San Diego Drum Lessons
Hello to all friends and students of San Diego Drum Lessons! It's been a while since I checked in - and I apologise for that! I have been extremely busy with drum lessons, and musical projects that I am very excited about.
So - just to update you on what's happening. The middle of 2010 has really rung in the changes. I am no longer working with Veronica May. Regrettably, that particular project seems to have run it's course. Veronica is now to be found playing solo in and around San Diego, and with her new "Old Time" band "The Forget-Me-Nots". I haven't seen them personally, but I have heard that they are fantastic so you should definitely check them out. And... it goes without saying that I wish Veronica the very best for the future, and thanks for the opportunity - it was fun! Unfortunately, it looks like the album we were working on for the last year will now never see the light of day which is a real shame; but serves as a reminder of how things can change overnight in the music business.
I am delighted, however, to be working with two extremely talented writers and musicians - Marie Haddad, and Jordan Reimer. You can check out their respective websites by clicking the links. I did my first show with Marie at the recent San Diego County Fair in front of several hundred people - and we are soon (along with fantastic bass player Jason Hee) to be collaborating on Marie's follow up album to "A Beautiful Road", which you can check out on her website. Jordan Reimer is an up and coming (and very talented) writer and performer, and at just 17 years old, is nominated for the Best Acoustic Category in the upcoming San Diego Music Awards. Please check out this link, and vote for Jordan! I am super-excited to let you know that Jeff Johnson (of Veronica May and the To Do List) is on bass guitar for this project, and we are currently working with Jordan to get ready for some live shows - probably commencing in October. I will definitely keep you posted.
There is no-one in San Diego that has not been touched by the unfortunate fates of Amber Dubois and Chelsea King. I was recently asked to play on a version of Tim McGraw's song "My Little Girl" which was actually played during the sentencing of John Gardner. I don't really want to say too much about this because it was an extremely sad project to work on, but if you are interested, you can see the video that was played at his sentencing - along with soundtrack that I played on here. My thoughts and prayers go out to both families. The video you see was commissioned by Amber's family, which is why Chelsea is not featured.
Last, but by no means least - I have had the absolute privilege of working with the San Diego Junior Theatre Company on their recent production of the hit musical FAME. I just finished the shows after a production run of four weeks, and had a fantastic experience. So much so that I am going to write a separate blog very soon on this topic alone. I am also very proud to announce that I have been re-hired for the autumn production of Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka The Musical. The San Diego Junior Theatre is located at the Casa Del Prado Theatre in Balboa Park - a 700 seat facility that is practically sold out every time there is a show - high praise indeed for a theatre company about to enter it's 63rd season! (The longest running Junior Theatre Company in the USA, by the way). Thank you to my student Angie Sampson for getting me in on this via Reed Supremo Amy Kalal. And a BIG thank you to Musical Director Richard Morrison for the opportunity.
As far as drum lessons go - I am happy to say that my active student roster is over 50 right now - but I still have space! So if you, or anyone you know wants to learn to play the drums, contact me today! Thanks for checking in!
