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Free drum masterclass series featuring 6 giants of the drumsAbout this Event
Alternative Music Foundation presents the Give The Drummer Some masterclass series, Saturdays 12:00-2:00pm January through May 2026
January 31, 2026: Dante Roberson
February 11, 2026 (Wednesday 6-8pm): Marcus Baylor
February 21, 2026: Terreon Gully
March 21, 2026: Billy Johnson
April 25, 2026: Jesus Diaz
May 16, 2026: David Garibaldi
All Masterclasses are FREE!!
Whether you're a drummer, vocalist, instrumentalist, or simply seeking to deepen your groove, this masterclass series is a priceless opportunity to learn directly from six of the greatest drummers of our time. Sign up for one or all and garner the wealth of knowledge and experience these drum giants will be sharing. Masterclasses are open to all ages and levels of experience, including professionals, students, aficionados, and casual listeners alike. Masterclasses are held at 924 Gilman, 924 Gilman St Berkeley, CA 94710
This project is supported by California Arts Council
January 31, 2026
Dante Roberson Masterclass
Dante fell in love with music at the age of 5, when he heard the band KISS playing on tv. Since then, his musical influences have just continued to expand, and now run the gamut from pop to jazz, from country to funk, and all of those influences show through in his music.
Although he has produced and written for numerous musicians over the last 30 years, it’s only now that he was inspired to release his own project. Dante' has released his own music, which inventively takes its cues from smooth jazz, funk and R&B to create infectious sounds that just make you feel good. This first album, "Caveat" was birthed from the reminder that everything can change in an instant, and is Dante's way of saying "Thank you" to those he has worked with over the years.
Grammy-winning Dante has performed and/or recorded with a wide variety of artists, such as Najee, Carl “The Rev” Wheeler, Regina Belle, Eric Benet, X-Executioners, Tony! Toni! Tone!, Tank, Dwayne Wiggins, Byron Cage, En Vogue, The Whispers, Cameo, Tony Saunders, Stephanie Mills, Skip Soder, and many others.
Dante credits Anthony King, Joel Smith and his high school jazz band teacher David Machoni for teaching him how to read and music theory. He wouldn’t be where he is without Will Kennedy and Dennis Chambers taking him under their wings, acting as mentors. A resident of the Bay Area, Dante enjoys playing a variety of styles and credits his versatility to the rich musical history of his hometown as well as the patience and skill of teachers and mentors.
February 11, 2026
Marcus Baylor Masterclass
Wednesday 6-8pm
Marcus Baylor is one of the most creative drummers with an unusual ability to tell a story through improvisation. His journey, starting as a child fascinated with drums to becoming a GRAMMY® Nominated artist and producer, has been an impressive one. Born and bred in St. Louis, Marcus first experimented with rhythm on his mother's pots and pans. After getting his first real drum set, he quickly grew into playing at his father's church each Sunday. Heavily influenced by the music around him, Marcus embraced various styles of Gospel, Hip-Hop, Soul/R&B and ultimately Jazz and has crafted an imaginative approach to everything he does. Marcus studied at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music under such luminaries as Buster Williams, Michael Carvin, and Lewis Nash, helping to define his skill set on his beloved instrument.
During that time he began touring and recording with jazz icons, Cassandra Wilson and Kenny Garrett and later worked with John Scofield, David Sanborn, and Anita Baker. A defining moment in his career was joining the GRAMMY® Award winning Yellowjackets for 10 years, broadening his musicianship and perfecting his ear for production. Marcus has since transitioned as a founding member and one half of The Baylor Project, along with his wife, Jean Baylor. Marcus has come full circle as a musician, songwriter, producer, bandleader and co-owner of indie label Be A Light and has earned 3 GRAMMY® nominations for The Baylor Project’s debut CD “The Journey” and single “Sit On Down.” Marcus’ passion for music has only grown stronger as he continues his journey to inspire and lift the hearts of people through music.
