About Me
I grew up in Spirit Lake, IA. My first music lessons were on piano during elementary school. I started drumming in Mr. Rich Nicklay’s 5th grade band, have been playing percussion ever since. I was lucky to study percussion at the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music with professor Dane Richeson, earning a music minor.
Since moving to Madison in 2006, I have directed and taught drumming in community groups, worked as an accompanist at the UW-Madison Dance Department, gigged in a variety of bands, and studied percussion with some fantastic artists.
Teachers & Mentors
Mandjou Mara - Limanya de Guinee, Limanya Drum and Dance Ensemble, Kikeh Mato Afro-Pop
Dane Richeson - Lawrence University Conservatory of Music
Neil Sisauyhoat - Del Mar College
Yorel Lashley - Drum Power Inc., UW-Madison
Nani Agbeli - Dagbe Cultural Center, Pomona College
Ousmane Camara - Sabouyouma
Paddy Cassidy - 7th Sense Media, Immigre
Dende Macedo - Mamadele Foundation
Jorge Alabe - Casa Branca, Grupo Samba Rio
Marajo Reis - Woodworking and drum building expert, the Handphibians
Edi Rey - Son del Atlantico, Edi Rey y Su Salsera
Musical Groups
Limanya Drum and Dance Ensemble
Limanya performs traditional music and dance from Guinea and Mali, West Africa. Under the direction of Mandjou Mara and Maya Kadakia, Limanya's shows create cultural connections and provide engaging educational experiences.
Mandjou Mara & Kikeh Mato Afro-Pop
Griot and Djembefola Mandjou Mara creates contemporary music with his Afro-pop group Kikeh Mato. Kikeh Mato means "look at the moon”, as Mandjou notes the power of the moon to provide solace, inspiration, and hope.
Son Del Atlantico
Saxophonist and composer Edi Rey brings the Afro-Caribbean music of Colombia to Madison, WI with Son del Atlantico. We play Cumbia, Chande, Cumbion, Vallenato, and Porro fused with funk, rock and reggae.