Boston-raised, Chicago-braised drummer/singer/songwriter Gerald Dowd has been described as “the hardest working drummer in Chicago” (Richard Milne, WXRT), playing on over 100 albums, while averaging 150 live dates a year around the world. He has spent the last 30+ years playing drums for Grammy™-nominated artists Robbie Fulks and Justin Roberts, Nora O'Connor, Chris Mills, and has helmed the drum chair in the First Time Three™ since its inception. He's also played and/or recorded with Eddie Vedder, Mavis Staples, Rich Little, Norah Jones, David Hidalgo and Cesar Rosas (of Los Lobos), and A Prairie Home Companion, among many others. Over the last decade or so, he's released several albums of his original material to muted acclaim. 

www.geralddowd.com

The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs’ in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by a cover of the storyteller’s choosing, performed by our house band: The First Time Three.

The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Executive producer is Bobby Evers. Assistant producer is Celina Dietzel. Podcast produced by Jim Mulvaney.