Meet the many talented artists who represent Los Cabos Drumsticks. (Click the artist's image to see his/her website)
Thorsten Harnitz --Freelance/Independent
5A Hickory
Thorsten was born in a small town called Neuenhaus – close to the Netherlands - and started drumming at the age of four with Rudi Telman at his local music school. Later he took additional lessons in classical percussion by Jan Wissink in Enschede (NL). From 1996 - 2002 he studied classical percussion at the university of music & drama Hannover with Prof. Andreas Boettger and Erich Trog.
As a soloist and with percussion group "Lumos" Thorsten was successful by numerous national and international competitions like "Jugend musiziert" (1st prize) and "International percussion competition Luxemboug" (semi-finalist).
He worked with various youth- and professional orchestras like the German Youth Orchestra, state opera Hannover, Radio - Symphonie - Orchestra Frankfurt and Rheinische Philharmonie Koblenz.
He also played musicals in the operas of Kassel, Bremerhaven and Hildesheim.
In 09/2005 he became the "Scene Spot Drummer" of the German drum magazine "Sticks".
Since spring 2008 Thorsten teaches drums and classical percussion at the university of music & drama Hannover.
His own musical projects are much diversified: Counter-World Experience (Jazz-Metal), Crystal Breed (Rock) and Youdid (Pop).
SEIDEL HARRIS III -- Independent/Freelance -- Alvin Darling
Seidel Harris is an up and coming drummer who is well versed for any musical situation. Seidel has been playing the drums since the age of two. Seidel is currently a Music Education Major at William Paterson University. Seidel has played with many artists, and is currently recording and touring with Stellar and Dove Award Nominee Alvin Darling
JAMES HAYDEN -- DOA
James “Floor Tom Jones” Hayden has been playing drums since he was 14. An interest in drums had possessed the hyperactive child since he first spun the Beatles single “Twist & Shout” he found in his parents record collection. So in 1986 he scraped enough paper route money together to buy his first drumset. From then on he’s been seen and heard playing every style ranging from Punk to Rock to Metal and Country.
After starting out playing in high school metal bands and practicing to recordings of Black Sabbath, Black Flag, Led Zeppelin, and DOA (of which James is currently a member) his perseverance and dedication to drums earned him a reputation as a “goto” guy when in need of a solid backbeat.
Most of his playing career can be heard in bands originating from Calgary, Alberta. Throughout the 80’s and 90’s James played drums in countless bands of various genres. Singer/Songwriter Tariq invited James to play on his Steven Drake (Odds, Tragically Hip) produced EMI release “The Basement Tapes.” Western swing laureate Tom Phillips used him extensively for his live performances. Reggae and Ska bands like STEPPER saw James cut his teeth on their Caribbean stylings. From 2000 to 2006 James played drums as a full time member of garage rock pranksters the Von Zippers.
In 2006 James moved to Vancouver, BC. By August 2007 James had landed a gig playing drums in the iconic and revered band DOA. Known as a band that demands nothing short of excellence from it’s drummers, DOA took James “Floor Tom Jones” Hayden into the fold. Since joining DOA, the band has toured Australia, the United States, Canada, China, and Europe.
In February 2008 DOA recorded its 13th full-length album, Northern Avenger, with James playing drums. To culminate the band’s 30th Anniversary DOA hired producer Bob Rock (Metallica, Motley Crüe) and Jamey Koch (Copyright).
2009 will see DOA continue to play live worldwide to support Northern Avenger and the band’s 30th anniversary.
RENE HELLERMANN -- Devil's Door
Rene Hellermann is a twenty one year old drummer from Dinslaken Germany, who has been playing drums for thirteen years.
For such a young drummer, Rene has an enviable list of accomplishments.
His first band, “Advantage" won several competitions before disbanding. Rene then played in several cover bands before becoming the drummer for his current gig, “Devil’s Door.” Rene expects to be in the studio with “Devil’s Door” within the next year to record an album.
Meanwhile Rene is still attending music school and refining his skills.
