Artist & Friends
Jack White, Pete Rock, DMD the Vibes, th1rt3en
Daru Jones
Daru Jones is a renowned drummer and producer, known for his versatility across genres. A Brooklyn native, he’s worked with top artists like Jack White, Pete Rock, Slum Village, and Talib Kweli. His performance on Jack White’s "Lazaretto" earned a Grammy, and he’s performed at iconic events like Coachella and the Montreux Jazz Festival. As the founder of Rusic Records, Daru blends live drum loops with jazz and gospel influences in his own “soul-hop” projects. A sought-after collaborator, he continues to push musical boundaries with every beat.
Dorothea Taylor
Known as “The Godmother of Drumming,” Dorothea Taylor has been a performer, educator, and advocate for over 50 years. She began in the Blue Notes Drum & Bugle Corps at 13 and went on to play everything from polka to rock & roll, musical theater, and even share the stage with Ray Charles. A trusted drum tech and teacher, she’s helped countless musicians through her work in schools, music stores, and on her popular YouTube channel DTDrummerLady, where her viral videos continue to inspire drummers of all ages.
David Chiverton
David Chiverton is a powerhouse drummer from Miami, Florida, known for his deep groove, versatility, and electrifying stage presence. Rooted in gospel and shaped by jazz, hip-hop, and R&B, he has toured and recorded with artists like Lauryn Hill, Jon Secada, Arturo Sandoval, and Donnie McClurkin. A Florida International University graduate, Chiverton’s dynamic style has made him a sought-after performer across genres—from club stages to international festivals. Praised for his creativity and heart, David continues to inspire with every beat.
Giulliana Merello
Giulliana Merello is a Brooklyn-based drummer and songwriter originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina. She leads Top Queens, an all-women funk/soul band, and has performed globally with acclaimed artists like Concha Buika and Karol G. Giuliana has graced major stages, been featured on the cover of Modern Drummer, and appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers. In 2023, she won Drumeo’s “R&B/Soul/Hip Hop Drummer of the Year.” She is endorsed by top brands and actively shares her craft through masterclasses and industry collaborations.
Orestes Gomez
Orestes Gómez is a Venezuelan percussionist known for fusing Afro-Cuban, jazz, folkloric, and classical traditions. A standout talent from Venezuela’s El Sistema, he has performed under renowned conductors like Gustavo Dudamel and toured internationally with leading orchestras and ensembles. Orestes has appeared at major music festivals and venues across Latin America and Europe, and is endorsed by several major percussion and music brands. As both a performer and producer, he continues to innovate across genres, blending technical mastery with cultural depth.
Hosss Benítez
Hosss Benítez is a Spanish drummer, composer, and producer from Algeciras, now based in Barcelona. With a background in jazz and modern music from Liceu Conservatory, he has developed a unique style blending jazz, hip-hop, R&B, soul, flamenco, and more. He has toured and recorded with top international artists including Nathy Peluso, Rels B, and Silvia Pérez Cruz. As a core member of the acclaimed band BIG MENU, Hosss brings genre-bending energy to the stage and is endorsed by several leading music brands.
Luisito Quintero
Master percussionist Luisito Quintero has performed and recorded with music legends including Chick Corea, The Rolling Stones, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Marc Anthony, and Dee Dee Bridgewater. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, into a family of celebrated musicians, he began performing professionally by age eight and later joined Oscar D’León’s band as a teen. Since moving to New York, Luisito has become a key figure in both the Latin and jazz scenes, earning over 60 Grammy and Latin Grammy credits. A versatile and innovative musician, he continues to tour globally and record with top artists while leading projects like Quintero’s Salsa Project and serving as musical director for Louie Vega’s Elements of Life.
Julio Figueroa
Julio Figueroa is a Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning percussionist from São Paulo, Brazil, now based in Los Angeles. A Berklee College of Music graduate, he has performed with global icons like Gustavo Dudamel, Jennifer Lopez, Andrea Bocelli, and Cirque du Soleil, and recorded with legends including Michael Jackson and BB King. With over 25 years of experience in performance, education, and studio work, Julio is widely recognized for his versatility and is proudly endorsed by leading music brands.
Fonk (Paulinho Fonseca)
Paulinho Fonseca is a Brazilian drummer, composer, and founding member of Jota Quest, one of Brazil’s most iconic pop rock bands. Known for his signature blend of funk, soul, disco, and R&B, he helped lead the band to multi-platinum success and multiple Latin Grammy wins. With a career spanning over three decades and collaborations with legends like Nile Rodgers and Cory Henry, Paulinho continues to innovate on stage and in the studio. He is proudly endorsed by top music brands and remains a driving force in Brazilian music.
Miguel Hernandez
Miguel Hernandez is a dynamic drummer from San Cristóbal, Venezuela, known for his deep roots in jazz, Latin rock, and Afro-Venezuelan rhythms. He has performed with top artists like Víctor Cuica, Aldemaro Romero, Otmaro Ruiz, and Yordano, and leads his own group, the Miguel Hernandez Project. Miguel made history as the first Venezuelan drummer to publish an instructional book on Afro-Venezuelan drumming and has taught masterclasses worldwide. He is an artist for Yamaha, Sabian, Vic Firth, and more.
Vlade Guigni
Vlade Guigni is a Dominican-born drummer, composer, and educator whose dynamic style blends jazz, fusion, gospel, and Latin roots. A Berklee College of Music graduate and Global Jazz Institute fellow, he has performed and recorded with Grammy®-winning and nominated artists including Danilo Montero, Dave Liebman, Anat Cohen, and Gerald Clayton. His work spans from international jazz festivals to groundbreaking educational projects, and his solo album Elevation showcases his bold, expressive voice behind the kit. Vlade is currently on faculty at Berklee and continues to tour, record, and inspire globally.