Nikki Guerra
Cuban-American vocalist and songwriter Nikki Guerra straddles multiple musical cultures, passionately embracing her Cuban roots while immersing herself in classic rock and Caribbean funk, engaging multicultural audiences through dynamic performances. A native of Miami, FL, Nikki was trained in opera and musical theater performance from an early age before finding a second calling in creative arts therapies, helping others channel the healing powers of music and art by mentoring, teaching, and performing in many arts-based programs from New York, New Orleans, Virginia and Tennessee down to Miami. She also works as a Teaching Artist with female survivors of human trafficking. After a decade in NYC, Nikki and her husband – bassist and songwriter Ariel de la Portilla – returned to their roots, resettling in Miami and creating their collaborative groovechild Guerra Grooves, now known as Mama Fuma, releasing their self-produced EP in 2022. You can find them playing at venues throughout South Florida and beyond, including festivals, private events & corporate parties.
Website: MamaFuma
Mama Fuma on Instagram
Mama Fuma on Facebook
Chuck Treece
Chuck Treece is a session musician and professional skateboarder from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Chuck has played with numerous artists and bands and can be found gigging, recording, and skating all over the country. Chuck's early skating and music found him gravitating toward punk rock. His influences are numerous and his impact is even greater.
His musical credits include starting the 1980s skate punk band McRad, remixing songs for Amy Grant and Sting, playing the bass line on "The River of Dreams" by Billy Joel, filling in on drums at a Pearl Jam concert, and touring with Urge Overkill, Underdog and Bad Brains. In 2010, he was awarded a Pew Fellowships in the Arts. Treece was also a founding member of Philadelphia punk band Stiffed. The band helped launch the chart-topping solo career of Stiffed's vocalist Santi White under the stage name of Santigold, who credits Treece as "the person that got me to sing."
Chuck has recently been writing, producing and playing with Frontside Five and G. Love and Special Sauce. Check out the latest online for tours and gigs.
Below are just a few links to catch up with Chuck. Beware he is always on the move...
Chuck on Instagram
G. Love / G. Love and Special Sauce album Philadelphia Mississippi
Frontside Five on Instagram
Chuck Treece artwork by Mark Ferris
Asia Lupo
Asia Lupo is a touring performer and folk musician originally from New York. Rhythm was always an essential element in her life, growing up as the daughter of a dancer/musician and niece of legendary drummer Dom Famularo. Asia trained for years as a rhythm tap dancer, and eventually moved the groove from her feet to her hands upon falling in love with the cajon. She has spent the last decade traveling around the country singing and drumming in theatrical music shows on the Renaissance Festival circuit. She primarily performs in three different original shows: “Music the Gathering”, “Sirena”, and “Valkyrik”, all of which feature vocals, multi-instrumental skill, and other theatrical elements including dance, improv, and audience interaction. Catch Asia drumming at a Ren Fest near you!
Follow Asia on Instagram
Music The Gathering on Facebook
Sirena on Facebook
Tom DiGangi
Tom DiGangi, Jr. is a New Jersey based musician, recording engineer and producer, whose primary instrument is drum set. Tom plays Croaker Percussion’s Gig Shaker, Hex Rods, and Wojik Brush Box, often mixing these instruments within his drum kit, for both studio and live performances.
Tom has been performing and recording since the age of 10, playing in dance-oriented cover bands and event bands, as well as jazz and latin groups. He has helped create several albums, from recording and mixing Philadelphia-area popular and string bands, to developing and promoting young R&B artists, to producing jazz fusion records featuring international greats.
Even though Tom is a forever student, he educates others through clinics and lessons, employing a positive approach that affirms the joy of lifelong learning and the value of incremental improvement.
Here is where you can find Tom online:
Follow Tom on YouTube
Follow Tom on Instagram
Kevin Soffera
Kevin is an accomplished touring drummer, studio drummer, producer, and drum instructor. Kevin started playing the drums at age 11 and has never looked back. Kevin is owner/operator/producer at Hybrid Studies, conveniently located at his home in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. Outside of the Studio Kevin is active with several bands. Kevins accomplishments and achievements are too numerous to mention. Here are som links to learn more.
Follow Kevin on Facebook
Follow Kevin on Instagram
Kevins website
Check out Hybrid Studios on Facebook
Orlando Cotto
Raised in the traditions of Afro-Cuban and Puerto Rican music, Orlando Cotto learned to play the conga drums when he was just five years old. He has since developed a successful career as a marimbist and percussionist. A sought-after performing and recording artist, Orlando has collaborated with music legends of this generation, including Darin Atwater, Andy Gonzalez, Giovanni Hidalgo, and Edwin Colón Zayas. On the congas, Latin Beat magazine calls Orlando’s “solid conga drumming . . . a percussive pillar.”
Croaker Cajons is honored to have collaborated with Orlando on the design and development of the Studio line of cajons and the wonderful sound achieved is primarily due to his feedback.