Jens Weiden Heimer --Freelance/Independent
5A Hickory
Jens hails from Heidelberg, Germany and has been playing drums for 25 years.
Over the last 20 years, Jens has built up his career, working with several artists including US artist Renee Walker and German ska band Ngobo Ngobo. He is currently busy with Dante Thomas and Me and the Heat
CRAIG HENDRY -- Independant/Freelance
3A Hickory
Bio coming soon…
LEONEL HERNANDEZ -- Independant/Freelance
5A Maple
Born in Guatemala, Leonel has recorded and played with Mario Vallar, Magda Anglica, Noris Barrios, Aurum, Shery, and many more. He graduated from "Centro de Estudios Musicales POLIRITMOS". His influences are Vinnie Colaiuta, Carter Beauford, Horacio "El Negro" Hernández, Dennis Chambers, Stewart Copeland, Jeff Porcaro, Lenny Kravitz, Lele Melotti and many others.
Marcel lives in the center of music in Germany, Mannheim. At the age of 11 he started playing the drums and ever since then he just can’t stop anymore. Mark Essien (Herbert Grönemeyer Band), Patrick Metzger and Me and the Heat have all been convinced by his art. Rock/Pop, Jazz/Funk, Blues/Rn’b or musical drumming are no problem for him.
Marcel is one of the recipients of the “Jugendbildungspreis 2009” for the musical drumming “Carpe Diem- Nutze den Tag”. With the Musical he played in Bremen and several other German cities. At present he plays with the new band “Grooveway” and the “Steffen Foshag Trio” as well as “Lichtpunkt”. He has numerous request from bands and is the drum teacher of several students.
CHRIS HOUSE -- Independent/Freelance
3A & Jazz HIckory
Chris hails from Hampton VA, where he graduated from Hampton University Says Chris, "I've been blessed to play with some great people...their names aren't really important, just know that they are legit!"
ALLISON HOVEY -- Independent/Freelance
5A Intense
Allison Hovey has been an in-demand session and touring drummer on the East Coast of Canada for over fifteen years. He has performed on over 60 + recordings ranging from country to pop and all styles in between, many of the recordings being nominated for music awards. He has also appeared on live TV spots and live radio broadcasts for CTV, ATV and CBC in Atlantic Canada and Live TV appearance on European TV as well .
Allison is currently an endorsee for Mapex Drums, Dream Cymbals and LosCabos Drumsticks. Recently, Allison has been playing live with many artists including "Wild T And The Spirit" ( Tony Springer) Canadian Country star Chris Cummings, New country artist Kevin Chase and Cuban Pop singer Dee Hernandez as well as many local artist’s. 2009 also saw Allison's first national drum festival appearance as well with a short set during the “Cape Breton International Drum Festival” in May. Currently, Allison is teaching and performing clinics across Canada. Allison will be hitting the road with Kevin Chase this summer and fall (2010) as well as working on a new album for John Hughes and many more!.....
SANDY HUNTER -- Bluestone
5A HICKORY
Sandy Hunter’s passion for drumming runs as deep as the pocket he holds down. He finds his groove in linking rhythms to every aspect of the music, by creating beats to match bass grooves, vocal lines, and solo licks.
Born, raised and schooled in Ottawa, Sandy spent a great deal of time listening to Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham, trying to cop his solid deep pocket. Also revered were Mitch Mitchell and of course Ringo.
Eventually Sandy studied Classical music at Ottawa University.
Sandy fuels the group energy at every performance.
TIM HUSUNG --Freelance/Independent
Tim Husung, born in 1981, started playing the drums at the age of 12. he has had the opportunity to perform with a wide variety of German acts. At the moment , Tim is working as a drummer for Wölli Rhodes Goldene Zeiten Orchestra (ex-drummer Die Toten Hosen) and several other groups around the area.
