Photo By stmaryian
Bongo Herman aka Herman Davis
Jamaican Master Drummer
Bongo Herman is an internationally known legend with an exciting stage persona and a name that has been associated with Jamaica’s leading artistes for several decades. According to the yardflex text which describes him as “the leading Nyabinghi drummer in Jamaica,… Bongo Herman's unique ear, and superb percussive effects has been the driving force behind a lot of big reggae rhythms, including the ultra-popular 'Spiritual Warfare' rhythm featuring Gyptian's hit song, 'Serious Time'. In his own words, "I am regarded as one of the greatest percussionists by people all over the world. When I get a riddim, I hold the reins, bringing it to a level, to a heartbeat so I feel it so I know when to play, and when not to play. The way I play is that the bass batter, the funde flatter, and the repeater scatter.”
Bongo Herman began recording in 1969 with Les Davis as the duo Bongo & Les and is still eagerly sought after by popular recording artistes today. Among the names for whom Bongo Herman has played percussion are the Abyssinians, Alton Ellis & the Heptones, Aston ‘Familyman’ Barrett, Dennis Brown, Don Carlos, Edi Fitzroy, Frankie Paul, Freddie McGregor, Gregory Isaacs, Jimmy Cliff, Mighty Diamonds and the list could go on and on. His recent recordings can be heard on the Hail the King rhythm featuring Fantan Mojah and Jah Cure and he played an instrumental role in such hit rhythms as Earth Ah Run Red by Richie Spice.
Justin Levenson
USA Percussionist
Justin Levenson is a passionate musician who grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and who dedicates his energy to making an impact in nearly every aspect of music. After high school, he received a full scholarship to study percussion at Jacksonville State University. In college, Justin participated in several ensembles, including the World Champion drum and bugle corps, The Cavaliers. In the summer of 2000, Justin moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue his career as a performer, and soon established a reputation as a first call percussionist. In 2003, James Otto of MusikMafia fame hired Justin to accompany him when he opened for Shania Twain on her UP! tour. In addition, Justin has performed nationally and internationally with artists such as, Jessica Andrews, Chuck Cannon, Kenny Chesney, Willie Crespo, Al de Lory, Chuck Jones, Marcel, Victoria Shaw and James Slater. Justin also enjoys playing a variety of live gigs and studio sessions around Nashville. Among his recording credits, he has accompanied Donna Summer on a song from "Songs from the Neighborhood...the Music of Mr. Rogers," which won a Grammy for Best Musical Album for Children
Justin has also written percussion arrangements for several local drum lines and percussion ensembles. Additionally, he teaches music to at-risk youth and works with several high school percussion ensembles and drum lines across the southeast. Justin maintains a strong involvement in the music business as well. He works at the performing rights organization, SESAC, as the Manager, Consultant Support, Writer/Publisher Relations. Justin also contributes his time as the President of S.O.L.I.D. (Society for Leaders in Development), a leadership organization for young executives in the music industry. As a performer, composer, educator, and leader, Justin has earned his reputation as a professional in the Nashville music community.
***
Russell Kaback
USA Certified K-12 Music Teacher
Justin is a Music teacher at the A. H. Shaw Middle School in Philadelphia, where he has developed and implemented curriculum in vocal technique, instrumental performance, music appreciation and literacy and Math through music, incorporating music production technology. He has created and directed choir, music club and poetry club with middle school children in an urban setting. He has advanced skills in songwriting, singing, guitar, piano, and drums and a working knowledge of percussion, harmonica, ukulele, recorder, violin, and banjo. His repertoire includes children’s songs, folk songs, and contemporary songs. Justin has a Masters degree in Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Art and has mentored a twelve year old boy in Philadelphia’s Big Brother/Big Sister programme.
***
Holly Christensen
USA Reproductive Health Expert
Holly Christensen has a background in Reproductive Health. Though she plays the guitar and other instruments and can support her husband Russell Kapak’s work in the programme, she has been invited to join local resource persons to contribute to the Parenting Support aspect of the summer programme. Holly’s availability has not yet been confirmed.
***
Judith Avers
USA Award Winning Singer/Songwriter
Singer/songwriter Judith Avers writes songs that you want to wrap your arms around and bring home to bed with you. A stunningly prolific writer - she's written hundreds of songs in a handful of years. If fact, you'd be hard pressed to find a dud in the entire bunch. Judith writes songs of love lost, love found, and love lost again; songs about the past, about too much loneliness and not enough of it; songs about sorrow and rage and unchained joy and release. Born and raised in Southwest Kansas, far removed from any sort of modern music scene, Avers was spoon-fed country classics like Willie Nelson, Bill Monroe and Johnny Cash. Judith moved to Colorado in 1996 and quickly created the band I Know Jack. After a fairly successful 6 year run with IKJ, she took off on her own musical pursuit. Since then, she has recorded and performed with friends all over Colorado establishing an insanely loyal following. In late 2003 she released 2 self-produced albums and has sold upwards of 1500 units at shows along the way. http://www.geocities.com/judithavers/
Armed with just an acoustic guitar and a gorgeous, angelic voice that alternately recalls Gillian Welch, Rosie Thomas and Paula Cole, Judith Avers could literally sing the classified ads and still be positively riveting. Avers is equally adept and compelling as a storyteller, crafting heartrending tales steeped in both hopefulness and despair. http://www.geocities.com/judithavers/press.htm
Jamaican Master Drummer
Bongo Herman is an internationally known legend with an exciting stage persona and a name that has been associated with Jamaica’s leading artistes for several decades. According to the yardflex text which describes him as “the leading Nyabinghi drummer in Jamaica,… Bongo Herman's unique ear, and superb percussive effects has been the driving force behind a lot of big reggae rhythms, including the ultra-popular 'Spiritual Warfare' rhythm featuring Gyptian's hit song, 'Serious Time'. In his own words, "I am regarded as one of the greatest percussionists by people all over the world. When I get a riddim, I hold the reins, bringing it to a level, to a heartbeat so I feel it so I know when to play, and when not to play. The way I play is that the bass batter, the funde flatter, and the repeater scatter.”
