ceremonial aspects of various Afro-Cuban cultural and spiritual traditions.  Furthermore, he has traveled to Brazil, Puerto Rico and Cuba to develop his knowledge of Afro-American music and culture.     Residing in Los Angeles since 1999, Mr. López has performed, recorded, composed and/or produced music with artists such as Quetzal, Mstislav Rostropovich, Rubén Blades, Celia Cruz, Lee Ritenour, Stanley Clarke, LCD Soundsystem, The Brand New Heavies, The Dalai Lama, Juanes and Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, among many others.  He was part of the Oscar-nominated soundtrack for the 20th Century FOX animated film "Rio" and in 2013 received a Grammy Award (Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album) for his work on the "Imaginaries" album by Quetzal, released on the Smithsonian Folkways label.       In November 2004, Alberto founded Belú Music, a music production house and independent label, with the aim of developing and sharing the musical vision of artists around the world.  His releases and productions have generated praise from some of the most prominent world music radio stations, including KCRW and KPFK (Los Angeles), BBC (UK), KEXP (Seattle) and WGBH (Boston).  Additionally, Alberto is a co-founder and partner of Artivist Entertainment, an independent entertainment company founded in conjunction with Aloe Blacc, Maya Jupiter, Quetzal Flores and Veronica Gonzalez dedicated to representing artists whose art and music inspire positive social change.     Mr. López has also been an active educator, teaching privately as well as giving lectures and workshops in schools and universities, including UCLA, Loyola University, SDSU, Occidental College, LAMA, Plaza de la Raza and community centers throughout California, Arizona and Oregon. In 2010, he released "Afro-Colombian Rhythms Method, Vol. 1" with Colombian master percussionist and gaitero Eduardo Martínez (Totó La Momposina, Petrona Martínez).  Currently, Alberto is working with Scott Wardinsky in the production of an instructional DVD/CD set of Afro-Cuban rhythms featuring Cuban masters Ramón "Sandy" Pérez and Lázaro Galarraga and is an instructor at the Dubspot online and Los Angeles campuses.    Alberto López plays and endorses LP percussion instruments, TRX cymbals and Innovative Percussion drum sticks and mallets.

ALBERTO LOPEZ

Founder and Artistic Director of the KoSA International Percussion Workshops, and member of the internationally acclaimed percussion ensemble, Repercussion, Aldo is an internationally recognized drummer-percussionist, recording artist, clinician, composer, author and educator. He has recorded over 100 cds with such artists as Celine Dion, Jon Bon Jovi, Alain Caron and Aldo Nova and has performed live with such artists as James Brown, Chris De Burgh, Oliver Jones and major symphony orchestras.  Aldo has also participated both as a performer and an adjudicator in numerous international classical, contemporary, world music as well as jazz music festivals.

ALDO MAZZA

Hailing from Santiago, Chile, Alejandro's introduction into music started with his passionate pursuit on the drum kit. His professional musical career began at the age of 16 in South America, with television appearances and national tours. In an ironic twist, Alejandro's career in percussion only began when he pursued a musical career in Australia. Whilst busking on the streets of Melbourne, Alejandro was discovered by one of Little River Band creators, Graeham Goble which later lead to him touring with the legends on their international tour. He is now regarded as one of Australia's leading percussionists with a strong and varied repertoire in all things percussion.

Alejandro is best known as Dancing with the Stars (AU) long standing main percussionist and other notable television series such as X Factor. He has also toured and performed with a variety of international artists.

ALEJANDRO VEGA

Born in Miami Fl -Feb. 24 -1969 - When I was around 4 years old saw the Beatles on tv and I said to myself "thats what I want to do, play the drums! Started playing drums at the age of 5 listening to the radio and playing to records. Ringo Starr was my first influence, then Peter Criss from KISS . As the years went by , John Bonham, Keith Moon, Stewart Copeland, Neil Peart ,Terry Bozzio where and still are a huge influence in the way I play. Moved to Guadalajara Mexico in 1984 and joined the Band Sombrero Verde until 1986 - that's when MANÁ was formed and is considered today the most successful rock in Español band of all time. In 2013 started a side project metal band- De La Tierra.

As an adolescent in Mexico City, Alex González dreamed of a day when he would join the ranks of icons such as Ringo Starr, John Bonham, Stewart Copeland, Clem Burke, Keith Moon and, later, Terry Bozzio. Today, no one would contest the claim that Alex has achieved his goals-and then some. Alex's first break was with Mexican band, Sombrero Verde (green hat). That band morphed into Maná and from the beginning, Alex was integral part of the group, even co-producing the band's first record. In 2007 the group sold out a whopping four Staples Center shows and their albums were going platinum and beyond-a considerable feat for a Rock/Latin band singing in Spanish. Alex González is an intricate drummer capable of wowing crowds with his popular solos. At the same time, he is extremely physical and plays with real force. The two characteristics, complexity and brute power, don't often coexist to such a refined extent. His kit reflects his muscularity and reach. He is surrounded by drums, cymbals, and a variety of LP instruments, starting with his red-rimmed, his Cyclops Tambourine and LP bells.

ALEX GONZALEZ

Alex's powerful and dynamic drumming style and voice are as unique and instantly recognizable as Edward's guitar sound. The term "brown sound," which is universally linked with Edward's tone was actually coined by Alex and refers to the warmth of his own snare drum sound. But, don't overlook the finesse and sensitivity. He plays what's right for the song. Not to grandstand or just to draw attention to himself. He will however, let loose live in his unaccompanied drum solo. In this instance you've got to expect the unexpected. From lighting his kit on fire during the Van Halen II tour, to the Latinesque version of " Outta Love Again," complete with congas and horns on the III tour, you're always in for a treat. Though he appears ominous, silent and brooding to many (which is further enhanced by his usual all-black garb), Alex has a rapier-sharp wit and a love of practical jokes. In 1986, he shaved his head completely bald as a part of a bet, even appearing on an episode of Night Tracks and in the Hank Williams, Jr. video for "My Name is Bocephus" with his newly shorn dome. A word to the wise: don't ever leave your shoes unattended in his presence. Otherwise you may return to find them nailed to the floor.

ALEX VAN HALEN

ALLAKOI "MIC HOLDEN" PEETE

Al Velasquez is a drummer/ percussionist based in Los Angeles, Ca. who performs with many Latin acoustic guitar artists.  He has recorded 3 PBS specials, 9 cd's, several National Tours & performed on DANCING with the STARS with PBS guitar star BENISE. He has also worked with celebrated acoustic guitarists: Luis Villegas, Ben Woods, Jose Garcia, Incendio, Roger Espinosa, Jon Francis and other musical acts like Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy, SugarLoaf, Kimberly Locke, Perla Batalla, Emmanuele and the Harry Selvin Big Band. He is also a drum instructor on Drum Channel.

Al Velasquez plays  percussion with many great California Latin guitar artists  BENISE, Luis Villegas, Incendio, Tony Ybarra, Jon Francis, Ben Woods as well as other acts like Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy & Bob Hurd.

AL VELASQUEZ

Amaury Acosta, aka King Klave, is a drummer, percussionist, composer, producer and animator of experimental concepts of art. Born and bred in Hell's Kitchen, NY as Cuban Parents. He attended LaGuardia High School for Performing Arts and completed his degree at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School in 2006. He graduated from The New School For Jazz & Contemporary music in New York City in 2011. He has performed in Tokyo, Kyoto, Japan, Sydney, Melbourne, Australia, Gongju, South Korea, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, Atlanta, Washington, DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, USA. Havana, Cuba, CDMX, Mexico, Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Toronto, Canada and countless other cities.

His unique Sound, Skill, and Vision has led him to collaborate with many luminary musicians and artists, Such as Iggy Pop, Wynton Marsalis, Kimbra, Jose James, Paquito D'Rivera, Candido Camero, Keyon Harrold, Robert Glasper, Pedrito Martinez, Israel "Cachao" Lopez, Descemer Bueno, Arturo O'Farrill, Taylor Eigsti, and many others. He recently composed a Jazz drum solo piece for Gigi Hadid's Film entitled When Gigi met Gigi by Vogue and Ralph Lauren.

Amaury Acosta (Aka King Klave) is a Cuban American Drummer, Producer, Composer, & Arranger. Leader of the band (U)nity alongside with Axel Tosca Laugart.    At the age of 11, he began studying privately with master drummer Alex Garcia.  At age 14, Amaury was awarded a scholarship to Boys harbor conservatory of music in New York City where he studied with David Oquendo, Johnny Almendra Ramon Rodriguez.  He attended La Gaurdia high school for performing arts and graduated from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School in 2006. In 2008 He transferred to The New School For Jazz & Contemporary Music in New York City where he studied with Charlie Persip, Dr.Reginald Workman, Billy Harper, Johanes Widenmueller, Richard Harper, Junior Mance,Gerald D'Angelo, Ari Hoening, Obed Calvaire, Greg Hutchinson, Nasheet Waits,Gerald Clayton, Jimmy Owens, Cecil Bridgewater, and many more.         Amaury has played and Recorded with Candido Camero , Paquito D'Riverra, Wynton Marsalis, Ray Mantilla, Luques & Zaccai Curtis, Michael Rodriguez,Chris Smith, Xiomara Laugart, Pedrito Martinez, Isreal "Cachao" Lopez, George Cables, Chris Turner, Kenneth Whalum III, Burniss Earl Travis , Armando Gola, Felipe Lamoglia , Jose James, Jessie Boykinsiii, Taylor Mcferrin, Sean Jones, Lonnie Plaxico, Tia Fuller, John Hicks,  Arturo O'Farril, John Benitez, John Lewis, Yosvany Terry, Yunior Terry, Matt Schofield, Taylor Eigsti, Joe Sanders, Jaleel Shaw, Robert Glasper, Jeremy Pelt, and Logan Richardson

AMAURY ACOSTA

Ami Molinelli is a professional percussionist and educator specializing in Brazilian and Latin percussion.  She co-leads the Brazilian and jazz ensemble, Grupo Falso Baiano with two albums to their credit: "Simplicidade - Live at Yoshi's"  and "Viajando em Choro e Jazz." Grupo Falso Baiano have been featured on NPR's the California Report, Radio Latina and Pandora LIVE!     Her percussion curriculum has been used and published in clinics and education workshops including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Music in Schools Today, Young Audiences of Northern California, The San Francisco Jazz Center, UFBA Ouro Preto, Brasil, Berkeley Jazz School, HeadStart (San Mateo County), Los Angeles Music Academy, California Brazil Camp, Jazz Camp West, etc.  Her curriculum, "Recycled Rhythm" was created for her artist residency of 7 years at the Los Angeles Music Center.  Currently Ami is a music integration and curriculum specialist with Music in Schools today, The San Francisco Jazz Center and Living Jazz.     Ami received her Master of Fine Arts from the California Institute of the Arts.   Her extensive performance and recording credits include theater, television (NBC) and live performances with artists such as Jovino Santos Neto, Rogerio Souza, Hamilton de Hollanda, Teka, Katia

AMI MOLINELLI

Amr Galal started playing drums at the age of 6. He is a producer and touring musician around the world with the biggest pop artists in the Middle East.

AMR GALAL

Andrés Forero is a highly acclaimed drummer and percussionist, recognized for his outstanding talent and versatility in the music industry. With a string of prestigious awards to his name, including TONY, GRAMMY, and EMMY accolades, Forero has established himself as a prominent figure in the world of drumming and Broadway performances.

Known for his exceptional skills as a "Crossover" Drummer/Percussionist, Forero has made significant contributions to some of the most successful Broadway productions. He notably played drums in the groundbreaking musicals 'Hamilton,' 'In the Heights,' and 'Bring It On!' His rhythmic prowess and ability to seamlessly blend different musical genres have garnered widespread acclaim.

In May 2016, Forero was featured on the cover of Modern Drummer magazine, which highlighted his remarkable talent and contributions to the music industry. He has also collaborated with renowned artists and bands, such as U2, featuring on their album 'Songs of Surrender,' and Phish, playing on all tracks of their 2016 release 'Big Boat.'

Forero is not only dedicated to his craft but also to using his musical talent for charitable endeavors. He has provided music for Rochester's fashion week to benefit the Center for Youth and Parkeigh's Safe Harbor program, showcasing his commitment to making a positive impact through his music.

In February 2017, Forero had the honor of being the guest drummer on NBC's Late Night with Seth Meyers for an entire week, further solidifying his reputation as a highly sought-after musician. He has also conducted drum clinics at high schools and music stores, where he shares his knowledge and passion for music, specifically enlightening students and fellow musicians about the demands and intricacies of being a Broadway performer and touring musician.

