With all this talk of PASIC and Mike Manieri, I thought this might be of interest. It's streamed live Nov. 20th-22nd. At 3 PM EST on Friday, Nov. 22nd, Manieri will do a jazz improv workshop/performance. Check it out: http://jazzednet.org/virtualartistseries

Two heavy cats. Emil Richards and Dave Samuels! I was hanging out with Dave when Emil walked up to us. If you haven't read his biography you should read it!

Mike Manieri! I saw him play 5 solo tunes that were mind blowing. Ask Stefan Harris he was there.

This is a very heavy photo I think. Leigh Stevens who is besides one of the great marimba players, he knows more about the manufacturing of mallet keyboards than anyone. Gilberto Serna the great repair man that we all love and Andres Bautista Gilberto's apprentice.

One heavy photo!

Here's the first etude on block chords. Instead of thinking of it like an etude, practice these voicings and think of the etude as an intro for the tune. It is meant to be played freely, or rubato. Have fun with it!

Arrived Today at 3:15, assembled by 4:30

I am a 2 mallets guy as well.

I have moved back to the mid-state Pennsylvania area where I worked for 26 years. It's an "active 55" community, where the residents are older than dirt. This place has been called the "elephant graveyard" of Penn State alumni. I've rejoined Bellefonte Community Band. I play whatever's needed to fill in with the MalletKat, a lot of tympani, some temple blocks, chimes and occasionally vibes.

According to his website, this kid (Jason Collier) is 18. His composition, instrumental, vocal and creative abilities are amazing. Check out this YouTube video of him performing Don't You Worry About A Thing. He sings all the parts, plays all the parts and wrote the arrangement. Incredible.