Ever since receiving his first drum set from his uncle at the age of four, music has always been a vital part of John’s life. He inherited his love of music from his father, a retired opera singer. John started performing professionally at the age of sixteen throughout Northeast Ohio while studying with master drummer, Mark Gonder. John attended The Ohio State University where he graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies under the guidance of drummer, Jim Rupp. Since his arrival in Columbus, John has performed regularly with many of the cities top musicians. John has also had the opportunity to perform internationally throughout China and Canada as well as many cities across the U.S.
Though heavily rooted in jazz, John enjoys playing many different styles of music. Outside of his formal education he has been fortunate to study with many great drummers including Jim Rupp, Gregory Hutchinson, Kendrick Scott, E.J. Strickland and Jordan Perlson. John has shared the stage with Dan Wilson, Theron Brown, Stephen Fowler, Kip Reed, Kenyatta Beasley, Pete McCann, John Fedchock, Bobby Selvaggio, Jon Lampley, Dan White, The Hoodoo Soul Band, The Dan White Sextet (now the Huntertones), Jared Mahone, Tony Monaco, Greg Abate, Pete Mills and Vaughn Weister’s Famous Jazz Orchestra.
Don’t miss John’s visit home to the Akron area as his trio takes the stage after his alma mater, Hudson High School, performs with their student big bands!
$10
BLU Jazz+
47 E. Market Street
Akron, OH 44308
(330) 302-8127
Open Tuesday & Thursday-Saturday, 7pm - 11:30pm
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BLU Jazz+ named one of the "Best International Jazz Venues" by DownBeat Magazine |
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Committed to the preservation of America's treasured art form of jazz, BLU Jazz+ Masterclass Foundation (BJMF) is a new program developed by the founders of BLU Jazz+ Akron that brings “front-row” jazz education performance & mentorship opportunities to student musicians and art lovers alike through an ongoing series of special events throughout the year. |
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