Forero is set to debut his upcoming documentary titled "A Day in the Life of a Pit Musician," which will offer a glimpse into the lives of Broadway musicians, highlighting the dedication and skills required.

ANDRES FORERO

Hailed by New York Classical Review as "spectacularly virtuosic", international soloist and composer, ANDREW BEALL's works have been performed around the world. His concerto, Affirmation, was premiered at Avery Fisher Hall and recently recorded by the Siberian Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Beall has performed on Broadway in The Lion King, Les Miserables, Spiderman, In The Heights, and A Gentlemen's Guide to Love and Murder, orchestras such as the American Symphony, Columbus Symphony, Greenwich Symphony, and is the drummer for eclectic rock quartet, Cordis, and Broadway dance company, American Dance Machine. Mr. Beall has released three albums on BMP Records: Deliverance, Glass Jungle, Concerti, and one Concept Album on Broadway Records: Song of Solomon: a new musical, starring Tony-nominated Ramin Karimloo.  Mr. Beall was recently commissioned by The Telling Company to write his second musical.

ANDREW BEALL

ANDREW "SHOVELL" LOVELL

Andy Cheng is a multi-percussionist from Taiwan who has a double master's degree in World percussion and North Indian music at California Institute of the Arts, his CD passing on world percussion get nominated of The Golden Melody Awards for Traditional Arts and Music.

He is a performer, educator and composer who is currently running his own group GURUJI World percussion group. and teach at TenDrum percussion group. His world music training includes North and South Indian, Brazilian, Ewe African, Latin, Balkan, Arabic and Persian music.

Deep traditional training and a crosspollination of different types of music make up Andy's unique sound of percussion. He has performed in the U.S, Japan, Holland, Indonesia, China, and Taiwan.

Andy also performs with world music groups such as Hands On'Semble, Lian Ensemble, Go organic orchestra and the Salaamuna Near East Ensemble.
He has studied under Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri, Randy Gloss, Houman Pourmehdi, Pirayeh Pourafar, Andrew Grueschow, Poovalur Sriji, Beatrice Dzidzogbe Lawluvi, Yeko Ladzekpo-Cole, and Souhail Kaspar.

ANDY CHENG

Angelo Rodriguez was born in Downey, California, to Puerto Rican parents Maria and Angel Rodriguez Sr. where he started performing at a local church at the age of 9. Angelo's first band was New Creation, directed by Andrew Crouchs' musical director, Alberto Salas. At the age of 16 Angelo began performing at all the local nightclub in Los Angeles, attending rehearsals and performing five nights a week while attending High School. From then on Angelo has performed with the following artist: Britney Spears (In the Zone promotional tour), Nelly Furtado (Area 1 Tour 2001), Jagged Edge (Jay Leno Tonight Show), Celia Cruz, Barry Manilow, The Long Beach Symphony, The Modesto Symphony, California State University in Long Beach Steel Drum Orchestra, The Ricky Minor Band, Tribute to Donny Hathaway, The Temptations, Obie Bermudez, Tito Nieves, Pete Conde Rodriguez, with special Grammy performances with Bruno Mars, Pharrell Williams, Alicia Keys, Rihanna and the Dave Matthews band.

ANGELO "ANGEL" RODRIGUEZ

Antoine Fadavi was born and raised in Paris, France. Before moving to Los Angeles, Antoine was already well on his way. By the time he turned 18 he had performed at clubs and festivals around Paris, produced educational videos for KAT Electronic Percussion, received coverage in Modern Drummer, Drum!, Batterie and Digital Drummer magazines and collected over a million views on his YouTube channel.
 
Once in Los Angeles, Antoine set about acquiring the skills he knew he'd need to be successful, both musically and professionally. In addition to accepting a wide variety of playing gigs, creating and editing video content and handling multi-media marketing projects, he went out of his way to meet and collaborate with local musicians and music producers. It was through these interactions that Antoine met singer/songwriter King Princess and joined her band. He played drums on KP's sold out "Pussy Is God" and "Cheap Queen" tours and, in the months that followed, added performances at acclaimed festivals such as Austin City Limits, Coachella, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and The Governor's Ball as well as appearances on popular late-night TV shows including Saturday Night Live and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

More recently Antoine's expanding skills and professional contacts led to work as Music Director for Weston Estate, Fiji Blue, Ella Isaacson and Little Luna, plus playback engineer roles for Grammy Award-winning singer/rappers Lil Nas X and Iggy Azalea. Among Antoine's other projects, King Princess and the band were direct support on major arena tour for Kacey Musgraves (US), appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and opened in the U.S. and Europe for legendary rock band the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Antoine also celebrated the release of his new band Angelsaur's debut album "Children Disguised as Adults" in 2023.

ANTOINE FADAVI

Born in Cape Town, South Africa and currently residing in NYC, Anton started drumming around age 4 and progressed to a music degree at the New England Conservatory in Boston.

After moving to NYC, he became part of the session scene and recorded with Ace Frehley, Link Wray, Kiss, Cyndi Lauper, Bob Dylan, Madonna, Joan Armatrading, Paul Butterfield, Mick Jagger and hundreds more.

Anton formed the acclaimed band Spider, who originated the hit "Better Be Good To Me" - later covered to great success by Tina Turner.

In 1986, he joined he Late Show with David Letterman - a position he held for 29 years until the show ended. During that run he played with the worlds' greatest musicians including Miles Davis, James Brown, Bruce Springsteen, Tony Bennet, Steve Winwood, Pete Townshend to name just a few.

During this time he composed and produced his solo album Figments, which features guests performances by Brian Wilson, Richie Havens, Ivan Neville, Ace Frehley, Blondie Chaplin, Chip Taylor, Oz Noy among many others.

Anton recorded an instructional video - 'In the Groove Late/Night Drumming' - and was voted #1 Best Rock Drummer in Modern Drummer's Readers Poll 2010.

He also played many memorable live concerts including Live Aid, The Concert for New York City (for 9/11), Bob Dylan's 30th Anniversary Concert, and countless Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Awards shows.

Anton toured extensively with guitarist Joe Bonamassa after the Letterman Show ended, as well as playing on most of his albums and live projects since 2006.

Currently Anton is producing, writing, recording, and touring with a variety of artists.

ANTON FIG

Born in Mexico City, 5 time Grammy Award winner Antonio Sanchez began playing the drums at age five and performed professionally in his early teens in Mexico's rock, jazz and Latin scene. He pursued a degree in classical piano at the National Conservatory in Mexico and in 1993 enrolled in Berklee College of Music and New England Conservatory, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in Jazz Studies. Antonio has become one of the most sought-after drummers in the international jazz scene. Following 18 years and 9 albums as one of the most revered collaborators with guitarist/composer Pat Metheny, he also has recorded and performed with many other most prominent artists like Chick Corea, Gary Burton, Michael Brecker, Charlie Haden and Toots Thielmans. Sanchez's popularity soared when he scored Alejandro González Iñárritu's ? which ended up fetching 4 Academy awards (including best picture) and for which Antonio won a Grammy award. Additional film/tv projects include EPIX network's ?Get Shorty? and ?Hippopotamus? among others.

ANTONIO SANCHEZ

Considered the best Brazilian heavy metal drummer of the last twenty two years by drumming magazines and sites, Aquiles Priester has made a name for himself among drummers both locally and worldwide. He has collected awards and achievements throughout his career and has made his home country of Brazil proud.

In his life as a drumming expert and educator, Aquiles Priester has done more than 500 drum clinics and has taken part in the biggest drum festivals around the world. 

He has put out four educational DVDs: Inside My Drums (2004), The Infallible Reason of My Freak Drumming (2010), Aquiles Priester's Top 100 Drum Fills (2013) which Modern Drummer elected as the "best educational DVD of the year", and his first Blu-ray and triple DVD All Access to Aquiles Priester's Drumming (2019). Additionally, he has put out four drumming textbooks: Inside My PsychoBook: 100 Double Bass Patterns (2007), Aquiles Priester Biography (2010), Aquiles Priester's Top 100 Drum Fills (2013) and the PsychOctopus Play Along (2014).

In 2017 Aquiles Priester took part in heavy metal legend W.A.S.P.'s European tour, traveling through 21 countries and he is ready to embark on the band's 40th Anniversary World Tour in 2022.

In 2020, the very first time for a Brazilian metal drummer, Aquiles Priester was ranked number one in the double bass category by the readers of Modern Drummer Magazine and was also awarded the YouTube award plate for having over 100.000 subscribers on his drum channel.

In this new material (All the Secrets of Vera Cruz Drumming and Unraveling Aquiles Priester's Double Bass Technique) released in January of 2023, you will discover all of Aquiles Priester's secrets about the concept, recording, arrangements and performance of the renowned and award-winning album Vera Cruz, his first release with Edu Falaschi after almost 15 years.

"Considered the best Brazilian heavy metal drummer of the last twenty two years by drumming magazines and sites, Aquiles Priester has made a name for himself among drummers both locally and worldwide. He has collected awards and achievements throughout his career and has made his home country of Brazil proud.

In his life as a drumming expert and educator, Aquiles Priester has done more than 500 drum clinics and has taken part in the biggest drum festivals around the world. 

He has put out four educational DVDs: Inside My Drums (2004), The Infallible Reason of My Freak Drumming (2010), Aquiles Priester's Top 100 Drum Fills (2013) which Modern Drummer elected as the "best educational DVD of the year", and his first Blu-ray and triple DVD All Access to Aquiles Priester's Drumming (2019). Additionally, he has put out four drumming textbooks: Inside My PsychoBook: 100 Double Bass Patterns (2007), Aquiles Priester Biography (2010), Aquiles Priester's Top 100 Drum Fills (2013) and the PsychOctopus Play Along (2014).

In 2017 Aquiles Priester took part in heavy metal legend W.A.S.P.'s European tour, traveling through 21 countries and he is ready to embark on the bandâ€™s 40th Anniversary World Tour in 2022.

In 2020, the very first time for a Brazilian metal drummer, Aquiles Priester was ranked number one in the double bass category by the readers of Modern Drummer Magazine and was also awarded the YouTube award plate for having over 100.000 subscribers on his drum channel.

In this new material (All the Secrets of Vera Cruz Drumming and Unraveling Aquiles Priester's Double Bass Technique) released in January of 2023, you will discover all of Aquiles Priester's secrets about the concept, recording, arrangements and performance of the renowned and award-winning album Vera Cruz, his first release with Edu Falaschi after almost 15 years.

AQUILES PRIESTER

Arejay Hale is one of the founding members of the rock n' roll band, Halestorm, starting the band at 10 years old. Hale has toured all over the world for many years, performing roughly 150-250 shows per year in 5 continents as well as releasing 4 full length albums on Atlantic Records since 2009, 2 of which have gone gold. He also won a Grammy with his band in 2013 for "Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance". After receiving an LP cowbell at age 9 he has incorporated one into his set up ever since, primarily the LP Classic Rock Ridge Rider, due to the durability from heavy hitting, but occasionally switching to the Bell Diablo for different sounds. He has also used LP's Mini Timbales, Street Cans, Potz, Jangle Bells, Ice Bells, shakers, tambourines, cajons, djembes, etc. for both electric and acoustic tours. Hale has claimed that you will never see his set up without an LP cowbell on it somewhere and welcomes anyone to the challenge of spotting him on stage without one.

AREJAY HALE

Aron Mellergård was born and raised in Gislaved in Småland, Sweden. When he was 16 years old he moved to Stockholm to go to Södra Latin, a music high school were he first met Jonah Nilsson and Henrik Linder.

After High School he attended the Swedish Royal Music Academy were Aron, Henrik and Jonah all studied. They started playing behind other artists but got bored with not having the freedom to play more complicated and creative music. 

In 2011 they made a video with a cover of the Lady Gaga song "Just Dance" and uploaded it to YouTube in hope of getting some cover band jobs. The video became viral and Dirty Loops started to record more covers until their debut album Loopified was released in 2014. 

Dirty Loops have now toured all over the world and have over 50 million views on their YouTube channel.

ARON MELLERGÅRD

Asami is a multi-talented and world-renowned drummers, percussionist, singer-songwriter and dancer. Her latest world music album A is filled with the essence of Latin, funk, AOR and Japanese tradition and presented with a contemporary J-Pop.  

