updated 2/24/2010

Well, let's see...2010 brought about many changes, many new opportunities and it's all good. Here some latest tid bits in the life of Jim:

• As many of you close to the center of the storm already know, I have discontinued my affiliation with singer/ song-writer Lili Añel. It was a good run, but things change, you move on. This has opened the way for some new projects in the works and sarting to pick up momentum. One of which I'm really excited about is RELATIVE SOUL, an R&B powerhouse consisting of some of the finest, most astute musicians I have played with to daye. How refreshing!

• I have resurrected PANacea and we are on the loose! Gigs being booked through summer.

• speaking of summer, as I write this things are being put in motion to spend 4 weeks in Salvador, Bahia, Brasil as an artist in residence at PRACATUM Arts Institute. More details forthcoming. Wow, gonna be busy.

• MARASSA DUO is in process of organizing and booking dates for an early summer recording and short tour in Ontario.

• I have a new book in the works "Conga Chop Builders" [working title]. It has had extremely favorable response from colleague around the US and is currently being shopped to publishers. Keep the fingers crossed.

• ETown is going full steam. In May we will be premiering a new work I composed for Concert Choir and AfroCuban Percussion Ensemble titled "Afro Cuban Suite: Seven Songs For Seven Orisha's." Concert is May 2 and will be a shared venture with the ETown Percussion Ensemble. ETown Congueros, ETown Concert Choir, and Millersville University Percussion Ensemble.

hmmm, what else? Playing a big chamber music thang with some Lancaster folk in March: Helwig's "America Fantasy. A real bitch of a xylophone part. SDM is back in full swing with monthly fets and a big kanzo scheduled for July. Other than that, just enjoying time I have with the munchkin, trying to stay dug out, and keep my head above water. Just gotta keep on keepin on.

jdapercussion on MYSPACE

If you would like to get in touch drop me an email or hit me up on facebook. I would enjoy hearing from you: jdapercussion@gmail.com

 

yeah, thats the ticket, now kick out the jams!!