About Me
I have been playing drums/percussion for almost 20 years, and teaching for about 10. I had my first paid gig when I was 14.....I remember on a few occasions getting written excuses from understanding teachers at my high school to leave early so I could go play a gig! I have been playing around the country ever since with an interesting variety of musicians in an interesting array of venues...historic freighters, parade floats in the middle of winter, a commercial for Ford Motor Company, refurbished speakeasies, a biker bar, etc. A brief list of artists would include several Motown session musicians, sidemen from the bands of Art Blakey and Count Basie, nationally known artists such as Donna McKechnie, Johnny O'Neal (featured in the movie 'Ray'), Rick DellaRatta and Jazz for Peace, Rachel Z, London Symphony Orchestra percussionist Ray Northcott, Monica Cantrell, the list goes on and on. While you are here, check out the video below that includes my performance with Cornelious 'Juju' Johnson! From 2002 to 2007, I was a member of the jazz trio FutureVisions, based here in Detroit. The group was led by veteran Detroit pianist Michael Zaporski and also featured my husband, Andrew Lloyd, on bass. On many occasions we featured guest artists, including Marcus Belgrave, Pathe Jassi, Joshua James, and Rayse Biggs. Though the group has since disbanded, we released 4 CD's and performed at a wide variety of concert venues, festivals, as well as educational clinics. As far as teaching goes, I teach students of all ages, kids and adults, beginners and advanced players, some with learning or physical disabilities....mostly on drumset though I do teach orchestral, latin, and mallet percussion as well. I am proud of all my students (even when they forget to practice!) and always try to push them to perform with other people. It's not as much fun playing drums by yourself! Aside from performing and teaching, since 2007 I have been working as a seniors/elders advocate at one of the Native centers in Metro Detroit....working with the seniors has given me new perspectives on aging.....I have always appreciated and respected my elders, but any stereotypes that are commonly associated with the elderly fly right out the window with these folks! Quietly rocking in a rocking chair? Nope. Swearing like sailors? Sometimes, especially during bingo! I have also been volunteering with the Native American Veterans Association of SouthEastern Michigan (NAVASEMI) since 2005. It's a great non-profit organization dedicated to assisting Native veterans and their families. Look for the group at upcoming powwows in Michigan!