She had a tour and visited South Africa, Singapore, Vietnam, and Kenia and performed as a percussion player, drummer, vocal, and dancer with foreign artists. In South Africa and Australia Germany, she did choreography, staging, lecture of Japanese rhythm show. She collaborated with Japanese traditional instruments like Koto, Shakuhachi, and Taiko. She is making New LP Sound world with Japanese traditional instruments. 

Asami collaborated with Leland Sklar, RUFUS, TM STEVENS, Bill Cantos, Roberto Vally, Bruce Gaitschon many Album of world artists and her project. Other than that, she has experiences to perform with world famous artists and does various activities on Live Concert Tour and TV in the world as well as in Japan. She broadcasts her programs on FM radio (FM Kaon).

ASAMI SASAKI

I have been working professionally as a drummer for over 20 years. My live experience includes tours and performances with many artists including: Performing at Woodstock 94, supporting The Rolling Stones, REM, Bon Jovi, Van Hallen, Oasis and Bryan Adams at Wembley with my first band Del Amitri in 1994-97, to touring and playing with Marianne Faithfull, Sinead O'Connor, Sheryl Crow, Robbie Williams, James Morrison, Will Young, Squeeze, Lewis Taylor, Hamish Stuart, The Waterboys, Jeff Lorber, Trevor Horn and Seal, Rumer, Terry Reid, Ronnie Wood, Dionne Warwick and many more.

Other experiences I've had include playing the 2012 Olympic games opening ceremony with Mike Oldfield, being the house drummer on the BBC TV show The Voice and recently I played on the soundtrack for the new Terminator movie due out in July 2015 for composer Lorne Balfe.
The main part of my career has been involved with the recording industry and over the past 20 years or so I have recorded 51 top 20 albums for artists including: Cher, Seal, Robbie Williams, Billy Idol, Adele, Enrique Iglesias, Dionne Warwick and Rumer, James Morrison, Cee Lo, Celine Dion and Ronan Keating. 45 of the albums reached the top 10.
My discography also includes 21 top 10 singles and to date, I've recorded 18 number 1 albums and 11 number 1 singles which have featured on various pop and rock charts around the world.

ASH SOAN

Avi Sills- Los Angeles based Drummer / Percussionist / Producer, has worked with numerous artists Including: Naked Rhythm, Robert Downey Jr., Red Elvises, Stewart Copeland, Weezer, DJ Mark London & DJ Ravin (Buddah Bar).
In the Studio, Avi has recorded Drums & Percussion for many TV, Film and Commercial projects, In addition to various artist's albums. Featured on TV & Film projects: Charlie Wilsons War, Six String Samurai, Oprah Winfrey, Melrose Place, VH-1 Behind the Music, Penn & Teller, 90210, Melrose Place.
A proud endorser of: DW Drums, LP Percussion, Paiste Cymbals, Aquarian Drum Heads, HeadHunters Drumstick Creations.
Credit Links:
http://www.allmusic.com/artist/avi-sills-mn0000907228
http://www.discogs.com/artist/700236-Avi-Sills
http://www.discogs.com/artist/4068081-Avram-Sills
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0798115/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Los Angeles-based Drummer/Percussionist/Producer Avi Sills has worked with numerous artists Including Naked Rhythm, Robert Downey Jr., Red Elvises, Stewart Copeland, Weezer, DJ Mark London & DJ Ravin (Buddah Bar). In the Studio, Avi has recorded drums & percussion for TV, film, commercial projects, and various artist's albums & tracks. Featured on TV & film projects: Charlie Wilson's War, Six String Samurai, Oprah Winfrey, Melrose Place, VH-1 Behind the Music, Penn & Teller, 90210, Melrose Place.

AVI SILLS

Ayumi "Azúcar" Suzuki graduated from the Faculty of Percussion, Tokyo College of Music.

At the high school and the college, she began to study percussion in earnest mainly with classic music and gained experience of ensemble in orchestras, brass bands, musicals, operas, etc. At the same time, she started to organize concerts and participate as percussionist or drummer. She has been also teaching eurythmics at a nursery school.

She started the AYUMANIA Latin Project in 2015, premiering with her first self-produced performance at Motion Blue Yokohama in Japan. The program demonstrated a variety of musical styles that was rich in ideas, as it contained both original songs which harmonized Japanese melody with Latin rhythms as well as covers of Latin standards by such artists as Tito Puente and Cal Tjader. Accompanied by several domestic and foreign guest musicians, Suzuki has actively held concerts at various venues in Tokyo, such as JZ Brat at Shibuya Cerulean Tower, B AKASAKA­ and in 2017, she released her highly anticipated debut album Oukagekka, in which several top Japanese musicians participated with the drummer Jimmy Branly from Los Angeles, who was also commissioned to do the mixing and mastering. This album found audiences from around the world, such as in Colombia, Puerto Rico, and New York -- as well as in Japan.

The 7" Vinyl "Cerezo" was released in 2024.

AYUMI "AZÚCAR" SUZUKI

Bashiri got to hang out with percussionist and producer Mtume in the 1970s, learning drum and studio chops in the process. After playing on gold records like Luther Vandross' Never Too Much and Madonna's Holiday, Bashiri's career was up and running. Producers began calling because they wanted to use the guy who worked on all these hit records. Johnson now has his own production company Bashman Productions and recording studio, The Lab Brooklyn.

"My take on the contemporary percussionist," Bashiri says "is to get the calls you gotta be diversified and able to handle a multiple of different situations." Bashiri can be heard on recordings by Celine Dion, Michael Bolton, Anita Baker, The Spice Girls, Maxwell, Gloria Estafan, Angelique Kidjo, Nicole Renee, Diana Ross, Peter Wolf, Aretha Franklin, Eagle Eye Cherry, Grover Washington, Boyz II Men and Dionne Farris. Beside recordings Bashiri's talent has led him to play on live television, commercials and movie soundtracks.

Bashiri has also complete percussion sample library of loops and sounds called "Supreme Beats," available from Spectrasonics, and "Ethno Techno" from Ilio.

BASHIRI JOHNSON

Benjamin Homola is a drummer, percussionist, and multi-instrumentalist. He has played for acts past and present that include Brand New, Manchester Orchestra, Dashboard Confessional, and now a member of the band Grouplove. Throughout his years playing live and in the studio LP Percussion has played a pivotal role, helping him capture the true essence of the instrument.

BENJAMIN HOMOLA

Ben Satterlee also known as the "Nashville Drum Coach" is a drum instructor and studio musician based in Nashville, TN. Drawn to the drums at an early age after seeing the drummer in Church, it was only a matter of time before Ben became obsessed. After being gifted a beginner drum set when he was 12, he started gigging shortly after and the rest is history. 
 
Touring and teaching from the age of 19, he has played all over the world. He was an original drum instructor for 180drums.com and had a groove of his featured in Stanton Moore's DVD "Groove Alchemy" which won Best Instructional DVD Modern Drummer magazine in 2011. 
 
In addition to touring with his current gig, Larkin Poe, Ben has done over 20 local "Fun With Drums" kids events in Nashville area libraries. He is very active on Instagram and passionate about inspiring the next generation to pursue the arts.

Ben Satterlee also known as the "Nashville Drum Coach" is a drum instructor and studio musician based in Nashville, TN. Drawn to the drums at an early age after seeing the drummer in Church, it was only a matter of time before Ben became obsessed. After being gifted a beginner drum set when he was 12, he started gigging shortly after and the rest is history. 

Touring and teaching from the age of 19, he has played all over the world. He was an original drum instructor for 180drums.com and had a groove of his featured in Stanton Moore's DVD "Groove Alchemy" which won Best Instructional DVD Modern Drummer magazine in 2011. 

In addition to touring with his current gig, Larkin Poe, Ben has done over 20 local "Fun With Drums" kids events in Nashville area libraries. He is very active on Instagram and passionate about inspiring the next generation to pursue the arts.

BEN SATTERLEE

Billy Ashbaugh has played professionally for nearly 40 years. Throughout his career, he's tour with 'NSYNC, Pat Benatar, The Moody Blues, John Lodge, Alan Hewitt & One Nation and Brian Littrell (BackStreet Boys). He has also recorded/performed with Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Robby Steinhardt (Kansas) Gloria Estefan, Britney Spears, Richard Marx, Christopher Cross, Alex Boye', Joey Fatone, Greg Howe, Samantha Mumba, Hedras Ramos and many more.

Currently when he's not on tour, Billy offers online lessons as well as remote live drum tracks from his home studio.

Billy has been performing professionally for nearly 30 years.  He is the current drummer for the legendary Moody Blues.  He has also toured, recorded, or performed with 'NSYNC, Pat Benatar, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Gloria Estefan, Britney Spears, and many more. 
His experience has led to over 70 television appearances, including the Tonight Show (6 times), the Super Bowl XXXV Halftime Performance, Saturday Night Live, the MTV Video Music Awards, the Grammy Awards, and Rock in Rio 2001, where he performed for a crowd of 280,000.  Billy is currently featured on The Moody Blues "Days of Future Past - Live DVD (featuring the Toronto Orchestra). Keep an eye out for him on the broadcast of the 2018 Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony with The Moody Blues.

BILLY ASHBAUGH

Drummer. Percussionist. Rhythm & Sounds Creator. Nashville, TN

BILLY HAWN

Multiple Grammy nominations as a bandleader and for numerous other projects as a sideman, Bobby Sanabria continues to make his mark as a drummer, percussionist, composer, arranger, conductor, producer, educator, filmmaker, bandleader, and multi-cultural warrior. Sanabria has performed and recorded with such legends as Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaría, Paquito D'Rivera, Ray Barretto, Candido, Larry Harlow, and Afro-Cuban jazz Godfather, Mario Bauzá. Bobby's big band recordings, Live & in Clave and Big Band Urban Folktales were nominated for a Grammys and he was nominated for a Latin Grammy for, 50 Years of Mambo, A Tribute to Damaso Perez Prado. The Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra he directs at the Manhattan School of Music was nominated for a Latin Grammy for its majestic tribute to Mario Bauzá and Machito for Kenya Revisited Live!!!, a reworking of the music for Machito's greatest album, Kenya, on its 50th anniversary as well as Tito Puente Masterworks Live.

A South Bronx native of Puerto Rican parentage is a inductee into the Bronx Walk of Fame where he has a street named after him, and he is a past winner of Jazz Journalists Association and DRUM! Magazine's Percussionist of the Year.

BOBBY SANABRIA

Originally from Brooklyn NY, Iconic Percussionist, Producer, Writer and Vocalist has been involved in a dozen or more platinum albums with artists including Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Bon Jovi's Ritchie Sambora, The members of Earth Wind and Fire and countless others. His percussion work has enhanced orchestras from the Tonight Show to the Academy Awards.

His work is featured on over 150 albums worldwide and for the past 20 years this L.P. Artist has performed with eight time Grammy award winner Jose Feliciano as his Producer and Percussionist and Godfather to his beautiful daughter Melissa.

BOB CONTI

Brad Webb is a British drummer, percussionist, singer and producer.

In his early teens, he formed his own band, holding residencies at some of London's most prestigious jazz venues, as well as playing with established names such as Hamish Stuart, Jamie Cullum, guitarist John Jorgenson and singer songwriter Ben Taylor.

Between 2004 and 2006 he toured with the great Amy Winehouse to promote her double platinum- selling debut album 'Frank' and features in her North Sea Jazz Festival performance in the Oscar-winning documentary 'Amy'.

Following these tours, Brad joined the American show Blue Man Group, in which he played for two and a half years in London's West End. He also featured in the company's Amsterdam and Berlin shows and in 2007 performed and trained musicians for the opening of the Blue Man Group Tokyo show.

Brad joined Jamie Cullum's band in 2009 and since then has played over five hundred live shows across the world including performances at Madison Square Garden supporting Billy Joel, Montreux Jazz Festival, Fuji Rocks, The Hollywood Bowl, Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage and two BBC Proms. He has also recorded extensively with Jamie, featuring on the albums 'The Pursuit', 'Momentum', 'Taller', 'The Pianoman At Christmas' and the single 'Please Don't Stop The Music', a song which has had over 23 million streams to date.

Recent years have also seen Brad playing live with a range of other artists, with highlights including tours with Paolo Nutini of his double platinum- selling record 'Caustic Love' and Tim Minchin on his sold out 'Tim Minchin & The Heritage Orchestra' and 'Back' tours.

When not playing live, Brad is often found in recording studios collaborating with musicians as diverse as Amy Macdonald, Take That, Gary Barlow, Zuzu and legendary producer Jim Abbiss (Adele/Arctic Monkeys).

