Back on the Interstate!

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Melissa Li & Kit Yan’s Interstate was one of the eight featured presentations at this year’s NAMT Festival of New Works, held at New World Stages. I was delighted to hold down the drum chair again. I developed the drum book for this show, which is near and dear to my heart for a multitude of reasons. This was my first time playing a showcase at NAMT. They provided a nice drum set (with cymbals!) and everyone in the band had their own Aviom unit, which was a nice touch. Interstate is getting a full production in Minnesota next year. Hopefully one in NYC will follow!

That's a Wrap: The Lightning Thief

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I am so thankfully that I got to fill on twice for The Lightning Thief’s first national tour, first in Dallas and then in Boston this past weekend. Here are a few of my favorite drum moments. Enjoy!

Hathaways @ Pine Box Rock Shop

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Last week I played at Pine Box Rock Shop with Hathaways in celebration of the release of their new EP, Hologram. Give it a listen! Here’s a little clip from the gig. This song is about the spectral classification of stars. They also have one about Clara Schumann. That’s the kind of nerdiness I can get behind!

Drum Cam: Highlights from The Grinch

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I just finished my third tour with The Grinch! We played 57 shows this year. I put together a little highlight reel from one of our recent shows in Philadelphia. Enjoy!

Live from Philadelphia, December 2018 0:00 This Time of Year 1:47 I Hate Christmas Eve 2:35 Whatchamawho 3:21 The Thought That Counts 4:10 One Of A Kind 7:26 Down The Mountain 7:56 You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch 8:52 Bows/Exit Music

VÉRITÉ

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Vérité is the truth, ya'll. It was a pleasure to backup Kelsey with an all-female orchestra at National Sawdust last night. She has a rabid fan base and it was heartwarming to watch the audience sing along to every tune. Thanks to The Hum and Kristine Kruta for making this happen! 

That's a Wrap: In The Heights

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I had the pleasure of playing the drum book for In The Heights at Mepham High School on Long Island. My good friend and former PitchBlak band mate, Brian Lotze, is the band director there. He put together a pit consisting of both pros and some extremely talented high school students.

When I was in high school, I played in the pit for every high school musical. I also played professionally in the local summer stock, Cumberland Theatre. While I think I would've been able to stumble through the book for ItH, I really doubt I would've been able to do it justice. It is extremely demanding but very well written (no slashes!). I am thankful for the years I played in the Latin ensemble in college and for all the setup pics in the Musical Theater Facebook group! I really hope to play the show again, sooner than later so these Latin chops don't wear off 🤣