February 21, 2026
Terreon Gully Masterclass
Grammy winning, musician extraordinaire, Terreon Gully is one of the most influential artists of his generation. Widely recognized for his creativity, versatility and authenticity, Terreon is in high demand. His innovative and distinct sound has inspired artists such as Dianne Reeves, Christian McBride, Stefon Harris as well as John Beasley’s Monk’estra to make him a member of their bands.
Terreon has mastered a variety of musical genres. He performs, tours and records extensively with a variety of artists. From jazz legends and modern masters to the hottest hip hop icons, Terreon has worked with the best: Kurt Elling, David Sanborn, Nicholas Payton, Kenny Barron, the Stones Project, Sting, Keyon Harrold, Queen Latifa, Yerba Buena, Charlie Hunter, Abbey Lincoln, Marc Cary, Russell Gunn, Lizz Wright, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Maria Schneider Big Band, Jacky Terrasson, Eldar, Me’Shell NdegeOcello, Lauryn Hill, Pharoahe Monch, Mos Def, and Common as well as a host of other artists. In addition to live performances, Terreon is also known for his exceptional work in the studio, producing and recording for CDs, films, and commercials; including his first solo project “TANKTIFIED”.
Committed to education and inspiring other musicians, Terreon served as a Professor of Music at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada and has given clinics and master classes all over the world; including, Australia, Canada, France, Germany and New Zealand.
Committed to excellence, Terreon uses the world’s finest equipment; he endorses Yamaha drums, Sabian cymbals, Remo drumheads, Vic Firth drumsticks, LP percussion and Protection Racket cases.
Originally from East St. Louis, Illinois, Terreon refined his musical talent in New York City, after completing college at the University of Houston in Houston, Texas. Currently, Terreon makes Atlanta, Georgia, his home, where he continues to enhance and develop his craft.
March 21, 2026
Billy Johnson Masterclass
Billy “Shoes” Johnson's musical journey began at the tender age of 6 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His drumming career has spanned over five decades, showcasing his versatility and talent across various genres and collaborations.
In the early 1970s, Johnson’s career took off as he played with notable artists such as Patti LaBelle, Jean Carn, and Pablo Cruise. A significant milestone was his recording with Donny Hathaway on the song “You Were Meant for Me,” produced by Dexter Wansel.
Johnson honed his skills under the tutelage of Philadelphia drummers Gerry Brown and Cornell Rochester. He frequently traveled to New York City to jam, which led to collaborations with the Eubanks brothers – Kevin on guitar and Robin on trombone.
As the mid-70s approached, Johnson began touring with artists like LaBelle, Carn, and Dexter Wansel. His first major touring gig came in 1974 with Major Harris, known for “Love Won’t Let Me Wait.” He then worked with the Philadelphia International female vocal trio, First Choice.
The 1980s saw Johnson relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area to join Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. He toured and recorded three gold albums with the band: “Joy and Pain,” “Live in New Orleans,” and “We Are One.” He also reunited with fellow Philadelphian saxophonist George Howard, co-writing the title song of George’s “Dancing in the Sun” album.
Johnson’s career reached new heights in the 1990s when he joined Santana for the first time in 1990, staying for two years. He returned to Santana in 1994, remaining until 1997. During this period, he played at Woodstock 2 and recorded on the “Brothers” album. He also toured with MC Hammer on the “Too Legit to Quit” tour in 1992-93.
Throughout the late 90s and early 2000s, Johnson worked with various artists including Pablo Cruise, Patti Austin, and Angela Bofill. He had a long-standing collaboration with guitarist Joyce Cooling starting in the late 90s.
In 2000, Johnson rejoined Santana for the Supernatural tour, drumming on “Yaleo,” the opening track of the Supernatural album. His diverse career also includes work with artists like Rosanne DeMalanta, Ray Obiedo, and Dan Ashley.