Aside from contributing to other artists' projects, he forms one half of the production duo Arch Birds (with bassist Chris Hill), writing and producing songs and composing music to picture.

Brad Webb is a British drummer, percussionist, singer and producer.

In his early teens, he formed his own band, holding residencies at some of Londonâ€™s most prestigious jazz venues, as well as playing with established names such as Hamish Stuart, Jamie Cullum, guitarist John Jorgenson and singer songwriter Ben Taylor.

Between 2004 and 2006 he toured with the great Amy Winehouse to promote her double platinum- selling debut album â€ Frankâ€™ and features in her North Sea Jazz Festival performance in the Oscar-winning documentary â€ Amyâ€™.

Following these tours, Brad joined the American show Blue Man Group, in which he played for two and a half years in Londonâ€™s West End. He also featured in the companyâ€™s Amsterdam and Berlin shows and in 2007 performed and trained musicians for the opening of the Blue Man Group Tokyo show.

Brad joined Jamie Cullum's band in 2009 and since then has played over five hundred live shows across the world including performances at Madison Square Garden supporting Billy Joel, Montreux Jazz Festival, Fuji Rocks, The Hollywood Bowl, Glastonburyâ€™s Pyramid Stage and two BBC Proms. He has also recorded extensively with Jamie, featuring on the albums â€ The Pursuitâ€™, â€ Momentumâ€™, â€ Tallerâ€™, â€ The Pianoman At Christmasâ€™ and the single â€ Please Donâ€™t Stop The Musicâ€™, a song which has had over 23 million streams to date.

Recent years have also seen Brad playing live with a range of other artists, with highlights including tours with Paolo Nutini of his double platinum- selling record â€ Caustic Loveâ€™ and Tim Minchin on his sold out â€ Tim Minchin & The Heritage Orchestraâ€™ and â€ Backâ€™ tours.

When not playing live, Brad is often found in recording studios collaborating with musicians as diverse as Amy Macdonald, Take That, Gary Barlow, Zuzu and legendary producer Jim Abbiss (Adele/Arctic Monkeys).

Aside from contributing to other artistsâ€™ projects, he forms one half of the production duo Arch Birds (with bassist Chris Hill), writing and producing songs and composing music to picture.

BRAD WEBB

Jeff Porcaro discovered the talents of Chris Trujillo early on and chose him to be the percussionist for Toto, up till Porcaro's untimely passing.  The duo's seamless and exciting performances can be seen on the now-famous live Toto concert video, "Live At Montreux", featuring a burning Jeff and Chris solo on their iconic song, Africa.   Drummer/Percussionist Chris Trujillo has played with some of music's biggest names, including Rod Stewart, Tom Petty, Richard Marx, The Black Crowes, Diana Ross, The Hollywood Vampires and Glenn Frey.  His discography includes Toto: Absolutely Live & Kingdom Of Desire; Richard Marx: Rush Street; Chef Aid: South Park Soundtrack;  The Black Crowes: Heartbreak Horizon; Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers: Greatest Hits; Mary Jane's Last Dance: She's The One soundtrack and many more. 

Chris is currently the drummer for the highly acclaimed, Billboard charting R&B vocal group, Tierra.

Brad Wilk is best known as a member of the rock bands Rage Against the Machine (1991-2000, 2007-2011, 2019-present), Audioslave (2001-2007, 2017), and Prophets of Rage (2016-2019). Wilk started his career as a drummer for Greta in 1990, and helped co-found Rage Against the Machine with Tom Morello and Zack de la Rocha in August 1991. Following that band's breakup in October 2000, Wilk, Morello, Rage Against the Machine bassist Tim Commerford and Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell formed the supergroup Audioslave, which broke up in 2007. From 2016 to 2019, he played in the band Prophets of Rage, with Commerford, Morello, Chuck D, B-Real and DJ Lord. He currently plays in the band Rage Against the Machine following their reunion. Wilk has also performed drums on English metal band Black Sabbath's final album 13, released in June 2013. He briefly played with Pearl Jam shortly after the release of their debut album Ten.

BRAD WILK

Branlie Mejías Sánchez was born in the city of Bayamón, Puerto Rico in 1988. We can't take for granted that his first teacher was his dad: worldwide known percussionist Paoli Mejías.

From a very young age he has performed with Charlie Sepulveda, Dave Valentin, Héctor y Tito. He has also done several percussion clinics with his father and in the Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico, where he graduated at age twenty-seven. At seventeen he went on tour with rapper Don Omar through Europe, South America, and United States, also featuring rappers Wisin y Yandel and the bachata group Aventura. He's also played with Puerto Rican rapper Ñengo Flow, Colombian Carlos Vives, the Peruvian singer Eva Ayllón, and with the salsa orchestras of Herman Olivera, San Juan Habana, Adonis Puentes, Conjunto Afro Son, and with his father Paoli Mejías. Through all these collaborations, Branlie has expressed himself as an artist and the world has gotten to enjoy his talent.

BRANLIE MEJIAS

Brenda Myers holds a Music Performance degree from CSU Fresno (1981) and received her music teaching credential from Fresno Pacific University (1987). In May of 2006, she earned her Masters in West African/Caribbean Music and Culture. From 1983 through the spring of 2001, Brenda was a percussion specialist with 2 School Districts.   By 2000, she had begun to experiment with an aural style of teaching demonstrated by the Fabulous Leopards Percussionists, at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention in 1998. The energy, enthusiasm and musicality Brenda experienced that day was unlike anything she had seen or heard before. After convincing their director, Diane Downs to teach a one-week camp, Brenda saw those same qualities in her students. She knew this was something worthwhile. She began the We Got the Beat Youth Percussion Band.   A year later Brenda left the school districts, and began offering We Got the Beat-style music to students around the Fresno and Clovis area.   These past 17 years, WGTB has performed for community events, schools, California Music Educators Association Convention, Days of Percussion and National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM).

BRENDA MYERS

Brendan Buckley is a freelance drummer based out of Los Angeles, CA. Over the course of his career, he has worked with the following artists: Shakira, Morrissey, Perry Farrell, Tegan And Sara, Damien Rice, Shelby Lynne, Daniel Powter, Leighton Meester, Miley Cyrus, Roberto Carlos, Minnie Driver, The BoDeans, Aleks Syntek, Leehom Wang, Beto Cuevas, Idina Menzel, Melissa Ethridge, Alejandra Guzman, Julio Iglesias, Emmanuel, Paulina Rubio, Dallas Austin, Gustavo Santaolalla, Alejandro Sanz, Debi Nova, JJ Lin, Brie Larson, Ozomatli, Madame Recamier, DMX, Nil Lara, Chayanne, Jeff Chang, Michael Miller, Fulano De Tal, Gloria Estefan, and MIYAVI either as a drummer, percussionist, music producer, musical director, or songwriter. He grew up in Mount Arlington, NJ, and went to college at the University of Miami's School of Music. Brendan is also a faculty member at Musician's Institute in Hollywood, CA. Check out his drum duet series DrummerPlusDrummer.

Brendan Buckley is a freelance drummer based out of Los Angeles, CA. Over the course of his career, he has worked with the following artists: Shakira, Morrissey, Perry Farrell, Tegan And Sara, Damien Rice, Shelby Lynne, Daniel Powter, Leighton Meester, Miley Cyrus, Roberto Carlos, Minnie Driver, The BoDeans, Aleks Syntek, Leehom Wang, Beto Cuevas, Idina Menzel, Melissa Ethridge, Alejandra Guzman, Julio Iglesias, Emmanuel, Paulina Rubio, Dallas Austin, Gustavo Santaolalla, Alejandro Sanz, Debi Nova, JJ Lin, Brie Larson, Ozomatli, Madame Recamier, DMX, Nil Lara, Chayanne, Jeff Chang, Michael Miller, Fulano De Tal, Gloria Estefan, and MIYAVI either as a drummer, percussionist, music producer, musical director, or songwriter. He grew up in Mount Arlington, NJ, and went to college at the University of Miamiâ€™s School of Music. Brendan is also a faculty member at Musicianâ€™s Institute in Hollywood, CA.  Check out his drum duet series DrummerPlusDrummer.  
www.brendanbuckley.com

BRENDAN BUCKLEY

Brian Kilgore's experience with orchestral percussion and ethnic percussion can lead him from playing timpani on the TV show 'Family Guy' one day, to playing Senegalese percussion on a film or hand percussion on a major pop artist's CD the next day. Brian says, "I'm fortunate that I get to play pretty much every genre of music there is, with the best musicians and artists in the world. I never know what will be thrown at me. Every day is a new challenge, and my goal is to make the music the best it can be, and true to itself, no matter what the genre is."

He has played on over 350 film scores, including Oppenheimer, Encanto, The Rise of Skywalker, Raiders of the Lost Ark 4, The Mandalorian, Frozen, The Lion King, Wall-E, A Bug's Life, Coco, and La La Land.

Brian has played on over 500 albums, with artists as diverse as Cold Play, Daft Punk, Skrillex, Avenged Sevenfold, Linda Rondstadt, the Goo Goo Dolls, Aerosmith, Clare Fischer, Dave Koz, NWA.

With a wealth of diverse skills, from playing ethnic percussion instruments from across the globe, to playing on some of the most complex orchestral films scores ever recorded, to laying down a groove that is guaranteed to make you move, Brian has cultivated a career recording percussion in all genres that has been matched by few.

BRIAN KILGORE

Brian Lavern Davis was raised in Portland, Oregon, and his musical studies have taken him to India, Japan, New York, Puerto Rico, Turkey, Jamaica and Brazil. His teachers include Jorge Alabe, Obo Addy, Yacub Addy, Jose Ricardo Santos & Ballet Folklorico do Bahia, Colin Walcott, Michael Spiro, Keith Terry, Los Muñequitos de Mantanzas, Bruno Moraes ( Mocidade Indepente de Padre Miguel), Jorge Martins (Maracatu Estrella Brilhante de Recife), Marcos Suzano, and Nana Vasconcelos.  He has served on the faculties of Portland State University, Jefferson Performing Arts High School, and The Vancouver School of Arts & Academics, and conducted residencies at The Naropa Institute, Reed College, Lewis & Clark College, and many others.   Brian is an original touring and recording member of Pink Martini ( 10 CD's, 1DVD, numerous world tours), is the founder and Director of the Lions of Batucada, a Brazilian dance and percussion ensemble, and formed and directs the "Ainsworth Jr. Escola," a 123 member Portland youth samba bateria (Portland, OR, USA). He has toured and/or recorded with jazz legend Herbie Hancock,  Kalapana, Upepo, Obo Addy, Dub Squad, McKinley, Nu Shooz, Dan Reed Network and the show "BataKetu" among many others.  He has performed with a variety of symphonies across the U.S., Canada, and Europe - including the Boston Pops, The San Francisco Symphony, The National Symphony at the Kennedy Center, The BBC Orchestra at Royal Albert Hall,The Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, and The Oregon Symphony - at venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to LA's Walt Disney Concert Hall.   Brian served as the conductor for the nationwide Oregon Big Beat event, 2010/ 11.  His group the Lions of Batucada has shared the stage with David Byrne, Sean Lennon, and Fundo de Quintal among many others. The Lions have performed and collaborated with The Oregon Symphony, The Los Angeles Philharmonic, The Dandy Warhols, Obo Addy, and rock legends Aerosmith, among others. They have recorded with Pink Martini, and The Von Trapps.  He has worked extensively with numerous dance companies in the U.S., including Do Jump Theater, Oslund & Co. , and Linda K Johnson.  When not touring with Pink Martini, he teaches body percussion and samba throughout the Pacific Northwest as part of the Young Audiences of Oregon and Washington program, teaches each Summer at the California Brazil Camp (2005 - present), and conducts samba workshops for a variety of baterias, schools, and music stores across the U.S., Taiwan, China, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.  Recently inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame with Pink Martini (June 2014), he has contributed articles to DRUM Magazine (July 2013 ), and was featured in an interview/focus piece in Drumhead Magazine (issue #29, September/October 2011).

BRIAN LAVERN DAVIS

Brian is one of the most in demand performers today, Brian studied music at, and has a degree from, the prestigious Berklee College of Music.

Brian has performed and recorded with artists: Billy Idol, Foreigner, Whitesnake, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Ozzy Osbourne, WASP, Don Felder, B'Z, Lynch Mob, Vinnie Moore, Michael Schenker, Seether, Velvet Revolver, Zakk Wylde's Pride & Glory, The Dead Daisies, Glenn Hughes, Slash's Snakepit and is also the founder of the popular celebration events, Bonzo Bash and Randy Rhoads Remembered.