Terry Baker
Terry Baker
Terry Baker has a long history in the Gospel Music Industry. He is an accomplished drummer having worked with many of the greats. He is a Minister of Music and Director of Worship and handles all aspects of of the music development and production. Terry has an extensive discography having worked most recently with Tori Kelly on her album Hiding Place which featured Terry playing his Croaker Studio Cajon on the song titled "Just As Sure". He can often be found performing live with Kirk Franklin.
Follow Terry on Instagram @bakertr1
Desmond Davis
Desmond Davis, otherwise known as the Black Drum Hippie, is a Grammy nominated musician hailing from the west side of Chicago who has developed a talent and passion for playing drums for over twenty years. Desmond honed his skills in the Baptist church playing gospel music however; he is well-rounded with the ability to play various genres including but not limited to; rock, pop, country, hip-hop, jazz, R&B, reggae, funk, and blues.
With growing notoriety, Desmond has played for countless artists including Stellar and Grammy Award nominated gospel artist Johnathan McReynolds, Stellar Award nominated gospel artist Todd Dulaney, Grammy nominated artist and TV One’s R&B Divas star Syleena Johnson, and Grammy Award winning Hip-hop artist Rhymefest.
Desmond is currently touring with Atlantic Records Nashville country/pop artist Hunter Hayes.
Website BlackDrumHippie.com
Facebook Desmond Davis
Instagram @BlackDrumHippie
Jason Harnell
Jason Harnell is a Los Angeles based jazz drummer, educator, composer and bandleader whose unmistakable sound and style have made him a major contributor to the Southern California jazz scene for over thirty years. Coming from a musical family, Jason was practically born with drum sticks in his hands and started playing at age six when close family friend and legendary drummer, Louie Bellson gave Jason his first drum set. Mr. Bellson was Jason’s first (of many) renowned teachers.
Jason has performed, recorded and toured with many of the world's top jazz musicians including Larry Goldings, Ben Monder, Mark Turner, Dave Douglas, Adam Benjamin, Theo Bleckmen, Steve Cardenas, Alan Ferber, Rick Margitza, Kate McGarry, Matt Otto, Alan Pasqua, Bob Sheppard, Walter Smith III, Ben Wendel and Maynard Ferguson. Jason is also a member of the long established Los Angeles Jazz Quartet featuring Larry Koonse, Chuck Manning and Darek Oles.
In 2017, Jason launched his most ambitious and creative endeavor to date, the Jason Harnell Solo Drum Experience. Jason's solo drum concerts are consistently sold out, multi media events that tantalize the senses and explore rhythm, sight and sound in a completely unique and personal way. Jason's first solo album, "TOTAL HARNAGE" was released in 2019 on Fboo Records and has been called by critics, “other worldly,” “ground breaking” and “awe-inspiring.”
Jason’s creativity, enthusiasm and love for music is omnipresent and infectious, which is why he’s one of the most in demand jazz drum educator’s on the scene today. Jason is currently on the faculty at University California Irvine (2004-present) and Cal State University Northridge (2019-present). He was also on the faculty at Musicians Institute in Hollywood for fifteen years (2005-2020) and has performed clinics, workshops and master classes all over the world. Recently, Jason has appeared as a guest lecturer/clinician at such fine institutions as Cornell University, California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), University Nevada/Reno, University of Kansas, Morehead University/Kentucky, University California Los Angeles (UCLA), Cuesta College (Paso Robles, CA), Saddleback College (Mission Viejo, CA) and University Southern California (USC).
Jason proudly plays and endorses Yamaha Drums, Aquarian Drumheads, Vic Firth Drumsticks and Croaker Percussion.
Jason's website
Jason on Facebook
Jason on Instagram
Jason on YouTube
And Spotify
George Rebelo
George is one of the founding members of the seminal punk band Hot Water Music. Since 1994, Hot Water Music has captivated audiences with their unique take on the genre. George’s drumming has always set the perfect foundation for the bands melodic yet aggressive sound. His drumming redefines the definition of Punk drumming. With elements derived from progressive jazz and metal, George’s drumming has unique fluidity that not only keeps compositions in a tight place but it also commands your attention. He has also gone on to be a member of one of punk’s most revered bands, The Bouncing Souls. George is pictured here with his Brush Box in Birdseye Maple.
Follow George on Instagram
David Uosikkinen
David Uosikkinen is one of the founding members of Philadelphia’s own, The Hooters, along with Eric Bazilian and Rob Hyman in 1980 and they are still performing to this day. In 2010 David formed an All-Star group called In the Pocket to bring awareness to music education. In The Pocket brings together a rotating lineup of David’s musician friends to recreate classic Philadelphia tunes. They get together in the studio, record the track, and make a documentary style video of the whole thing. Check out all of the great sessions at songsinthepocket.org.
