My career has taken me all over the world time and again. Making my living as a successful freelance musician based in New York City has allowed me to perform in all different musical styles and genres while continuing to challenge me to grow. I enjoy playing in different contexts all the time. I love playing in a big band one night and then having to switch gears and play in a rock group, or a swingin' jazz trio the next night. For me, the energy on stage sets the tone and I will continue to be inspired.Born into a musical family in suburban Ballston Lake, New York, I can’t remember a time when I didn’t play the drums. What I do remember is sitting in front of the stereo speakers while my Dad played old Blood Sweat & Tears, Sly and the Family Stone, and King Curtis albums. At age 9, I started taking private drum lessons with an instructor by the name of Don Bush. Mr. Bush helped me develop very strong rudimental and sight reading skills. By age 11, I was playing professionally with the Revelaires, my family’s wedding band on weekends.In high school, I started listening to jazz music. I gained more performing experience in the school orchestras and jazz bands along with my friends in the rock group Bluesnick, while continuing to play with the Revelaires. I played at many of the regional and state music conferences and was honored to be a part of the 1994 New York All-State Jazz Ensemble. I also performed regularly with the Empire State Jazz Orchestra and Percussion Ensemble based in Albany, New York.I went on to attend the Ithaca College School of Music, where I studied percussion with world-renowned marimba player Gordon Stout and studied jazz with multi-talented Steve Brown. At this time, I was also performing with many groups outside of school such as Tony DeSare, The Strand, The Soulutions, Al Meixner Trio, and the Tim Collins Trio.After graduating and receiving my Bachelor’s Degree in Percussion Performance, I began performing on cruise ships for Holland America Line in the Show Band Orchestra. In two and a half years of working with many orchestras of the cruise line, I had the privilege of seeing much of the world along with performing with such artists as The Shirelles, The Marcells, Bowser and Sha Na Na, Ian Finkel, and Pearl Kaufman, among many others.In November 2001, I decided to make the New York City area my home where I could further expand my musical experiences and skills. In NYC I met up with Domenick Allen (formerly of the rock group Foreigner) and started touring and performing with him as his Music Director on Royal Caribbean cruise ships. I also toured all over the world and performed regularly with (Telarc Recording jazz artist) Tony DeSare and jazz guitar legend Bucky Pizzarelli. When I was not touring I was kept very busy with numerous other engagements like cabaret shows, regional and off-Broadway theater productions, singer-songwriters, rock bands, recording sessions, jazz groups, and teaching drum/percussion lessons.I currently reside in Las Vegas, NV where I will continue to perform with Domenick Allen and Clint Holmes on the Las Vegas Strip. I also maintain my gig with Tony DeSare touring around the States and internationally. I'm also starting a new teaching roster here in the Las Vegas area.
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Watch this video to see me perform the "Foreigner" section of "It's All About The Music" with Domenick Allen!Watch this video to see part 1 of me step away from the drums and solo all over the stage in Domenick Allen's "It's All About The Music".Part 2 of me soloing all over the stage with Domenick Allen in "It's All About The Music".