BRIAN TICHY

Brijean's upbringing in Los Angeles was heavily steeped in jazz, R&B and pop. She is a multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, touring musician and songwriter. Murphy's musical talents are family heirlooms: her father, percussionist and engineer Patrick Murphy, taught her first patterns on a pair of congas that she inherited from the late Trinidadian steel drum legend Vince Charles (of Neil Diamond). Playing for over 15 years, she currently spends much of her time on back-to-back runs with a dozen different acts, performing on international stages, and most recently the Ellen DeGeneres show.

BRIJEAN MURPHY

Bryan has been a member of REO Speedwagon for 30 years. He is also toured and/or recorded with Wang Chung, Cher, Spencer Davis Group, Graham Nash and many others. REO is still going strong and tours every year.

BRYAN HITT

"One of the most important representatives of Latin jazz in the world of drumming, creator of a new Cuban sound... Calixto Oviedo is the Elvin Jones of Cuba."
- All About Jazz, Italia

Calixto Oviedo is a living encyclopedia of Cuban drumming and percussion, from the profound roots of African-influenced folklore to the hottest dance music and the cutting edge of jazz. One of the creators of the dynamic timba rhythm when he was the drummer for the iconic Havana group NG la Banda, Oviedo's innovative and brilliant percussive techniques have made him the in-demand drummer for The Afro Cuban All Stars, Buena Vista Social Club, and Arturo Sandoval.
  
Latin Grammy 2000
Latin Grammy Nominated 2020
Grammy Nominated 2020
Hall Of Fame Sep 2023 (Akademia Music Awards LA)

CALIXTO OVIEDO

Camilo Molina-Gaetán is an accomplished Multi-Percussionist from New York City and is considered to be one of the most promising and versatile percussionists of his generation. Having knowledge spanning from Jazz to Salsa, as well as the folkloric music of Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. In 2000, Camilo was selected as one of ten semifinalists to 

compete in the Thelonious Monk International Afro-Latin Hand Drum Competition. He went on to be selected third place winner, who, at age ten was the youngest finalist in the 14-year history of the competition. Camilo continues to make a name for himself early in his career, performing with acts varying in musical genres and styles. He is currently a member of Legendary Pianist Eddie Palmieri's Orchestras and has toured, recorded and performed with artists such as Santana, Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, Dave Grusin, Giovanni Hidalgo, Los Pleneros de la 21, Miguel Zenón, Teatro Pregones, Viento de Agua, John Santos, The Curtis Brothers, and many more.

CAMILO MOLINA

Camilo Torres is a Chilean drummer with studies at the Drummers Collective of N.Y He is an author and clinician and constantly participates in different Drum Fest in Latin America and the Caribbean. His latest publication Linear Drumming is distributed by Hudson Music.

CAMILO TORRES

Carl Allen grew up on gospel, R&B, and funk, music but later turned to jazz after hearing a recording by the legendary saxophonist Benny Carter.

With over 240 recordings to his credit, the gifted Milwaukee-born, New York-based drummer, sideman, bandleader, entrepreneur, and educator, Carl Allen's profound and propulsive percolations provided soulful and syncopated support for over three decades. Allen have performed or recorded with Freddie Hubbard, Michael Brecker, Dizzy Gillespie, Randy Brecker, Benny Golson, Christian McBride, Jennifer Holliday, J.J. Johnson, Rickie Lee Jones, Sammy Davis Jr., Branford Marsalis, Kenny Garrett, Lena Horne, Ruth Brown, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Bobby Hutcherson, Mike Stern, Nellie McKay, Terence Blanchard, Phil Woods, Benny Green, Cyrus Chestnut, Joe Henderson, Billy Childs and many others.

Carl Allen is the William D. and Mary Grant/Missouri Endowed Professor of Jazz Studies at UMKC Conservatory at the University of Missouri - Kansas City.



In May of 2012 Allen received an honorary doctorate from Snow College in Ephraim, Utah in Humane Letters. Carl served a 6 year tenure serving as the Artistic Director of Jazz Studies at The Juilliard School in New York City.

Carl Allen's multifaceted career provides the perfect template for what a modern musician should be. As Sid Gribetz of Jazz Times wrote, "more than just another fine drummer, Carl Allen has it all together as a bandleader, businessman, and producer, becoming a force in today's jazz world."

Carl Allen grew up on gospel, R&B, and funk, music but later turned to jazz after hearing a recording by the legendary saxophonist Benny Carter.
With over 240 recordings to his credit, the gifted Milwaukee-born, New York-based drummer, sideman, bandleader, entrepreneur, and educator, Carl Allenâ€™s profound and propulsive percolations provided soulful and syncopated support for over three decades. Allen have performed or recorded with Freddie Hubbard, Michael Brecker, Dizzy Gillespie, Randy Brecker, Benny Golson, Christian McBride, Jennifer Holliday, J.J. Johnson, Rickie Lee Jones, Sammy Davis Jr., Branford Marsalis, Kenny Garrett, Lena Horne, Ruth Brown, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Bobby Hutcherson, Mike Stern, Nellie McKay, Terence Blanchard, Phil Woods, Benny Green, Cyrus Chestnut, Joe Henderson, Billy Childs and many others.
Carl Allen is the William D. and Mary Grant/Missouri Endowed Professor of Jazz Studies at UMKC Conservatory  at the University of Missouri â€" Kansas City.

In May of 2012 Allen received an honorary doctorate from Snow College in Ephraim, Utah in Humane Letters. Carl served a 6 year tenure serving as the Artistic Director of Jazz Studies at The Juilliard School in New York City.
Carl Allenâ€™s multifaceted career provides the perfect template for what a modern musician should be. As Sid Gribetz of Jazz Times wrote, â€œmore than just another fine drummer, Carl Allen has it all together as a bandleader, businessman, and producer, becoming a force in todayâ€™s jazz world.â€

CARL ALLEN

A native of Havana, Cuba, Carlos Caro was musically educated throughout his  youth, graduating from the ENIA (National School of Arts Instructors), after which he began his professional career with the group "Clave." He has performed on tour with and has recorded for some of Cuba's biggest names in music including Paulo Fernandez Gallo and Jackeline Castellano's best selling "La Dama Del Son"Caro immigrated to Mexico City in 1993 where he was commissioned to record and perform a work in the Danzon style with the Mexico City Philharmonic. He then appeared on the West Coast music scene in 1996 to quickly become one of the most sought-after Latin percussionists, simultaneously playing in the best Cubano, Salsa, and Latin Rock bands throughout the San Francisco bay area. He has performed with Rebeca Mauleón, Omar Sosa,Eddie Palmieri, Armando Perazza,Jorge Santana & Malo,Calixto Oviedo,QBA,Avance, Dr. Loco's Rocking Jalapeño Band,Ramon Romero & Cuerdas de Fuego, Danny Lozada,Jose Pepito Gomez and performed with the Cuban Singer Adonis Puentes at the Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta, Indonesia.Carlos Caro released two albums with the group Vission Latina and two with the new sensational trio "VL Trio".He just finish a 6 months tour with the legendaries "Tigres del norte"   He won two Latin Grammies one with  Pacific Mambo Orquestra and also with  Los Tigres del norte.

CARLOS CARO

Singer, songwriter, percussionist and band leader, Carlos Elizalde has developed a solid reputation as one of San Francisco's top front men, leading one of the brightest and energetic groups, to come out of the Bay Area music scene with Rúckatan. Carlos's dynamic style combines elements of Latin, Rock, Soul, Reggae and World music.

Carlos Elizalde has been surrounded by the best of the best in the percussion world. Armando Peraza, Pete Escovedo, Mingo Lewis, Shiela E, Karl Perrazo, Raul Rekow, Juan Escovedo, John Santos, Derek Rolando, and many more.

Carlos Elizalde and his band have shared stages with Latin Rock Royalty - Santana, Malo, El Chicano, War and many others. In 2011 Carlos was invited to tour with the nationally recognized Santana tribute band, Caravanserai. Carlos's original band combines the influences of world beat musical instrumentation of Afro-Cuban "percussion" while incorporating Latin, Rock, Reggae and World influences to come up with their unique style of music.

CARLOS ELIZALDE

Based in Los Angeles, Carlos' style of playing and musicianship has enabled him to perform and record with some of the top artists of today. His unique style and rhythmic approach keeps him in demand. Whether playing in a small trio or big touring production, Carlos' personality and great sense of humor add to his creative and rhythmic performance. Carlos is currently performing nightly with Mystère by Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas.

CARLOS LOPEZ

Carlos Martin is a professional active multi-instrumentalist, producer and musical director. As a percussionist he has worked with internationally recognized artists such as: Alejandro Sanz, Andrea Bocelli, Pablo Alboran among others. As a soloist artist he has recorded 2 Latin-Jazz albums "The Journey" and "Converging Roots" and he received in 2023 a Latin Grammy nomination with his salsa project "Plena 79 Salsa Orchestra" off with he is the producer, arranger, musical director and conguero.

CARLOS MARTIN

Carter Beauford is an American drummer, percussionist, and founding member of Dave Matthews Band. He is known for his ability to adapt to a variety of genres, and both his ambidextrous and his open hand drumming styles. He plays the drums and sings backing vocals in the band. For Carter, it all started when he was three years old. His father was going to a Buddy Rich concert, but he couldn't find a babysitter for young Carter. His only solution was to take Carter with him. From the moment Carter laid eyes and ears upon Buddy Rich, he was enthralled and fascinated with Rich. After the concert, the young Carter took up drums and wanted to emulate Buddy Rich. Upon hearing his son's playing, Carter's father was impressed and bought him a Roy Rogers drum kit made with paper heads and tin shells. During those young years, Carter's major influences were Tony Williams, Papa Jo Jones, and of course, Buddy Rich. Throughout his career, Carter has played with many different bands with various musical styles. Carter feels it is important to have an open mind musically and to expose oneself to different forms of music. One band, besides the Dave Matthews Band, that Carter is very proud of was called, Secrets. This band played the Richmond, Virginia area and was composed of many talented musicians, including Carter on the drums. After this band dissolved, Carter went to California to try out for the Arsenio Hall show. For whatever reason, the Show didn't want Carter, so he moved back to Virginia; which is where the next chapter of his life starts.

CARTER BEAUFORD

Cassio Duarte, author of the DVD "Introduction to Brazilian Percussion" produced by LP and available through Alfred Music Publishing, was born in Brazil, where he started in Marching Bands and neighborhoods Samba Schools. In Rio, studied at the Villa Lobos School of Music and in Bahia with private teachers, where Afro-Brazilian roots are stronger.

On late 80's he started working with Brazilian stars like Moraes Moreira, João Bosco and Djavan. In 1991, his search for knowledge of different styles, brought him to Los Angeles, where he became an active studio musician for movie's soundtracks and albums colaborating with artists like Toots Thielemans, Lee Ritenour, Sergio Mendes, Strunz & Farah, Brenda Russell, Angelique Kidjo, Googoosh, Paul Winter, Ivan Lins, Melissa Manchester, Googoosh and others.

After living a few years back in Brazil, Cassio is now performing live also as a DJ and with setups in Los Angeles, CA and Houston, TX where he's been producing local artists out of his recording studio. He has performed on hundreds of CDs and Soundtracks, and you can hear his compositions on the album "Tempo de Brasil" by Braziliando, released in 2003. His first solo CD should be ready soon.

CASSIO DUARTE

Celio Gonzalez Jr. Is someone who has overcome what to others might have been the physical limitation of not having fully formed hands to be an outstanding all around percussionist. From Bata drum devotional to spicy-hot salsa. Celio plays a diverse range of musical styles. He began performing at a young age sharing stages across Latin America with his father Cuban Singer Celio Gonzalez Sr. (Whose performance credits have included working with Tito Puente, Johnny Pacheco, Chico Ofarril)

Celio Jr. Has gone to perform with the legendary cuban bassist Israel Cachao Lopez as well as with Celia Cruz, Celio Gonzalez Sr. Francisco Céspedes, Sonora Matancera, Carlos PATATO Valdez, Ricardo Arjona, Aleks Sinteck, Alejandra Guzmán, Reik, La Quinta Estación, Christian Castro, Carlos Baute, Kalimba, Angélica Vale, Mariana Seoane, Amaury Gutierrez, Belanova, Fanny Lu, Kika Edgar, Pablo Montero, Pimpinela, Michael Stuart, Ednita Nazario, Giovanni Hidalgo, Aranza.

