So far our group has worked out well! We have 5 regular members and we have done several gigs already! We are also working on a CD that should be ready soon! I really wish we had it ready before our last gig, but we will for the next one!
Here is a pic of us just outside Viejas Casin in San Diego after the gig. Notice the little sign towards the middle lower part of the pic? LOL
Well, we have finally done it! Originally I was in the process of creating a drum ensemble called Fire on High, but that didn’t happen due to other commitments, time, and other obstacles. But now with the help of members of GoroGoro, we formed a separate drum ensemble called DrumDogs!
DrumDogs are an ensemble of world percussionists based in San Diego, California. Our experiences range from Taiko, Middle-
Eastern, African, Irish, to Brazillian and more. The
music has roots in many cultures and we use a variety of drums and percussion instruments that span the globe. Our instruments range from djembes to doumbeks, from ikigalas to didgeridoos.
We are in the works for gigs, a CD and other appearances. I will be posting more information on the official DrumDogs website as events occur.
In the picture are our current regular members, Brian, Ryan, and me (CJ).
Last Saturday, after weeks of busting a beat and practices, we performed to a crowd of almost 100 people at a well known dance studio in San Diego. We rocked! Yes, I am tooting our own horn!
We played 5 songs and had such a wonderful response from the crowd, we played an encore. Now these are beats we have been practicing for about two months. We were a bit concerned because we didn’t have everything down pat, but when it came down to the show itself, it went off without a hitch!
The end result being, we had several people approach us for future gigs, and others who were interested in joining the group. To me, this night was a turning point in getting regular gigs and increasing more exposure and contacts.
I don’t know if there are other musicians out there, but if you are, and you have performed in front of an audience…you know…it’s addicting! The energy from the audience fuels you and all you want to do is play more!
How about it? Other musicians, speak up!
When I go to drum circles, I have gone either by myself or with friends and I have noticed a trend to those who participate in drum circles. You have a wide variety of drummers and non-drummers attending, some of whom can be quite disruptive and annoying! So I have listed below some examples of things to do and not do at a drum circle, and examples of those who can be disruptive, annoying or just don’t have any business being there! (more…)
First posted on Rhythmic Artists Magazine - San Diego, CA (October 1, 2006)
Frank Lazzaro is a well known San Diego percussionist, who’s styles are as varied as the drums he plays. We had a little chat with Frank, and shared his life and love of hand drums and world music with us. (more…)
Stress is basically a disconnection from the earth, a forgetting of the breath…It believes that everything is an emergency. Nothing is that important. -Natalie Goldberg
Drums are some of the oldest instruments known to humans. Drums and depiction of drums have been found as far back as 10,000 years. Drums have been used for entertainment, war, healing, and ritual. Today, we have tapped into that healing benefits of drumming through modern, scientific methods. While the foundations of wellness are unique to each of us, when it comes to our basic needs, we share much in common - physical, emotional and spiritual components of well-being are sacred and inseparable to each of us. (more…)
Welcome! This site has been re-designed, and my current project, “Fire on High” is on hold. For now, it will be a site to reflect my experiences and services as a drum and dance enthusiast. Thanks for stoppin’ by!!