Welcome to my Website.  I am a drummer in Encinitas, CA specializing in world percussion, drumming instruction, drum circle facilitation, and performance in a variety of styles and groups.

 

ABOUT ME :

I was raised in Long Island, NY and began playing rock drumset during high school, but my first truly successful band experience was at the University of Florida with "The Other Ones", a Grateful Dead tribute band. Upon moving to San Diego in 1986, I was able to find other kindred spirits, and the "Travel Agents" were formed. Although the jam rock band has gone through a few changes in members, it has endured to this day, and still rocks regularly.

My passion with world percussion began with West African djembe workshops with Paulo Mattioli, and then such masters as  Baba Olatunji, Lamine "Dibo" Camara, and Mamady Keita. I have since been a member of several drum and dance ensembles, most notably company "Fore'-Fote'".

My next love was Middle-Eastern drumming, and the music of belly dance. Inspired by the beautiful dancers of the region, I became compelled to enhance my skills on the doumbek, and now enjoy the opportunity to play for dancers at many festive occasions. My interest in world fusion music led me to form "Damaru". Meaning "sacred drum", Damaru is an African-inspired world beat ensemble that has captured the souls (and soles) of many. Damaru has a self-titled CD, which is available for order. I also have released an Instructional CD for Dumbek, featuring Middle Eastern dance rhythms.

My most recent musical endeavor has been as lead drummer for the group "Middle-Earth", whose gypsy fused mediterranean sound has fueled the hips of many a belly dancer. Middle-Earth also has 3 CDs, including middle-eastern dance classics and original compositions, and performs monthly. I have been very fortunate to have accompanied "America's Oud Virtuoso",  John Bilezikjian for many years up to the end of his life. I am also performing regularly with my doumbek student group, "Cairo Beats"

My latest band projects include Easy Wind, performing classic Grateful Dead,  Eldorado Slim, a Little Feat  and Allman Brothers tribute, and Zamman, psychedelic Egyptian surf rock.

For more information, click on the links . In the meantime I am available for shows, classes, workshops, private lessons, or just to talk and hopefully jam.

 

And, if you are interested to travelling to Tahiti or the South Pacific, please visit my travel site South Pacific Vacations

 

CLASSES:

Mondays, Doumbek 6-7pm at World Beat Center, Balboa Park  ( also streaming on Facebook Live ) 
7-8pm Bellydance with Gloria Lanuza, with Live drumming!

Private lessons available by appt. in African/Mid-Eastern/Latin drumming

 

GIGS:

See Shows page for updates

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