JOHNNY CONGA_

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

          “JC” Johnny  Conga-Pearl Drum Endorsee,  has been performing for 41 years, as a “multi-percussionist-specialist”, in the Art of Afro-Caribbean Drumming.

Some of the Artists that  “JC” have worked with, cover the gamut of “styles” in music. Here is a short list:  Sergio Mendes & Brasil 77, Paquito D’Riviera, The Jackson 5, Willie Bobo, Mongo Santamaria, Cerrone(France), Gloria Gaynor and over 100 other major artist’s in the United States and abroad. To date Johnny has been in  145 bands and has done 17 International tours all around the world.         http://www.myspace.com/jcjohnnyconga              for more about my Performance History.

Grammy Member(Pacific Northwest chapter-“Latin-Rep”

Member of BMI  as composer/arranger

Member of N.A.R.A.S.  (National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences)    

Member of Percussive Arts Society

Endorsed by Pearl Drums-13 years/ Independent

Member of Cirque du Soleil percussionists-2004

Over 200 recordings to date

Recipient of the “Quimbaya Award” 2007-Seattle,WA for Community Service in the area of  Arts and Culture

Currently running 2 bands: Sabor Tropical and The Tropical Jazz Project.

Radio Host for KBCS 91.3 FM-“AL LADO LATINO” on every Saturday at 6pm pst. online at www.kbcs.fm

Dance Companies: Olatunji Drummers and Dancers-New York City

                                Chuck Davis Afro-American Dance Co-New York City

                                New York City Ballet Co.

                                Mattie Lascoe Caribbean Splash-Los Angeles

                                Miami City Ballet Co.-Miami,Fla.

                                “Drummin”-Tania Leon-Miami/Germany

Currently on staff at Cornish College of the Arts as “Associate Professor”

On staff at “Music Works” Northwest-Bellevue, Seattle-2002-2003

Released first CD 1994 called  Johnny Conga & Caribe + Roots of Rhythm on Skyward records.

Recognized by State of Florida as “Folklorist”-1997

Former P.A.C. E.(performing arts and cultural education) Artist for Dade County, Florida 1995

Recordings on Columbia-ABC-Polygram-Island-Roxbury-Skyward-Infinity-Cuni and others.

Producers: George S Clinton-Cheech and Chong-Trevor Lawrence-John Arrias-Pete Moore(The Miracles), John Robinson,Ken Mansfield, and Steve and Nat Kipner.(short list).

Former Associate Professor at the University of Miami-Dept of  Perc.-1990-92 under the auspices of Professor Fred Wickstrom. Received AA degree from Los Angeles Community College 1978. Studied  percussion at Jazzmobile-IS 201-NYCity, with Ritchie “Pablo” Landrum and Charlie Persip. Also attended the East 3rd st. Music Settlement 1972, and the Johnny Colon School of Music NYC.

1969-71 lived in Germany and played with a variety of bands from Rock to Soul.

Military Veteran 1968-71 US Army-Honorable Discharge.