Friday, April 15 @ 7:30PM | Saturday, April 16 @ 3:00PM & 7:30PM
Called "a fine percussionist" in The New York Times, soloist Greg Beyer specializes in repertoire that places non-western instruments into the context of contemporary musical thought.
Second-prize winner of the 2002 Geneva International Music Competition, Beyer has given performances and masterclasses throughout the United States, Europe, China and South America. Dr. Beyer is Professor of Percussion at Northern Illinois University and President of the Illinois Percussive Arts Society.
In addition to owning, managing, and drumming with/for Stitely Entertainment, Jeff Stitely's diverse musical background also includes recording with Andrew Bird, teaching drums to a young Alison Krauss, and performing with legendary jazz greats: Chick Corea, Wynton Marsalis, Randy Brecker, Zoot Sims and “Groove” Holmes.
Professor of music, director of the percussion program at the University of Iowa, musician, composer, and educator — embraces many musical styles, performing with old and new friends from around the globe.
Chicago based Latin percussionist, drum set artist, composer and producer. He is on the faculty of Northwestern and Roosevelt Universities. Ruben is also a clinician and is on the educational advisory board for Latin Percussion, and is a member of the International Association of Jazz Educators educational resource team
Hailed as the "Paganini of the Steelpan," Liam Teague currently serves as Assistant Professor of Steelpan and Co-director of the Steelband at Northern Illinois University , the same institution where he earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music.
Robert Chappell's background in orchestral, jazz, and world percussion has helped give the NIU Percussion area the broad scope needed to prepare students for the ever-changing musical demands and entrepreneurial skills needed for success in the twenty-first century.
Director of Music at Peace Lutheran Church, vibraphonist Brad Stirtz has Master's Degrees from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and from Concordia University of Chicago.
Called "One of the most versatile and musical drummers in music today", Paul Wertico became a member of the Pat Metheny Group in 1983. During that time, he appeared on ten CDs and three videos with Pat and toured the world many times. Also during that time, he won seven Grammy Awards, numerous magazine polls, and received several gold records. Paul left the PMG in 2001.
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.
Dane Richeson is recognized as one of the most versatile virtuosi in percussion. Throughout the world he has been featured in such diverse roles as solo marimbist, percussionist for contemporary chamber music, world percussion specialist and jazz drummer.