MIKE INDOVINA – Lion Ride
Having had a drum kit in the house since the age of three, Mike Indovina developed a love of rhythm and the thunderous sound of drums at a very young age. After taking formal lessons for many years, he has developed a unique playing style and an excellent sense of timing and creativity which has helped propel him into the Canadian music scene. Mike can most recently be seen performing with many of Canada's up-and-coming bands such as Crash Parallel (Sony/BMG), Cheap Suits (Universal Music Canada/Maple Music), and Lion Ride. Throughout his touring experience, he has had the opportunity to travel with and support many large acts including Metric, Collective Soul, Hedley, K-os, Matthew Good, and many more. In addition to rocking stages, Mike can also be found lending his skills to many other musicians in the studio. Often referred to as “the happiest drummer people have ever seen”, Mike claims that there is nothing more satisfying than playing music and he always brings his A-game when performing.
ISAIAH JOHNSON -- Independant/Freelance
3A Hickory and Red Hickory
This 15-year –old musical sensation has been sharpening his skills since the age of six. Isaiah Johnson was born September 16, 1991 in Brooklyn, NY. His first instrument of choice since the age of five has been the drums. His father Elder Kenneth Johnson noted associate minister in Brooklyn, NY is who he praises for his knowledge and inspiration of the drums. At the age of six, Isaiah became the main drummer in his home church. It was evident that he is to be a destined drummer.
He grew up to the sounds of such great inspirational gospel drummers like: Jeff Davis, Gerald Heyward, Calvin Rodgers, Aaron Spears, and Eddie Heyward. These are some of the greatest drummers that have motivated and induced him to becoming a gospel drummer.
In 2005, Isaiah’s musical break occurred for him. At the age of fourteen he was a recorded drummer on the “Katrina Relief” album. In 2006, Isaiah was requested to be a recorded drummer for St. Mary Church of God in Christ youth choir “fulfilled”. Also, months later within the same year, he was asked to be a recorded drummer for the upcoming gospel group Stephanie Simpson & New Worship.
To get a taste of some of his expansive body of work, Isaiah can be viewed on weekends playing for the off Broadway plays “Tell It Sing It Shout It”. Currently, he is on tour with Earl Jones Junior. He is a drummer that specializes in Gospel, Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae, Jazz, Dance, House, Funk, Punk and Disco.
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EDWIN KARBAUMER -- Independent
Edwin started drumming at 13 years of age, playing in different cover and rock bands round Munich. He then went on to study a few years in the drummer school Drummers Focus near his Munich home.
Today he plays with a number of artists including Peter Heger (boogie), Stolen Moments (jazz), and Datusch (blues-rock). He also works as drum teacher in a music school in Erding.
OLIVER KUGEL -- Ras Dashan
Oliver was born as a German/Canadian in Freiburg, Germany. His mother (Canadian) has studied music in Canada and Germany and introduced Oliver to the piano at the age of 4. 7 years later he started playing the drums which turned out to be his passion. His musical experience and talent earned him a spot in his school’s big band which proved to be a great experience. During the next 5 years he played drums in a couple of band and learned different styles including jazz, rock, funk and reggae. In 2004 he had the opportunity to do an internship with Jojo Mayer in New York City where he increased my drumming ability as well as his audio engineering abilities.
Since 2007 Oliver has played drums for the group Ras Dashan ( Reggae, Pop, Rock, funk, latin). In the last 3 years they’ve played more than 200 shows in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Their first album called “Roots Scientist” (2007) was produced by Tommy Gunn who produced well known artists as Lou Bega, Sabrina Setlur and Söhne Mannheim. They have already played Germany`s most popular festivals such as Chiemsee Summer Reggae, Bayern 3 Stars and Newcomer, Rototom Festival Italy, and the Red Bull Festival along side artists like Juli, Gildo Horn, Ronan Keating 4 lyn, The Original Wailers and many more. Their new album comes out in 2010.
JULIAN KULPMANN – Jazz Orchestra of the Federal Republic of Germany
Julian is a young musician currently living in Berlin Germany, and prefers to play jazz, r&b, and rock music. Born in 1989, he started lesson at the age of 6 and shortly after, he went on to study with Dirk Erchinger and Kristof Hinz while playing in several groups.
