Like the Chameleon Lonnell Lewis has been blessed with the ability to adapt to many different musical settings. Born June 30th 1983 in Pontiac Michigan Lonnell was practically raised in the church, and was exposed to a variety of musical styles and musicians at a young age. Lonnell began taking in as much of this musical information as he could, it was not long before he was beating on pots and pans in an early attempt to declare his career field. Over the years Lonnell would be exposed to great gospel music at the church; however he also began to discover rock music for the first time. Listening to rock music would set up the foundation that would eventually allow him to expand his musical interest into more complex music literature. At age 16 Lonnell started studying Jazz, and Fusion music, which forced him to elevate his level of playing as well as his musical awareness. For the next few years Lonnell would focus on learning the jazz art form, and was taken in under the wings of his high school music teacher Clifford Sykes. Under Sykes tutelage Lonnell began to develop good timing, technique, and reading skills. After high school Lonnell enrolled into a community college, it was also at this time that Lonnell landed a gig with Jazz/Fusion band Slice of Pi. The band recorded and played around the Michigan area for three years. Lonnell continued to play and record with groups around the area, but decided to further his music education. This would lead him to the music program at Wayne State University in Detroit Michigan, Where he is currently working on a bachelor’s degree in Music business. Lonnell is committed to music and sharing his life experiences through the playing of drums. Lonnell has been able to make a living for himself as a freelance musician in the city of Detroit and is maintaining a busy playing and recording schedule with pop rock artist Sinjon Smith, and newly formed band Nite Mission. Lonnell is also breaking into the local jazz scene as one of the up and coming musicians in the area, and can be found playing clubs throughout the Detroit metropolitan area.
"Every man is born into the world to do something unique and something distinctive, and if he or she does not do it, it will never be done."
--Dr. Benjamin E. Mays
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