CELIO GONZÁLEZ JR

Chad Smith is best known for his work with the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. He began playing drums at a young age and developed a passion for music. He joined the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1988.  Chad's powerful and energetic drumming style quickly became a trademark of the band's sound. He has contributed to numerous hit songs, including "Give It Away," "Under the Bridge," and "Californication." 

In addition to his work with the Chili Peppers, Chad has collaborated with various artists and bands, such as Glenn Hughes, Chickenfoot, and The Chicks. Known for his charismatic stage presence, Chad Smith has established himself as one of the most influential drummers in rock music.

As a member of the pioneering, award-winning superstars Red Hot Chili Peppers since 1988, Chad Smith is widely regarded as one of music's most accomplished drummers and articulate musicians. As a member of the Chili Peppers, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 and has been awarded six Grammy® Awards. In addition, two of the band's albums are among Rolling Stone's 10 Greatest Albums of All Time. Additionally, Spin Magazine ranked him at #10 on their list of the 100 Greatest Drummers of Alternative Music.

Musically prolific, Chad has recorded seven studio albums with the Chili Peppers and appears on a total of 22 releases with the band - including 23 Top 10 singles. Chad Smith has drummed for such diverse artists as Johnny Cash, the Dixie Chicks, George Clinton among many others and is a founding member of the supergroup Chickenfoot with former Van Halen singer Sammy Hagar. Chad collaborated with LP to create his new signature Red Hot Ridge Rider Cowbell.

CHAD SMITH

Chad Szeliga is an American drummer from Elyria, Ohio. Formerly the drummer of rock band Breaking Benjamin, he joined Black Label Society in 2013, replacing Mike Froedge. In 2017, Szeliga replaced Jimmy DeGrasso in Black Star Riders, leaving the band in 2021. Szeliga cites Vinnie Colaiuta, John Bonham, Steve Gadd, Dennis Chambers, Tony Williams, Manu Katche, Stewart Copeland and Neil Peart as his main influences.

CHAD SZELIGA

Charlie Benante is an icon in the music world, best known as the drummer for Heavy Metal bands Anthrax and Stormtroopers of Death. A pioneer of double-bass drumming, he is credited with creating and popularizing the blast beat in thrash metal and praised for his lightning fast double kick technique. Also an accomplished guitarist, he contributed lead guitar to S.O.D.'s Speak English or Die album as well as composing the majority of the music throughout Anthrax's discography alongside rhythm guitar player and band leader Scott Ian. In addition to his musician duties, Benante is also a graphic artist and has created many of Anthrax's album covers and T-shirt designs. When he's not making music or art, Charlie is probably drinking coffee. His love of the bean has led him to create three blends with Chicago's Dark Matter Coffee.

CHARLIE BENANTE

Charles K. Santiago, better known as Charlie "Bongo" Santiago, was born on May 29, 1961 in Manhattan, New York. At age two, his family moved back to Puerto Rico, where he first showed talent in drumming. By age eight, he played bongos for the first time at a holiday celebration. Trumpet player Elliot Feijo gave him his first opportunity to play bongos professionally at a Durango y su Nuevo Tumbao rehearsal.   Charlie was influenced and taught by Richie Ray's bongo player, Manolito Gonzalez. Later tres player Nelson Gonzalez taught him the New York style of bongo playing and Frankie Rodriguez taught him Cuban rhythms. At age 16, Charlie played with the group, Rafaga.  A few years later, he joined Nelson Gonzalez Band Revelation II. He performed and recorded with Ismael Miranda and Nelson on various television shows, dances and concerts. This exposure led Charlie to work with musicians like Roberto Anglero, Elias Lopes, Orchestra Panamericana, Poldo Castro, Andy Montanez, Tommy Olivencia, Pete "El Conde" Rodriguez, La Lupe and Tabin Pumarejo Trio.  Charlie is a founding member of the group, Zaperoko. In 1983, Charlie relocated to Miami to perform with Luis Lefty Perez and Orchestra Fuego. Since then, Charlie has performed with Grammy Award winners and nominees including Celia Cruz, Nestor Torres, Willie Chirino, Hansel y Raul, Alex Leon, Roberto Torres, Rey Ruiz, Eddie Santiago, Tony Vega, Charlie Cruz, Cano Estremera, Tito Nieves, Conjunto Clasico, Michael Stuart, Giro, Edgar Joel, Hector Tricoche, Menique, Adalberto Santiago, Lalo Rodriguez, Ley Lejandro and Ricky Martin. Currently, Charlie performs and records with the founder of the Miami Sound, Carlos Oliva and the Judges Nephews, Issac Delgado, Frankie Vazquez, among many others.  He also enjoys playing drum set at church along with recording and performing with various Christian Salsa groups.

CHARLIE "BONGO" SANTIAGO

Charlie Hall never took lessons and doesn't spend much of his limited time off from touring with The War on Drugs practicing rudiments or increasing his limb independence - that's because things like "spirit" and "musicality" can't be learned from a youtube clip or a Hal Leonard book. More than any other instrument, drums expose the personality of the player. Ultra-busy drummers are usually motormouths, light hitters are usually quiet or passive and bashers are usually alpha dogs. As both a human and a drummer, Charlie is a master conversationalist. Lots of drummers will tell you that listening is as important as playing and that what you don't play is more important than what you do - but few can truly implement it as well as Charlie Hall has in his career with Tommy Guerrero, Jet Black Crayon, Windsor for the Derby, Jens Lekman and now The War on Drugs.

CHARLIE HALL

CHRIS BRUINING

Chris "Daddy" Dave is a drummer, composer, and bandleader from Houston, Texas. He attended Howard University. He is an influential drummer in jazz, gospel, hip hop, noted for his extremely virtuosic sticking technique and ability to play with a high degree of syncopation. He performed professionally as a gospel drummer with the Winans, before being introduced to jazz audiences nationally through his association with the accomplished alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett. He performed on Kenny Garrett's album Standard of Language, before joining the Robert Glasper Experiment and performing on Adele's Grammy Award winning album, 21.

CHRIS "DADDY" DAVE

Chris Fryar was born in November of 1970, got his first guitar at the age of six, and his first pair of drumsticks at the age of eleven. He joined the junior high school band program, which is where he began learning his craft, and really developing his love for making all kinds of music. During high school he decided to really pursue a career in music, and he attended North Texas State University briefly, as well as the Mississippi University for Women where his professors advised him to quit school and get out on the road with a band!

Known for his stylistic diversity, creativity, musical taste and fearlessness, Chris is a dynamic drummer/clinician considered by many who know him to be the first call for any musical situation. His work with Zac Brown Band has earned him and his bandmates two Grammy Awards, two Academy of Country Music awards, two CMT video awards, and an award from the Country Music Association. He currently resides in Birmingham, Alabama and is a full time recording and touring member of Zac Brown Band. He has also worked with Oteil and the Peacemakers, led by bassist Oteil Burbridge of the Allman Brothers Band, Charles Neville, Victor Wooten, John Popper, Steve Bailey, David Hood, Robert Moore and the Wildcats, and the blues trio, Gravy.

CHRIS FRYAR

Chris Philips is in the band IAMDYNAMITE and has toured across the US and Europe for years, headlining and opening for a number of artists. IAMDYNAMITE's song "Where Will We Go" from the album "SUPERMEGAFANTASTIC" spent 22+ weeks on the Alternative Top 40 radio chart, followed by another single "Hey Girl", charting as well. IAMDYNAMITE's current album "Wasa Tusa"is Out now. Chris regularly plays the Fusheki shaker, Click hi-hat tambourine, and the Raw series cans on his Drumkit.

CHRIS PHILLIPS

Power and precision. These are the hallmarks of drummer Chris Ralles. Touring and recording with gold and platinum recording artists for 25 years is no easy feat. Yet Ralles has managed to do so, sharing the stage with Pat Benatar, Don Felder, Kenny Loggins, Jimmy Messina, Christopher Cross, Poco, Dave Koz, Ambrosia, Denny Laine, Badfinger, Peter & Gordon, Skrapp Mettle, Maia Sharp, Richie Furay, Spencer Davis, Dave Mason and Michael McDonald. When asked about the secret to his success, Ralles says, "I've been very lucky. I work hard on the material. I show up on time and I wear a clean shirt."

His numerous television appearances include "The Today Show," "The Tonight Show," "The Arsenio Hall Show," "The Dennis Miller Show," "ABC In Concert," VH1, TNN, The Disney Channel, Fox News Channel and CSPAN.

With a long standing reputation as the consummate professional, Chris Ralles will consistently deliver exactly what the artist needs, always bringing a unique sense of dynamics and feel to every performance.

CHRIS RALLES

Considered one of the leading Chilean percussionists for his musical performance, versatility and academic preparation. Author of the method "El Cajón AfroPeruano en el Mundo" (which contains more than 70 music genres and more than 300 rhythmic patterns). Founder and General Director of the first Percussion Conservatory in Latin America "PERCUSIÓN CHILE" where he has created a new approach to the traditional music education system, through new academic programs and curricula. Former academic of the Faculty of Arts of the "Universidad de Chile". He constantly performs Clinics, Workshop and Seminars, highlighting "La fiesta del Tambor" Cuba, "International Windward Percussion Festival" Venezuela, "International Festival of Peruvian Cajon" Peru, etc. He has worked with international artists such as Gustavo Ceratti, Marisela, Alvaro Torres, etc. and with all the most outstanding Chilean artists.

CHRISTIAN LATORRE

Christian Moraga, originally from Santiago, Chile, has studied in Cuba with master percussionist "Changuito", as well as various genres of percussion in Peru and Brazil, and the Harbor Conservatory of the Performing Arts in New York City. 

Based in Los Angeles, he has performed with artists such as Arturo Sandoval, Chaka Kahn, Poncho Sanchez, Harvey Mason, Bob Mintzer, Conrad Herwig, Gordon Goodwin, Oscar D'Leon, Nestor Torres, Bennie Maupin, "El Canario", Tito Nieves, Ismael Miranda, Jimmy Bosh, and many others. 

Currently, he is working as the band director and multipercussionist player with his Latin Jazz Quartet "Conganas". He continues to work with Oscar Hernandez and his band "Alma Libre", and is the drummer on Estrella TV's "Noches con Platanito"

CHRISTIAN MORAGA

Chris Tomson is an American singer, songwriter and musician, best known as the drummer for New York-based indie rock band Vampire Weekend. He is also the lead vocalist and guitarist for a side project called Dams of the West, for which he writes and records the entirety of its music.

CHRIS TOMSON

Christo Karam Pellani is a versitile master drummer/ percussionist, recording artist, producer, instructor, and drum circle facilitator with extensive performance in film, theatre, and concerts. A featured performer at many cultural music festivals including World Festival of Sacred Music, Bhakti Fest, Lightening in a Bottle, Esalen, and Burning Man, among many others. Christo has drummed for various dance troupes including the esteemed Luna Negra Ballet Theater. He was co founder and Music Director for Sacred Dance Live, Red Musette, and Medicine Dance world music ensembles. He has performed at DISNEYLAND, with UDAYA Liquid Asana Live streaming yoga series, and at various Sacred Music venues worldwide. His interactive drumming/percussion curriculum "RHYTHMAGIC" offers unique instructional exercises and games promoting rhythm awareness & creative expression for schools, retreats, and conferences. Affiliations include TRAP, Rock the Classroom, Hearts Giving Hope, and US Dream Academy.

CHRISTO PELLANI

CHRIS TRUJILLO

Cindy Blackman Santana is a virtuoso drummer whose artistry spans the realms of jazz and rock.  As a bandleader and as a musician, Cindy is a sound innovator with a passion for pushing creative boundaries and exploring movement and change.  She is as known for the nuances and colors she brings to her beats and fills as she is for the sheer power of her soulful playing.  "Some drummers act, some react.  Some keep time, others create it.  Cindy Blackman Santana is among the few who can," writes Mike Zwerin for the International Herald Tribune.  

  

"I think of playing as controlled freedom, and in jazz, especially, that's exactly what you have.  I love it," says Cindy.  "You know the forms of the songs, but you have the freedom to stretch over them.  You want the music to grow and breathe, and you want to invite creativity from all the musicians.  As you're going along, you can change the color, the feel, the mood in different ways, or go off the chart and open it up to something new.  Controlled freedom is an incredible discipline in itself, requiring a lot of focus.  Improvisation like that is art in its highest form."