Bongo Herman began recording in 1969 with Les Davis as the duo Bongo & Les and is still eagerly sought after by popular recording artistes today. Among the names for whom Bongo Herman has played percussion are the Abyssinians, Alton Ellis & the Heptones, Aston ‘Familyman’ Barrett, Dennis Brown, Don Carlos, Edi Fitzroy, Frankie Paul, Freddie McGregor, Gregory Isaacs, Jimmy Cliff, Mighty Diamonds and the list could go on and on. His recent recordings can be heard on the Hail the King rhythm featuring Fantan Mojah and Jah Cure and he played an instrumental role in such hit rhythms as Earth Ah Run Red by Richie Spice.
Justin Levenson
USA Percussionist
Justin Levenson is a passionate musician who grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and who dedicates his energy to making an impact in nearly every aspect of music. After high school, he received a full scholarship to study percussion at Jacksonville State University. In college, Justin participated in several ensembles, including the World Champion drum and bugle corps, The Cavaliers. In the summer of 2000, Justin moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue his career as a performer, and soon established a reputation as a first call percussionist. In 2003, James Otto of MusikMafia fame hired Justin to accompany him when he opened for Shania Twain on her UP! tour. In addition, Justin has performed nationally and internationally with artists such as, Jessica Andrews, Chuck Cannon, Kenny Chesney, Willie Crespo, Al de Lory, Chuck Jones, Marcel, Victoria Shaw and James Slater. Justin also enjoys playing a variety of live gigs and studio sessions around Nashville. Among his recording credits, he has accompanied Donna Summer on a song from "Songs from the Neighborhood...the Music of Mr. Rogers," which won a Grammy for Best Musical Album for Children
Justin has also written percussion arrangements for several local drum lines and percussion ensembles. Additionally, he teaches music to at-risk youth and works with several high school percussion ensembles and drum lines across the southeast. Justin maintains a strong involvement in the music business as well. He works at the performing rights organization, SESAC, as the Manager, Consultant Support, Writer/Publisher Relations. Justin also contributes his time as the President of S.O.L.I.D. (Society for Leaders in Development), a leadership organization for young executives in the music industry. As a performer, composer, educator, and leader, Justin has earned his reputation as a professional in the Nashville music community.
***
Russell Kaback
USA Certified K-12 Music Teacher
Justin is a Music teacher at the A. H. Shaw Middle School in Philadelphia, where he has developed and implemented curriculum in vocal technique, instrumental performance, music appreciation and literacy and Math through music, incorporating music production technology. He has created and directed choir, music club and poetry club with middle school children in an urban setting. He has advanced skills in songwriting, singing, guitar, piano, and drums and a working knowledge of percussion, harmonica, ukulele, recorder, violin, and banjo. His repertoire includes children’s songs, folk songs, and contemporary songs. Justin has a Masters degree in Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Art and has mentored a twelve year old boy in Philadelphia’s Big Brother/Big Sister programme.
***
Holly Christensen
USA Reproductive Health Expert
Holly Christensen has a background in Reproductive Health. Though she plays the guitar and other instruments and can support her husband Russell Kapak’s work in the programme, she has been invited to join local resource persons to contribute to the Parenting Support aspect of the summer programme. Holly’s availability has not yet been confirmed.
***
Judith Avers
USA Award Winning Singer/Songwriter
Singer/songwriter Judith Avers writes songs that you want to wrap your arms around and bring home to bed with you. A stunningly prolific writer - she's written hundreds of songs in a handful of years. If fact, you'd be hard pressed to find a dud in the entire bunch. Judith writes songs of love lost, love found, and love lost again; songs about the past, about too much loneliness and not enough of it; songs about sorrow and rage and unchained joy and release. Born and raised in Southwest Kansas, far removed from any sort of modern music scene, Avers was spoon-fed country classics like Willie Nelson, Bill Monroe and Johnny Cash. Judith moved to Colorado in 1996 and quickly created the band I Know Jack. After a fairly successful 6 year run with IKJ, she took off on her own musical pursuit. Since then, she has recorded and performed with friends all over Colorado establishing an insanely loyal following. In late 2003 she released 2 self-produced albums and has sold upwards of 1500 units at shows along the way. http://www.geocities.com/judithavers/
Armed with just an acoustic guitar and a gorgeous, angelic voice that alternately recalls Gillian Welch, Rosie Thomas and Paula Cole, Judith Avers could literally sing the classified ads and still be positively riveting. Avers is equally adept and compelling as a storyteller, crafting heartrending tales steeped in both hopefulness and despair. http://www.geocities.com/judithavers/press.htm
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