Discussions in Percussion

Damon and Marcos interview Jeff Queen and talk to him about his international upbringing, the many drum corps he performed in as well as the hall of fame instructors he's learned from. They talk about how he helped create the Emmy and Tony winning show Blast! and what it was like performing on Broadway during 9/11. Jeff talks about his work/life balance and more! There's also an educational spotlight and music news.

Damon and Marcos interview percussionist Anthony Almonte. They talk about his upbringing in the Bronx, how Dave Valentin encouraged him to sing as well as play percussion as well as his possible baseball career among other adventures, like touring with Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul. There's also gig alerts, an educational spotlight, a social soundbyte, music news and a product review.

Damon and Marcos interview Dr. Andy Bliss who is not only a percussionist and conductor, but also head of percussion faculty at the University of Tennessee. He talks about what Neif Norf is as well as some of the ways he educates his students. They talk about the balance between a career as a percussionist and having a family. They get into some tech talk about apps and tools to help your career and the additional segments are an iconic recording, product review and music news.

Damon and Marcos interview Nate Morton and talk about how he got the gig as the house drummer for "The Voice", what is required for that gig and other adventures he has had. He also talks about balancing his family life with a busy career. There's also an iconic recording, product review and music news.

Damon and Marcos interview Mel Brown and talk about his book, "From Zero to Sideman (in Five Steps)" and how you can effectively get the gig and keep the gig. He explores the business side of music as well as how he navigated his career. There's also an iconic recording and music news.

Damon interviews Chris Lamb, the principal percussionist for the NY Philharmonic as well as the head of the percussion department of the Manhattan School of Music. They talk about his many adventures in his upbringing and career thus far. Damon and Marcos also talk about gig alerts, an educational spotlight, new product review, music news and a birthday shoutout to Roy Haynes!

Damon and Marcos interview Eric Velez and talk about his many adventures he has had as well as his upbringing and where he is today touring with Marc Anthony. There is also talk about the Oscars, an Iconic recording, music news and more!

Damon interviews Justin Thomas in Los Angeles and they talk about his upbringing in the Baltimore area, transition to Chicago before moving to L.A. There's also the conversation about breaking genre barriers and so much more. Damon and Marcos also talk about iconic recordings, an educational spotlight, gig alerts and music news.

Damon interviews Mona in Los Angeles and talks to her about playing with Raining Jane, as well as Jason Mraz. They talk about her new signature cajon with LP, the educational programs she leads as well as musical adventures in her upbringing and tutelage (as well as teamwork). Damon and Marcos also talk about upcoming festivals and educational programs, job openings, the Black Panther soundtrack, Fergie's version of the National Anthem, an iconic recording and music news. 

This episode features Leonard "Doc" Gibbs and talks about his upbringing in Philly, move to L.A., battle beating cancer, his healing foundation and many adventures through his long career. This episode also features an Africa recap with Weedie Braimah after returning from his retreat, music news, upcoming festivals, and some tips on taxes, musical insurance, a way to continue to help the island of Puerto Rico and more!