  

Cindy has been creating magnificent musical time and space since the beginning of her career as a busking street performer in New York City in the '80s through the present day, touring the globe and making albums at the top of her game-including her latest, the critically acclaimed Another Lifetime (2010).  In addition to collaborating onstage and in-studio with her own group-also known as Another Lifetime-she has toured and recorded with artists including Pharoah Sanders, Cassandra Wilson, Bill Laswell, Joss Stone, Joe Henderson, Buckethead, Don Pullen, Hugh Masakela, and Angela Bofill.  From 1993 to 2007, she was also the drummer in Lenny Kravitz's band, through multiple world tours and hit albums.  In 2010, she was part of the all-star line-up performing "Bitches Brew," a tribute to Miles Davis' seminal album staged at the San Francisco Jazz Festival and NYC Winter JazzFest. 

  

More recently, Cindy has been sitting in with Santana on the road. "They have a great band vibe. It's nice to play with people who have grown together, built a sound together, and stayed together," she says. "When that happens, you can create so many different levels of communication. That's what they've done, and I love interacting with it." Cindy first played with Santana in spring 2010, when drummer Dennis Chambers had a previous commitment. They had first met several years earlier at a festival in Europe when Cindy was touring with Kravitz.

 

Electricity onstage generated chemistry offstage-Carlos proposed to Cindy during a July 2010 concert, and they married in December.  Looking ahead, they will collaborate artistically as well, on projects that will no doubt reflect their shared passion for improvisation, and belief in the transcendent nature of music. "To me, music is completely spiritual, it's the way you connect with your higher self, with the universe," says Cindy.  "It's also a way to share light with millions of people.  They don't need to speak your language, have your beliefs, or be in the same place you are.  The music speaks, it channels good energy, and makes a difference in people's lives.  Carlos and I are both conscious of doing that."

  

On her own, Cindy is continuing to develop the heady jazz-rock fusion that she drives so powerfully on 2010's Another Lifetime.  The tour de force album is a tribute to her mentor, the legendary drummer Tony Williams, and features reimaginings of eight songs from his seminal '70s group Lifetime, as well as three original tracks by Cindy.  In its review, All About Jazz wrote, "Blackman's sonic explorations take jazz-rock beyond where the late drummer envisioned it when he was putting heads to bed with guitarist John McLaughlin, bassist Jack Bruce and organist Larry Young…Jazz-rock as performed by Williams, and now Blackman, is very much alive and well."  The Guardian (U.K.) review called it "a firebreathing session," adding "the mad-axeman guitar and boneshaking drumming this style invites is certainly present…but Blackman balances it with tonal splashes of abstract colour."

  

"I loved everything about Tony's playing.  He changed the sound of music several times with different tunings and configurations, and innovated with every limb," says Cindy-who first met Williams in her teens when he did a clinic at the drum shop near her home in Connecticut. "His attitude and bravado behind the kit was incredible, and his technique was impeccable."  Another Lifetime was recorded on both coasts, with New York sessions featuring Mike Clarke, Doug Carn, and Benny Reitveld accompanying Cindy, and L.A. sessions including Vernon Reid, Patrice Rushen, Joe Lovano, and David Santos. Going forward, Cindy is planning to incorporate more of a vocal element into her music.

  

Cindy remembers first asking for drums when she was about five or six-"My mom says I was born hitting things and making rhythms," she says.  She graduated from a toy drum kit to her first professional one at age 13, and went on to play in her high school band.  She was living in New York just a few years later.  Cindy took advantage of abundant opportunities to see legendary drummers perform live, including Max Roach, Al Foster, Jack DeJohnette, Roy Haynes, and Art Blakey, who became another of her major influences and mentors. Outside of the jazz realm, other greats she admires include Clyde Stubblefield (James Brown), John Bonham (Led Zeppelin), and Mitch Mitchell (Jimi Hendrix).

  

Her recording career began in the late '80s, and she has released albums with an acoustic ensemble-the Cindy Blackman quartet-as well as with her electric outfit.  One she cites as among her favorites is 2000's Works On Canvas.  "I like where the band was at that point, our sound was becoming really cohesive," she says.  The review in Jazz Times noted that the album, "proceeds like an impressionistic suite in which she not only functions as the main rhythmic engine of the music, but also a magnificent colorist…Works on Canvas is an amazing portrait of one of this generation's most colorful drummers."

 

Cindy Blackman Santana continues to build a body of work and artistic legacy that make her one of the finest drummers of this or any generation.

Cindy Blackman Santana is a virtuoso drummer whose artistry spans the realms of jazz and rock. As a bandleader and as a musician, Cindy is a sound innovator with a passion for pushing creative boundaries and exploring movement and change. She is as known for the nuances and colors she brings to her beats and fills as she is for the sheer power of her soulful playing.

Cindy has been creating magnificent musical time and space since the beginning of her career as a busking street performer in New York City in the '80s through the present day, touring the globe and making albums at the top of her game-including her acclaimed Another Lifetime. In addition to collaborating onstage and in-studio with her own group-also known as Another Lifetime-she has toured and recorded with artists including Pharoah Sanders, Cassandra Wilson, Bill Laswell, Joss Stone, Joe Henderson, Buckethead, Don Pullen, Hugh Masakela, and Angela Bofill.

From 1993 to 2007, she was also the drummer in Lenny Kravitz's band, through multiple world tours and hit albums.

Currently, Cindy is the drummer for Santana and continues to build a body of work and artistic legacy that make her one of the finest drummers of this or any generation.

CINDY BLACKMAN-SANTANA

The Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea is an all-female mariachi band based in Los Angeles, California. The band was founded in 1999 by Cindy Shea. In 2009, they became the first all-female mariachi band ever to be nominated for a Grammy Award, and the first to win one. As of 2016, the band has been nominated for seven Grammy awards, winning twice. They are the official mariachi band of the Disneyland resort. In May 2014, they headlined the opening of a new dinner theater in Anaheim, California dedicated exclusively to mariachi music.

CINDY SHEA

Clayton Cameron has a dynamic career that has spanned almost four decades in the world of music. From Sammy Davis Jr. to Tony Bennett, and even crossing into other genres with artist like Neil Young. Clayton continues to push the envelope of contemporary drumming and the use of brushes to their very limits, earning him the nickname "the Brush Master".

Born in Los Angeles, California the Brush Master began playing bongos at the age of six. By age twelve his fascination with drums became so apparent that his parents decided to buy him his first drum set and sent Clayton to Grants Music Center in LA for drum lessons. "I guess they tired of my oatmeal box drumming as much as I tired of eating those hearty oats every morning." He went on to get a degree in music from California State University at Northridge. During college, he played in clubs around L.A behind artists who were mentors to him. They included vocalist O.C Smith, Ernie Andrews, Jimmy Witherspoon, instrumentalist Teddy Edwards, Larry Gales (of Thelonious Monk fame) and Gerald Wilson.

After touring with the great Joe Williams in 1981 he would go on to be the drummer for the worlds greatest entertainer, Sammy Davis Jr. and hold that position from 1882 to 1990 . " I got a degree in music from college but I got a masters in show biz from Mr. Sammy Davis Jr." In 1988 Clayton went on the Together Again Tour with Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. 

In 1990 a once in lifetime tour with jazz legends Joe Williams, George Shearing and Joe Pass took Clayton around the country. In 1991 he moved to New York City where he would play for the likes of Barry Harris, Kenny Burrell, Rufus Reid and the Mingus Big Band. NYC was jazz heaven. In April of 1992 a life changing call from  Tony Bennett gave the Brush Master's talents exposer to new audiences. He performed with Tony Bennett for over ten years, recording 13 CDs and winning 13 Grammys including a 1994 Album of the Year. 
From legends to the up and coming the Brush Master continues to inspire and be inspired. Artist Rebecca Ferguson, Molly Ringwald, Dave Koz, Rickey Minor, Neil Young to name a few have all recently stamped their respective projects with Clayton Cameron's incredible talent.

Clayton Cameron has a dynamic career that has spanned almost four decades in the world of music. From Sammy Davis Jr. to Tony Bennett, and even crossing into other genres with artist like Neil Young. Clayton continues to push the envelope of contemporary drumming and the use of brushes to their very limits, earning him the nickname "the Brush Master".
Born in Los Angeles, California the Brush Master began playing bongos at the age of six. By age twelve his fascination with drums became so apparent that his parents decided to buy him his first drum set and sent Clayton to Grants Music Center in LA for drum lessons. "I guess they tired of my oatmeal box drumming as much as I tired of eating those hearty oats every morning." He went on to get a degree in music from California State University at Northridge. During college, he played in clubs around L.A behind artists who were mentors to him. They included vocalist O.C Smith, Ernie Andrews, Jimmy Witherspoon, instrumentalist Teddy Edwards, Larry Gales (of Thelonious Monk fame) and Gerald Wilson.
After touring with the great Joe Williams in 1981 he would go on to be the drummer for the worlds greatest entertainer, Sammy Davis Jr. and hold that position from 1882 to 1990 . " I got a degree in music from college but I got a masters in show biz from Mr. Sammy Davis Jr." In 1988 Clayton went on the Together Again Tour with Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. 
In 1990 a once in lifetime tour with jazz legends Joe Williams, George Shearing and Joe Pass took Clayton around the country. In 1991 he moved to New York City where he would play for the likes of Barry Harris, Kenny Burrell, Rufus Reid and the Mingus Big Band. NYC was jazz heaven. In April of 1992 a life changing call from  Tony Bennett gave the Brush Master's talents exposer to new audiences. He performed with Tony Bennett for over ten years, recording 13 CDs and winning 13 Grammys including a 1994 Album of the Year. 
From legends to the up and coming the Brush Master continues to inspire and be inspired. Artist Rebecca Ferguson, Molly Ringwald, Dave Koz, Rickey Minor, Neil Young to name a few have all recently stamped their respective projects with Clayton Cameron's incredible talent.

CLAYTON CAMERON

Known as "Puerto Rico, Jr.," Montes was born in Cartagena, Colombia and comes from a long legacy of musicians.  His father and grandfather, both well known percussionists, initiated his career at the age of 12, as he became part of recognizable national groups such as el Nene y sus traviesos and Joseito Martinez.

In 1993, Clodomiro joined the ensemble, Grupo Jazz Cartagena, which represented Colombia in the 1st jazz festival in Cartagena, Jazz Bajo La Luna, which boasted participation from artists such as Cristian del Real, Justo Almario, Boris Fadul and more.

In the year 2000, Clodomiro relocated to Asia, where he toured for six consecutive years through Thailand, China, Malaysia, India and Taiwan.

In 2006, Clodomiro relocated to Los Angeles, California where he began working with internationally known artists Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz, Jose Alberto El Canario, Andy MontaÃ±ez, Tony Vega, Eddie Santiago, Marisela, The Latin Brothers, Guayacan Orquesta, Justo Almario, Fruko y sus Tesos, Maelo Ruiz, La India and Jerry Rivera, Bruno Mars. Montes has also collaborated with A.B. Quintanilla's CumbiaKings, Sonora Carruseles, Tito Rojas, Puerto Rican Power, Grupo Gale, Joe Arroyo, Sonora Ponceña, Caifanes and Stevie Wonder.

Clodomiro is the percussionist for Palenke Soul Tribe, which has performed at festivals like Glastonbury, Womex Budapest and South by Southwest. He is also M. D. of his own salsa band, Colombian Latin Soul. In 2017, he headlined Carnaval de Barranquilla's, Concierto de Carnaval with Carlos Vives and L'Ã©quipe Tambora in Barranquilla, Colombia.

CLODOMIRO MONTES

Geraldo de Oliveira was born and raised in Brazil. He started playing percussion professionally at the age of 14, in his hometown, Belo Horizonte.

He made Chicago his home in 1976, and since then has recorded and/or performed with Aretha Franklin, Stevie & Eddie, Barbara Eden, Ramsey Lewis, Judy Roberts, Jerry Butler, Tyrone Davis, Walter Jackson, Linda Clifford, Bobby Lewis, Gene Chandler, The Chi-Lites, Chévere, Michael Miles, Don Stiernberg, Josie Falbo, and many others. He was also a guest artist on the last album recorded by world famous drummer Buddy Rich. 

Geraldo has conducted Brazilian percussion clinics at numerous high schools, colleges, and music organizations in the US and abroad, and was a featured presenter on Brazilian Percussion for Percussion Arts Society (PAS) events. In 2013 he was honored with the Chicago Dal Segno Recognition for Professional Achievement for excellence as a Latin Percussionist and for his contribution toward promoting international cultural goodwill.
Geraldo keeps busy in the Chicago area performing and recording with different groups including Trio Copacabana, Luciano Antonio, and Choroscope.

