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Johnny Conga

Professional musician for over 45 years

About Me

ABOUT JOHNNY CONGA:

“JC” Johnny Conga, a Volcano Percussion endorsee, has been performing for 45 years, as a “multi-percussionist-specialist”, in the Art of Afro-Caribbean Drumming, and Latin-Jazz music. Some of the Artists that “JC” have worked with cover the gamut of “styles” in the music business. Here is a short list: Sergio Mendes & Brasil 77, Paquito D’Riviera, The Jackson 5, Willie Bobo, Mongo Santamaria, Gloria Estefan, Cerrone(France), Gloria Gaynor and over 100 other major artist’s in the United States and abroad. To date Johnny has been in 150 bands and has done 17 International tours all around the world. Please visit http://www.myspace.com/jcjohnnyconga Affiliations: 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 L.A.R.A.S. (Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences) Member of Percussive Arts Society Member of Cirque du Soleil percussionists-2004

Currently Musical Director of The Tropical Jazz Project ( a “Latin-Jazz” band) a 6 piece band of professional musicians from around the United States with many years of musical experience.

Weekend Radio Host for KBCS 91.3 FM-“AL LADO LATINO/ON THE LATIN SIDE” on every Saturday at 6 pm PST.USA And online at www.kbcs.fm

Dance Companies: Olatunji Drummers and Dancers-New York City-1965 Chuck Davis Afro-American Dance Co-New York City-1966-74 New York City Ballet Co.-1967-8 Mattie Lascoe Caribbean Splash-Los Angeles-1980 Miami City Ballet Co.-Miami,Fla.-1994-7 “Drummin”-Tania Leon(Cuba)-Miami/Germany-1997

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

Over 200 Recordings on Columbia-ABC-Polygram-Island-Roxbury-Skyward-Infinity-Cuni and others. Producers: Holland Dozier& Holland, 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). My education: I learned from a Cuban Uncle on how to play the bongos at the age of 6….in public school I had basic music and learned to play recorder. I moved on to flute and played for 3 years until the age of 14 when I started to learn to play the Conga drum. I had 2 Teachers. Mr. “Hank” Fields who gave me technique and basic understanding..then I was taught what it means to be a “Dance Musician” by Mr. George “Sabu” Caldwell the 3rd. who played with Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and toured with Katherine Dunham Caribbean Dance Co. he taught me rhythms, theory, counting, and about time.

Attended Jazzmobile-IS 201-NYCity, studied Jimbe with Ritchie “Pablo” Landrum, Yomi Yomi Awoldwo and drumset with Charlie Persip. Attended the East 3rd St. Music Settlement in 1972, and the Johnny Colon School of Music NYC .took lessons with Manny Oquendo(Orch. Libre) and Nicky Marrero(Fania All Star). Took timbale lessons with Ubaldo Nieto(Machito’s drummer) Study in Cuba at Escuela del Artes-Pinar del Rio 1986

I attended Columbia Broadcasting School in Hollywood,CA for Broadcasting-1977 I have been a “radio host’ now for over 20 years on both coasts. Starting in 1977 at KXLU 88.9fm in Los Angeles for 5 years. Then I was with WDNA 88.9 in Miami,Fla. For 12 years, and now with my own show “Al Lado Latino”, at KBCS 91.3fm Bellevue,WA for 4 years.

Teaching Experience: Former Adjunct Lecturer at Cornish College of the Arts,Seattle,WA Pacific Lutheran University,Olympia,WA Bellevue Community College, Bellevue,WA University of Washington. Seattle,WA Music Works Northwest, Bellevue,WA University of Miami-Dept.of Perc.,Miami,Fla.

Running a “Conga Intensive” out of my home in Seattle. Come to my home (private room and food included in price) for 5 days and I will teach you for 6 hours a day…go to Congaplace.com then forum,then to Congazine and read reviews from former attendees and what is taught….3 day Intensives also available…I will also help to book your flight and pick you up at airport and take u back as well..