Melissa profile picture

Melissa

About Me


Hi, thanks for stopping by! I'm a drummer and am currently working with various artists but most often perform with Diane Durrett & Drum Cafe Atlanta. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be part of a strong music community in Atlanta, and get to continually learn from these amazing artists. These opportunities have allowed me to play in a wide variety of settings including private events, clubs, festivals, jam sessions & recordings.
I have had the privilege of performing with some of the Southeast's most experienced and talented artists including Diane Durrett, Ike Stubblefield, Donna Hopkins, Trina Meade, Caroline Aiken, Paul Warner, Markham White, Charlie Wooton, Dennis Jones, Billy Gewin, Lefty Williams, Lil Joe Burton, Ralph Roddenbery, Richie Jones, Heaven Davis, Lola Gulley, and Antoine Knight to name a few. This level of experience has challenged me to become a diverse and versatile musician. My musical tastes involve an eclectic mix of Funk, Bloooze, Soul, Roots, Americana, Folk, Jazz, and Rock. And, I continuously learn the value of flexibility and improvisation; oh, and how to say "That was my fault". Those are necessities for getting along with musicians.
Over the last few years, I've begun to expand my musical journey on a deeper level by learning more about the power of healing through rhythm & drumming. I'm excited about this ancient art and it's endless possibilities. If you're currently working with groups & drumming PLEASE contact me; I'd love to connect with You. I'm a trained Health Rhythms Facilitator and member of Drum Cafe Atlanta.
Visit these websites for more information on specific artists that have performed with Melissa:
http://www.DianeDurrett.com
http://www.DrumCafeAtlanta.com
http://www.DonnaHopkins.com
http://www.CarolineAiken.com
http://www.RalphRoddenbery.com
http://www.AfterDarkDesigns.com
http://www.PaulWarnerMusic.com
http://www.EmilyKateBoyd.com
http://www.DanielTurnerbuilders.com/music.htm
http://www.BillyGewin.com
http://www.AlleyKatz.ws
http://www.LizMelendez.com
http://www.JanieChu.com
http://www.KristenJustice.com
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My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 18/08/2005
Band Website: See Bio for details
Band Members:

DRUM CAFE ATLANTA

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***DOUBLE "D" JAMS IN L5Ps WITH DONNA HOPKINS BAND & DIANE DURRETT BAND***

FOLLOWING MY BLISS....
Influences: Cindy Blackman, P Funk, Santana, Sade, Fleetwood Mac, Prince, Rolling Stones, Miles Davis, Tracy Chapman, Sarah McLachlan, Otis Redding, The Cure, Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, Mickey Hart, Stevie Wonder, John Bonham, Joan Armatrading, Richie Jones, Babatunde Olatunji, Drum Cafe, Arthur Hull, Kate Schellenbach, Van Morrison, Jack Johnson, EWF, etc....

A big THANK YOU to my cousin ,Britt, for lending me his drum kit when I was 11 yrs old! And to my Mom & Dad for tolerating all the racket I made over the years!!

CHAKA KHAN-1976

Music for one apartment & six drummers

Sounds Like: DIANE DURRETT BAND WITH RALPH RODDENBERY!!!

DOUBLE D JAM WITH DDB & DHB!!!!

Diane Durrett Band Live

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Type of Label: Major

My Blog

Beacon of Light

Be on the look out for Laura Simon and BEACON OF LIGHT-a showcase of southern talent, to be released this summer by Barnes and Noble at the Mall of Georgia!
Posted by on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:50:00 GMT

Press Review

  ..TR> ..TR>    ..TABLE>Diane Durrett at Fuzzy's Place By Kim Frazier, Journalist Diane Durrett performed at Fuzzy's Place last Saturday night. Actually, performed doesn't co...
Posted by on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:35:00 GMT

Pepperland Farm Childrens Music Camp Rocks

A Unique Adventure for Young People 7-14 Years of Age" Pepperland Music Camp July 17-26, 2007 Khalisa Taylor is the founder of Pepperland Farm Camp. Her interest in child education and enrichment bega...
Posted by on Sun, 01 Jul 2007 15:04:00 GMT

"500 Songs for Kids" Benefit!

WOW!  WHAT AN AMAZING EVENT TO BE A PART OF!!  CHECK IT OUT: The SONGS FOR KIDS FOUNDATION, INC. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit tax-exempt organization. It's purpose is to connect musicians, the mus...
Posted by on Thu, 10 May 2007 20:43:00 GMT

MYTHIC JOURNEYS

Mythic Journeys is a conference and performance festival that includes the finest minds in psychology, religion, science, literature, education, entertainment and the arts. Each gathering is a one-of-...
Posted by on Thu, 22 Jun 2006 16:36:00 GMT

favorite quote

"The Universe will reward you for taking risks on it's behalf" - Shakti Gawain
Posted by on Tue, 11 Apr 2006 10:45:00 GMT