Gary has been playing drums ever since he was 5. Gary’s Uncle, Ron, lived in the room next to his and played guitar. Once in a while Ron would rehearse his country/surf band in the living room and that’s when Gary saw the “DRUMS”. Gary’s stomach would get all squiggly with butterflies when he heard the drums. The bass drum would thump right into his heart and he would be squirming with joy. That’s when Ron bought Gary his first pair of nylon tipped drumsticks. That did it! Gary was hooked for life.

Since that time quite a few years have passed and Gary still loves to play drums. He tried making a living at if for awhile and after 10 years in L.A. decided he’d rather play semi-pro and raise his son, playing music from the heart for the joy of playing and not for the greedy soul of money. Don’t get him wrong…he does have self respect and still welcomes fair pay for his play. But he doesn’t lose sleep at night waiting for that “big break” nor does he lose his heart while playing.

Gary also loves to spread his love of music to others, especially children. He owns a website, www.musicforkids.com , which sells musical instruments for children. He plays drums in his son’s classroom every year and tries to encourage parents to give the gift of music to their children. On his website he sells ½ size guitars, bongos, drums, school band instruments and adult instruments too.

Gary is an alumni of Berklee College of Music in Boston. He has played with many bands and top names including Dino Valenti from Quicksilver Messenger Service, The Tommy Chiffon Band, Steve Evans, WOD , Yak Butter, The Steamin’ Seamen and of course Earstu! He has opened up for the likes of Les Claypool and Jackson Browne.

Catch Gary playing his heart out at the next Soulshine gig. And don’t forget to give a child the gift of music, check out www.musicforkids.com

Gary will see ya soon! Oh….he just donated his hair again!

ONOTHIMAGEN