John Venezia

John Venezia is a drummer, composer, band leader, bassist and educator based in the NYC greater area. John is a graduate from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia with a bachelors degree in jazz instrumental performance. John can be heard playing styles of music ranging from jazz to rock to pop. His versatility is what makes him suitable for a variety of work.

John is originally from Yorktown Heights, New York where he grew up watching both his father and uncle play in bands. They both have had a significant part in John's musical growth. He started playing the drums at the age of 10 years old and started taking drum lessons from local drum teacher Don Santanastasio. In High School, he was accepted to play in the Westchester All- County Jazz Band, Westchester Jazz Elite Big Band and started to play with other musicians in the NY Tri-State area. From playing in the Westchester Jazz Elite Big Band in high school, John shared the stage with world renowned jazz musicians such as Wycliff Gordon, Ku-umba Frank Lacy, and Papo Vazquez

John decided to pursue music as a career and was accepted into the University of the Arts in Philadelphia in 2013. He studied with some of Philly's finest drummers such as Erik Johnson, Joe Nero and Arturo Stable. He also studied composition with Norman David and studied electric bass with Steve Beskrone. At UArts, John played three years in the Downbeat award-winning University of the Arts "Z" Big Band under the direction of Matt Gallagher. During his time in the Z band, John had the chance to play with world renowned jazz musicians such as Joey DeFrancesco, Robin Eubanks, John Swana and many more. He also had the chance to perform at the 2017 Next Generation Jazz Festival in Monterey with the UArts Z Band as well.

John has played and recorded with multiple artists in both Philadelphia and New York. His notable performances have included appearances at The Kimmel Center, 2017 Monterey Jazz Festival, Chris's Jazz Cafe, 2013 Peekskill Jazz and Blues Festival, 2014 Putnam Valley Jazz and Blues Festival, Rockwood Music Hall, The Bitter End, and many more. John currently lives in New York working as a freelance musician. He also leads a group called Wack Cheddar (Philadelphia jazz-funk-rock band) which features accomplished musicians from both Philadelphia and New York.

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