David is also a full time member of the band Smash Palace, a band with great players and songs. Fran Smith from the Hooters along with Steve Butler, Cliff Hillis, and Wally Smith. Additionally, David is the drummer in producer Joe Nicolo’s stable of musicians that he uses on Blackbird Productions.
In 2018 David started his Podcast David Uosikkinen’s In The Pocket with Philadelphia-area entertainment writer Andy Vineberg for in-depth conversations with some of Philly's finest musicians, as well as some nationally known acts. Tune in with your favorite podcast app for excellent behind the scenes interviews and occasionally live music featuring David playing his Croaker Studio Cajon and Brush Box.
Facebook David Uosikkinen
Instagram @DavidUosikkinen
Mike Wojik
Mike Wojik is the inspiration for the design of the Wojik Brush Box. Mike's unique performance style identified the need for an acoustic wooden brush box (to replace his cardboard pizza box). Croaker's collaboration with Mike through the design and development process, along with Mike's affinity for hexagons, has lead to a unique product that satisfies many playing styles.
Dave Woodard
Dave Woodard
Philadelphia born and raised musician. Honed his talents, gifts and abilities from the church world and thank God every day for the ability to play with all genres of music...
Owner of artist Development company Jezwood Entertainment.
David A. Woodard
Jezwood Entertainment
215-380-3861
Dustin Napoli
Dustin has been performing and touring for years and has found his way in and around the Nashville music scene. Dustin has been a longstanding member of Wineskin, a local PA band that rocks the area. Lately, Dustin has teamed up with another local artist, Matt Freedman, to bring Matt's original and cover country themed music to the region.
Follow Dustin on Instagram
Follow Dustin on Facebook
Dina Hall
Alvarez Guitars Breakthrough Artist, Dina Hall is an award-winning singer, songwriter and recording artist from Bethlehem, PA, USA. Her songs deal with the conflict between the head and the heart, often striking up conversations between them both. Whether solo or with a full band, Dina’s performances are always dynamic, with powerful vocals and driving acoustic rhythm on each song.
Follow Dina on Instagram @Dina_Hall
On Facebook Dina Hall Music
From Blue, To Greene
From Blue, To Greene is a band originating from New Jersey comprised of couple Kaela Fanelli & Austin Vuolo. Kaela and Austin both perform using multiple instruments interchangibly, including: vocals, guitar, percussion, beatboxing, & violin. Together they perform over 150 shows per year including Concerts, Weddings, Private Parties, and Special Events. While continuously adding cover songs to their repertoire, they have been busy composing original scores culminating in their first album release Russo in February 2018. At the same time they were invited to open a sold out concert for Marc Seal, host of The Ultimate Guitar Show, at The Coach House Concert Hall (Orange County California’s legendary concert venue performed at by Tom Petty, Ray Charles, Bonnie Raitt, and the Black Crowes, to name a few). From Blue, To Greene handles everything from Photoshoots, to Music Videos, to entire Full Length Album production, they have hit the pavement engraving their brand in the music business.
Combined, Kaela and Austin have extensive training and experience in all aspects of the music industry including, but not limited to, Performing, Teaching, Audio Mixing & Mastering/Audio Engineering, Photography/Videography, Songwriting, Film Scoring, and Video Game Composition. With a combined total of over 700 shows, 20+ years of experience, and 6 years of education makes Kaela & Austin seasoned professionals in all aspects of the industry allowing them to remain at the highest level of performance possible.
Follow From Blue, To Greene on Instagram @FromBlueToGreen
On Facebook From Blue To Greene
At YouTube From Blue To Greene
Jordan "JJ" Ross
Jordan “JJ” Ross is a native Los Angelino who started drumming and taking lessons at the age of 5. Jordan’s early fascination with drumming quickly spread to ethnic percussion and world music. By age 10, Jordan was performing weekly at The World Stage in Leimert Park, and by 11, Jordan was the youngest active member of the Patio Players World Percussion Ensemble of Motherland Music in Inglewood, California. While attending Milken Community High School, in Los Angeles, Jordan regularly performed on “Blue Mondays,” with Joe Kincaid & The Soul Brothers Band, which was voted “R&B Band of the Year in 2011,” by The Black Music Association Academy of America, Los Angeles Chapter.
In June of 2017, Jordan graduated from the Herb Alpert School of Music at UCLA and received a Bachelors of Arts degree in Ethnomusicology with a concentration in World Music. Jordan is a studio musician, a touring drummer, a music educator, and a Youtube performer with over 30 million views online.
Follow JJ Ross on Instagram
Check out his YouTube page
Ryan Chud
Ryan Chud is a member of Go Ham Band and provides percussion, trumpet and vocals to the group performances. Go Ham was formed in the Montgomery County area of Pennsylvania. These longtime friends have become one of the Tri-State area’s most sought after party and dance bands. Fresh off a stint supporting national touring act The Dan Band, Go HAM can currently be found in the rotation of some of the area’s most popular bars and clubs.