In addition to his work with numerous German acts including Richie Beirach, DNA Group, and Toke, Julian is also the main drummer with the Jazz Orchestra of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Since 2009, he has been a student at the Jazz Institute of Berlin and is studying with jazz masters like Prof. John Hollenbeck, Jeff Ballard, Joey Baron, and Dan Weiss. He has also had the privilege to get lessons from some of the world’s greatest players including Steve Smith, Russ Miller, Wolfgang Haffner, Bernard Purdie, and many others.
Julian proudly endorses Los Cabos Drumsticks, Yamaha Drums, Meinl Cymbals, and Evans Drumheads.
CHRISTIAN KUPPI -- Gringos Fate, Westfalia-Big-Band
Christian lives in Haldern, Germany and started drumming at age 8. He spent many years studying with Diethard Stein in Düsseldorf before completely embracing his drumming career. Christian’s playing covers several styles from funk to jazz, and doo-wop to rockabilly. His active touring schedule keeps him on the road, travelling throughout Europe with the Scottish rockabilly group Jonny and the Roccos and the Americana band, Gringos Fate.
ANDREW LAMARCHE -- Independent/Freelance
3A & 5B Hickory
"Drumming is about laying down a solid groove for the music that I'm playing," says Andrew Lamarche. "It's always about the music and artist I'm playing with, it's not just about doing flashy fills everywhere."
For Lamarche, attention to the music, consistency and dedication are key. As a freelance drummer, it is this along with his easy-going attitude, ability, and skill, that have continued to earn him recording sessions and a place on North American and world stages with some of Canada's most prominent acts. While perhaps best known for his rock performances, Lamarche frequently branches out into other genres. "I think the key to being busy is being as diverse as possible and learning as much as I can," he explains. "The entire music industry has changed, so it's important to understand how to incorporate it all."
Lamarche has PERFORMED with such artists as Sal Piamonte, the Robert Farrell Band and Cherry Suede, David Gogo and others.
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GEORG LENHARDT --Die Apokalyptischen Reiter
5A Hickory
Georg Lenhardt Georg(or Sir G as he is known) was born in Weimar, Germany, and has been playing drums for nineteen years.
Georg’s early influences. include Mitch Mitchell, Phil Collins, Chester Thompson and Lars Ulrich.
“It is hard to say, [who my current favourite is] but if I have to decide on one I would say Danny Carey, because he is doing some great work with Tool. My favourite metal drummers, who are inspiring me with hand/foot speed and great playing are Tomas Haake (Meshuggah) Inferno (Behemoth), George Kollias (Nile), Gene Hoglan (Dark Angel, Pitch Black Forecast, Fear Factory), etc. But in general I like many different styles of music. I am quite influenced from funk or jazz drummers like Dennis Chambers, Dave Weckl and Bill Stewart, too.”
His band, “DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER” are very popular in Europe, having played to large audiences in support of their many albums.
Georg remains grounded in his daily activities; when asked what his aspirations are, he replied, “Not easy to say; I think I am just happy to be a professional drummer playing music I like.”
Georg’s equipment includes Paiste Cymbals, Tama Drums, Evans Drumheads, Trick Pedals, Beyer dynamic microphones, and of course Los Cabos 5A Drumsticks in Hickory.
TERRY LESPERANCE -- Independent/Freelance
5A Hickory
Terry has been drumming since the age of 4 and has worked hard ever since. Supporting hundreds of artists in the Windsor/Detroit area, he has built a strong reputation as a no-nonsense drummer who can be called upon for any situation. At the national level Terry has done extensive touring and countless studio sessions with some of the biggest names in the industry. For Terry however, it's not about the name, or the size of the gig, it's about the experience and doing what you love, which is what has kept him behind the kit all these years.