CONNOR DENIS

BORN TO MICHAEL NELSON SR. AND ROSALIND NELSON OF THE NELSON FAMILY AND FRIENDS GROUP, MIKE NELSON HAS ALWAYS BEEN MUSICALLY INCLINED. FOLLOWING AFTER HIS OLDER BROTHER ROBERT, MIKE ACQUIRED AN INTEREST IN PLAYING THE DRUMS AND HAS BEEN DOING SO IN HIS LOCAL CHURCH SINCE THE TENDER AGE OF 2. GROWING UP IN THE PHILADELPHIA AREA, MIKE DREW INSPIRATION FROM OTHER PROFESSIONAL DRUMMERS SUCH AS ERIC "BOOTS" GREENE, BRIAN "BRIZZ" MOORE AND RASHID WILLIAMS, JUST TO NAME A FEW.

CRISTIANO SILVA

Cristobal Orozco was born in Santiago de Chile on June 15 1983, from an early age he realizes that music was going to take an important role in his life

He grows up in a musician's family and his father initiated him at age of 9 giving him his first drum kit. Later on he participated in the extension courses of the "Instituto Profesional Projazz" which lead him to consider the career of "Instrumental Interpreter with a Major in Drums" which he completed successfully in 2005.

Since then, he has been involved in projects with a variety of musical styles including Jazz, Rock, Funk, Metal, Latin, Pop, NewProg, Nu-Jazz, Hip hop, etc. and also worked as a session musician in studio and live performances with artists such as: Octopus, Myriam Hernandez, Mandracula, Consuelo Schuster, Libra, Los Tetas, De Kiruza, Javiera Mena, Pablo Herrera, Augusto Schuster, Barbara Mun~oz, C-Funk & Joya, Cristobal and many others.

He is actively participating as a producer and drum tech in several recording studios (Alba Road, Agartha, Bassino Studio, Estudios del Sur, etc) , and also as part of the Drum Teachers Staff at "Instituto Profesional Projazz".
With his metal band "Octopus" he toured Europe, performing at many important festivals BAJA PROG (Baja California, Mexicali), Crescendo (France). In 2010 he travels to Sweden to take lessons with the famous drummer Morgan Agren. After that, he starts touring Latin America and North America with national artist Myriam Herna´ndez promoting her Top-Selling Latin Grammy nominee Album "Seduccion".

Recently, he has been recording with Los Tetas, participating in NAMM with Istambul Cymbals, and also he has been playing live with many renowned bands and artists from Latin America, and working in a really exciting project, a drums recording/production service called "Studio Drummer". Just recently he's been playing for the orchestra of the Vin~a del Mar Festival and also in the internationally renown TV Show "The Voice" Chile.

CRISTOBAL OROZCO

Crystal Taliefero is an American multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. Since 1989 she has been a touring and recording member of the Billy Joel Band. Taliefero was 11 years old when she started performing at local rhythm and blues clubs in and around Northwest Indiana and metropolitan Chicago with the singing group, Black Mist. John Mellencamp discovered Taliefero performing locally and convinced her to leave college in 1986 and join his touring band. She was subsequently invited to join the Billy Joel Band in 1989 when Joel put together a new band to record and tour behind the album Storm Front. She has been with the Billy Joel Band ever since. Aside from Mellencamp and Joel, Taliefero has performed with a wide range of artists, including Faith Hill, Garth Brooks, Joe Cocker, Tina Arena, Bob Seger, Brooks & Dunn, Richie Sambora, Elton John, Enrique Iglesias, Natalie Merchant, Meat Loaf, Michael McDonald, Bruce Springsteen and The Northern Pikes, Julian Lennon, The Bee Gees, Dolly Parton's "Two Doors Down", Steven Van Zandt, Mick Jones of Foreigner (credited on his solo album released in 1989) and Buddy Guy.

CRYSTAL TALIEFERO

Curt has toured and/or recorded with Junkie XL, Hans Zimmer, Lana Del Rey, Mick Jagger, Sir Elton John, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Seal, John Fogerty, Sarah McLachlan, John Legend, Was (not Was), Morris Day and the Time, Chocolate Genius Inc., Mel C, Christopher Cross, Josh Groban, Shelby Lynne, Johnny Mathis, Celine Dion, Belinda Carlisle (of The Go-Go's), Bonnie Raitt, Nelly Furtado, Paula Abdul, Jeff Lorber, Clay Aiken, Delbert McClinton, Public Image Ltd., Dave Koz, Terence Trent d'Arby, Tina Turner, Milla Jovovich, Chynna Phillips, Carl Perkins, Susanna Hoffs, Johnny Cash, Leonard Cohen, Donny Osmond, Taylor Dayne, Chris Isaak, Boz Scaggs, Dave Stewart, Ricky Martin ...and many, many more!

Born and raised in Santa Maria CA - Curt is a 30+ year veteran in the Music/Entertainment Industry and has toured and/or recorded with global recording artists such as:
Junkie XL
Hans Zimmer
Lana Del Rey
Mick Jagger
Sir Elton John
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Seal
John Fogerty
Sarah McLachlan
John Legend
Was (not Was)
Morris Day and the Time
Chocolate Genius Inc.
Mel C
Christopher Cross
Josh Groban
Shelby Lynne
Johnny Mathis
Celine Dion
Belinda Carlisle (of The Go-Go's)
Bonnie Raitt
Nelly Furtado
Paula Abdul
Jeff Lorber
Clay Aiken
Delbert McClinton
Public Image Ltd.
Dave Koz
Terence Trent d'Arby
Tina Turner
Milla Jovovich
Chynna Phillips
Carl Perkins
Susanna Hoffs
Johnny Cash
Leonard Cohen
Donny Osmond
Taylor Dayne
Chris Isaak
Boz Scaggs
Dave Stewart
Ricky Martin
...and many,many more!

CURT "KIRKEE B" BISQUERA

Since arriving in the U.S. from his native Brazil, performer and bandleader Cyro Baptista has emerged as one of the premier percussionists in the world, bringing his unique charm and intense rhythmic drive to countless stages, performing on numerous Grammy-winning recordings, and collaborating with myriad luminaries such as Paul Simon, Herbie Hancock, Yo-Yo-Ma, John Zorn, Trey Anastasio (Phish), Laurie Anderson, Sting and many others.

Baptista's many honors include DownBeat Critics Poll Percussionist of the Year, Jazz Journalists Association Percussionist of the Year, and Drum Magazine Percussionist of the Year. Baptista leads four different ensembles. He has produced and released ten "solo" albums and tours continuously throughout the world.

He conducts master classes at major musical institutions, such as Juilliard School, Berklee College of Music, Mannes College of Music, The New School, New World Symphony Orchestra, and the Kimmel Center Jazz Camp.

CYRO BAPTISTA

From Cuba, Dafnis Prieto's revolutionary drumming techniques and compositions have had a powerful impact on the Latin and Jazz music scene, nationally and internationally. He is a gifted educator who has conducted numerous master classes, clinics, and workshops throughout the world. Dafnis was a faculty member of Jazz studies at NYU from 2005 to 2014, and in 2015 became a faculty member of Frost School of Music at UM (University of Miami). 

As a composer, he has created music for dance, film, chamber ensembles, and most notably for his own bands ranging from duets to big bands, including the distinctively different groups featured by seven acclaimed recordings as a leader: About The Monks, Absolute Quintet, Taking The Soul For a Walk, Si o Si Quartet-Live at Jazz Standard, Dafnis Prieto Proverb Trio, Triangles and Circles, and Back to the Sunset. In 2016 Prieto published the groundbreaking analytical and instructional drum book A World of Rhythmic Possibilities.

DAFNIS PRIETO

Damon is a professional percussionist and sideman who recorded an album produced by David Ryan Harris and features: Harris, Marc Broussard, Morgan James, Zane Carney, Stephen Kellogg The Mason Brothers, Bob Reynolds, Doug Wamble, Janek Gwizdala, J.J. Johnson, and many more. He has worked with Madonna on her 2012 MDNA tour and as a sideman with world class artists like Eric Hutchinson, Stefon Harris, Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez, Richie Flores, Javier Colon and several others. He was also an original cast member of Blast! which won both an Emmy and a Tony award. Damon also teaches privately and at Umass Amherst with Thom Hannum.

DAMON GRANT

Dango is a drummer from Nashville, TN who has a long career of supporting great artists and bands. He is the longtime drummer for Grammy winning artist Scott Stapp, the voice of Creed. He is also a member of the platinum selling worship band Sonicflood, as well as an original member of the Seattle Warped Tour punk band, Amber Pacific. He also plays with new rock artist Kurt Deimer featuring Phil X, as well as several country artists. He has performed with bands all over the world, from South Africa, to Europe, to South America, and the entire US. Dango graduated from Belmont University with a bachelors degree in Music Performance, studying under the legendary Chester Thompson.

Through out his career Dango has recorded songs used on the radio, TV shows, video games, movie soundtracks, Monday Night Football, an album on Billboard Top 100, and multiple music videos on MTV. With Amber Pacific he has played 4 entire Vans Warped Tours, and countless other tours. He has also toured with the Platinum selling rock band RED, as well as Superchick, Fireflight, Manafest, All Time Low, David, Cook, Tommy Walker, Mark Wills, Craig Campbell, William Michael Morgan, Katie Armiger, The Swon Brothers, Josh

Gracin, & Deana Carter.

Dango is an active teacher and clinician, teaching year round. In 2009 he released his first instructional DVD. He also has a studio in Nashville and does remote drum tracking for clients worldwide. Dango proudly endorses DW Drums, Paiste Cymbals, Evans Drumheads, Promark Sticks, LP Percussion, Humes & Berg Cases and SeElectronics.

www.instagram.com/DangoEmpire

Dango is a professional drummer from Nashville, TN who has a long career of supporting great artists and bands. He is the longtime drummer for Grammy winning artist Scott Stapp, the voice of Creed. He is also a member of the platinum selling worship band Sonicflood, as well as an original member of the Seattle Warped Tour punk band, Amber Pacific. He also plays with several country artists. He has performed with bands all over the world, from South Africa, to Europe, to South America, and the entire US. Dango graduated from Belmont University with a bachelors degree in Music Performance, studying under the legendary Chester Thompson.

Through out his career Dango has recorded songs used on the radio, TV shows, video games, movie soundtracks, Monday Night Football, an album on Billboard Top 100, and multiple music videos on MTV. With Amber Pacific he has played 4 entire Vans Warped Tours, and countless other tours. He has also toured with the Platinum selling rock band RED, as well as David Cook, Superchick, Fireflight, Manafest, All Time Low, Tommy Walker, Mark Wills, Craig Campbell, William Michael Morgan, Katie Armiger, The Swon Brothers, Josh Gracin, & Deana Carter.

Dango is an active teacher and clinician, teaching year round. In 2009 he released his first instructional DVD. He also has a studio in Nashville and does remote drum tracking for clients worldwide.

DANGO EMPIRE

Puerto Rican Daniel Díaz was born with rhythm in his hands. And it has been his rhythm and his hands that have made him a unique artist in his class; as unique as his musical creation known as "The Tripandero". This ingenious creation, devised by Daniel in 2010, combines the rhythm of three frame drums that produce the sound of the typical Puerto Rican Plenera as a single instrument.

With the help of René Pérez of "Residente", Daniel has set foot in more than 57 countries, showing the world his ingenuity and the musical power of his Tripandero. This young percussionist, arranger and composer has also collaborated with a variety of musical stars such as Calle 13, Shakira, Ricky Martin, Carlos Vives, Ricardo Montaner, Mon Laferte, Bad Bunny, Giovanni Hidalgo, Diego El Cigala, The Great Combo of Puerto Rico, Ismael Miranda ... and has performed on global platforms, such as the Latin Grammys 2017, hundreds of festivals around the world, Austin Live (City Limits) and Cirque de Soleil by Leo Messi.

DANIEL DIAZ

Daniel is most widely recognized for being an active and founding member of bands such as Turnstile, Angel Du$t, and Praise. Turnstile is particularly known for unique hardcore punk and alt-rock influences. Hit songs including "Blackout," "Generator," and "Alien Love Call." The band has toured around the world and has performed at major music events including Riot Fest, Aftershock, and Camp Flog Gnaw.

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