Today, Billy “Shoes” Johnson continues to make music as a member of the World Jazz band Five Ten, demonstrating that his passion for rhythm and groove remains as strong as ever.
www.billyshoesjohnson.com
April 25, 2026
Jesus Diaz Masterclass
Cuban born percussionist and vocalist Jesus Diaz arrived in the United States from Habana in 1980. He quickly identified the Bay Area music scene as the grounds to establish his new home. His local and worldwide performances in collaboration with world renowned and acclaimed artists are recognized for their contributions to the richness of an ever expanding musical genre.
A multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and vocalist, Díaz has established himself as one of the most in-demand performers and studio musicians worldwide. As an educator, he has participated in several prominent clinics and workshops including Berklee College of Music, SFJAZZ, Stanford Jazz Workshop, Drummers Collective NY, and Jazz Camp West to name a few. In collaboration with his group Talking Drums, which includes fellow percussionists Michael Spiro and David Garibaldi, he has contributed to various Warner Brothers instructional books and videos. For more instructional videos, please visit congamasterclass.com.
Jesus Diaz has performed, toured or recorded with such artists as, Stevie Wonder, The Dave Mathews Band (DMB), Carlos Santana, Andy Narrell, Dizzy Gillespie, Bobbie Womack, Steve Coleman, Caribbean Jazz Project, Planet Drum, Talking Drums, Pete Escovedo / Sheila E, José Luis Quintana "Changuito", Giovanni Hidalgo, Rebecca Mauleón & Round Trip, Omar Sosa, Columna "B", John Calloway, and Conjunto Céspedes, among many others.
Jesus Diaz is endorsed by Pearl Drums and Percussion, Innovative Percussion sticks, Istanbul Cymbals, Audix Mics, and Remo Drum Heads.
May 16, 2026
David Garibaldi Masterclass
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, David Garibaldi began playing drums in elementary school at the age of ten. At age seventeen, he started his professional career, and in 1966 joined the United States Air Force where he became a member of the 724th USAF band stationed at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, Washington.
Upon leaving the military in 1969, he returned to the bay area and in July of 1970 joined the legendary Tower of Power. It was in this setting that David became one of the most influential drummers of his generation and became known as an innovator in funk drumming.
As a writer and performer David has worked with such artists as Patti Austin, Natalie Cole, Mickey Hart's Planet Drum, Boz Scaggs, The BBC Orchestra, Gino Vannelli, Talking Drums, The Buddy Rich Orchestra, Ray Obiedo, Wishful Thinking, and many others.
Currently, David is once again performing and recording with the Tower of Power. In 1998, after an eighteen year "break", he rejoined the group for some "unfinished business".
Amongst David's many achievements:
· Modern Drummer Magazine - readers Poll Winner "R&B/Funk" category six times. Five consecutive years from 1980-1985, and again in 2003. His name now permanently resides in that polls honor roll category for his lasting contributions to the percussive arts.
· DRUM! Magazine - Readers Poll winner - 1998 Best Percussion Video, "David Garibaldi featuring Talking Drums".
· 1982-1989 percussion faculty at the Dick Grove School of Music in Los Angeles, California.
· International clinician since 1980.
· Columnist for Modern Drummer Magazine for many years, as well as many other international drum publications.
· Drum Loop CD: “Tower of Funk Classic Funk and R&B Drum Loops”
· Three educational videos:
"Tower of Groove, Part 1"
"Tower of Groove, Part 2"
"David Garibaldi Featuring Talking Drums"
· Four drum set instruction books:
"Future Sounds"
"The Funky Beat"
"TimbaFunk" (Talking Drums)
"Tiempo" (Talking Drums)
· David's first book, "Future Sounds", was rated one of the 10 greatest drum books by Modern Drummer Magazine (August 1993)
· Slagwerkkrant Magazine (The Netherlands) - Readers Poll winner 1997 Drum Book of The Year, "The Funky Beat".
· Artist-In-Residence:
Drummers Collective
New York, New York
Accademia Musica Moderna
Milan, Italy
This project has been made possible in part by California Arts Council, a state agency.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
924 Gilman, 924 Gilman Street, Berkeley, United States
Tickets
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