As a Producer, Terry is a founder of Blind Squirrel Entertainment along with fellow partner Joel Bruyere of Thousand Foot Krutch, and has been actively involved in Joel's new solo project The Drawing Room (Tooth & Nail Records). In addition, Terry worked closely with Klayton of Celldweller on his recent release Soundtrack For The Voices in My Head Vol 1 (SVH), a primarily instrumental score-based album. The project features Solaris, which has already been featured in a Movie Trailer for Frank Miller's The Spirit, while several other tracks have been heard on film and television and in video games.
Terry endorses Sabian Cymbals, May Microphones, Los Cabos Drum Sticks, and Alternate Mode.
ANTHONY LIBERTO -- Independant/Freelance
5B Hickory
Anthony has been playing drums for a living for the past 19 years. He has played on Cruise ships, Tony and Tina's wedding, casinos on both coasts and many private parties. He has performed in every kind of venue from the local rock club to stadiums and everything in between. He has also studied with a great teacher (Carl Mattola) who is on the faculty of The Temple College School of Music for 8 years.
He has opened up for national acts like Dokken, Great White, Ratt, Sebastian Bach, Warrant, Gold Finger and the Toadies to name a few.
He is currently working with Bianca Ryan.who won the first season of America's Got Talent when she was 11 years old.
Along with his brother-in-law Anthony operates a state of the art recording studio called Tuned in Trax which is a division of Tuned in Music and Media.
MANUEL LOOS – Bosstime & Electric Dreams of Sheep
Manuel Loos, born in 1972, made the step to a professional musician in 2000. He studied a year with Rene Creemers and soon made it to his most popular gig to date, a two year stint with The Blue Man Group in Germany. Currently he is working with Bosstime, Europe’s hardest working Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band, and Dreams of Electric Sheep, an eclectic mix of improvised electronica, freestyle dark dance , acid-surf and no-jazz. Beside these main projects, he is playing in several bands/projects from singer/songwriter to rock to funk to chanson to ....
Manu also wrote some scores for film and theatre, and he teaches in a private music-school. He currently plays Tama Star Classic B/B Drums, Istanbul Cymbals, Protection Racket Cases and, of course, Los Cabos Drumsticks.
KATSEN LOUIS – freelance
Katsen Louis is a Boston-based drummer for The First Haitian Baptist Church, drum teacher and recording artist. He has recorded with various artists and played with a host of groups, including Higher Calling, Generation of Praise and Young People for Christ. He also plays with a marching band and regularly performs at weddings and church services.
Having grown up listening to Haitian music from his parents’ native land, Katsen’s tastes include a wide range of genres. In addition to playing swing, jazz, twelve-step blues, rock and Caribbean rhythms, Katsen is known as one of Boston’s top gospel drummers.
Drummers who have influenced Katsen include Buddy Rich, Jojo Mayer, Chris “Daddy” Dave, Bernard “Pretty” Purdie, Frank Briggs, Cora Coleman-Dunham, Eddie Heyward Jr. and Steve Smith, among a host of others. Having started the drums at age five, Katsen later studied with John Kerr and Mark Flynn from Dick Dicensos’s Drum Shop in Boston. He started performing live at age ten.
Katsen credits Los Cabos drumsticks for much of his success. “By using Los Cabos drumsticks, I have a better feel for the drumhead and can play faster,” says Katsen. “I can convey a better feel for the music. Los Cabos drumsticks help make me a better drummer.”
Katsen teaches drumming to about a dozen students each weekend and intends to start composing someday.
TOVAH LOVELY -- Drumline Live -- The Percussion Kings
Parade, Concert & 5A
A native of Belle Glade , Florida , TJ was born into a family of musicians. He started playing drums at the very early age of three. He attended Florida A&M University to further his education and was a member of all the university bands and now is a student at the Atlanta Institute of Music. Tovah is currently touring with the Hit show " DRUMLINE LIVE " where he holds the role of Percussion Director and Coreographer. He has also taken the role as a clinician, holding sessions across the nation. He is an Endorsee of Los Cabos Drumsticks, Ludwig Drums, Remo Drumheads and Sabian Cymbals. For more information, Clinics, Tour Dates, please email Tovah_lovely@yahoo.com
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