Podcasts about ben e king

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Today's guest is a little different. Usually, I feature drummers on this podcast, and we've had some incredible ones—plus music directors like Nate Patten and music coordinators like Michael Aarons and Michael Keller. But this time, I wanted to bring on someone I've known and played with for the past ten years, a true “Piano Man” and multi-instrumentalist who has made his mark on Broadway and beyond: Matthew Friedman.Matthew isn't just a pianist—he's a singer, a bandleader, a composer, and yes, even a drummer. He was “The Piano Man” in the national touring company of Movin' Out and has performed with the legendary Lords of 52nd Street, Billy Joel's original band. He's also been part of Broadway productions like Jersey Boys and Smokey Joe's Café, while leading his own group, Matthew Friedman & Stiletto.In this episode, we talk about:* His early start in music and the influences that shaped him.* How he made the leap from being an attorney to a full-time musician.* The highs and lows of touring life—from first-class gigs to rough bus-and-truck runs.* Stories from his time on Broadway, including connections to past podcast guest Jon Berger and future guest Joe Bergamini.* What it means to be more than just a player in the pit—how to lead, adapt, and thrive as a versatile instrumentalist.Matthew has great stories, big insights, and a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in this business—not just as a drummer, but as a full-fledged musician and bandleader.Some clips of me playing a fun gig with him several years ago:Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.Clayton's Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and The Gospel at Colonus (featuring Kim Burrell). As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions, including Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and the national tour of Hadestown, among many others. He has also appeared on major shows including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards. He has performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton is the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career, the only guide you'll need to succeed in the competitive world of musical theater.Sign up to be the first to know when the book drops: www.BroadwayBoundBook.comHe proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.Learn more about Clayton Craddock at www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Originally posted December 2021In this episode of Broadway Drumming 101, I sit down with Dena Tauriello, the drummer for Little Shop of Horrors at the Westside Theatre. From her first sparkle kit inspired by Karen Carpenter to a career that's taken her from rock arenas to Broadway pits, Dena shares a powerful story about perseverance, adaptability, and passion.Dena spent nearly two decades with the all-female rock band Antigone Rising, logging more than 260 shows a year, signing with Lava/Atlantic Records, and sharing bills with bands like Aerosmith, the Rolling Stones, and The Bangles. Along the way, she learned the grind of life on the road, the frustration of being pigeonholed as “girl music,” and the discipline that comes from playing night after night. Those experiences became the foundation for her eventual move to Broadway.Her first Broadway chair came in Head Over Heels, the Go-Go's jukebox musical that featured an all-female band. From there, Dena's career expanded into multiple productions, including Kristin Chenoweth: For the Girls, The Cher Show (as a sub), Magic Mike the Musical (Broadway Lab), and her current run in Little Shop of Horrors. She also subs on Hamilton, Six, and at the origial run of Beetlejuice.In our conversation, Dena opens up about the realities of the pit:* Why no two shows are ever the same and why you can never “phone it in”* The discipline it takes to stay fully present eight times a week* How playing in Antigone Rising prepared her for the demands of Broadway* What she looks for when hiring subs and why paying it forward matters* The role of Ableton, click tracks, and sound cues in modern Broadway drumming* Her full gear setup: Pearl drums, Zildjian cymbals, Evans heads, Promark sticks, and custom in-ears* Why she always keeps charts in front of her—even after memorizing the showDena also talks about the surreal moment of playing on stage with the Go-Go's, interviewing Gina Schock for Modern Drummer, and what it feels like to see the Head Over Heels Playbill now preserved in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.This is a conversation filled with honesty, humor, and hard-won lessons for any drummer dreaming of breaking into Broadway—or simply learning how to thrive in the unpredictable world of live performance.For more about Dena: https://www.denatauriello.comClayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.Clayton's Broadway and off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he's contributed his talents to Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.comThis Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

All week we're revisiting archival interviews with key figures in early rock and roll, rockabilly and R&B. Soul singer Ben E. King began his career in the ‘50s with The Drifters but it was the '61 hit "Stand by Me" that sealed his musical legacy. He spoke to Fresh Air in 1988. We also listen back to a 1991 interview with lyricist Jerry Leiber and composer Mike Stoller, who wrote and produced music for King. Plus, we'll revisit Terry Gross' 1993 interview with Jerry Wexler, the hitmaker who coined the term "rhythm and blues."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

All week we're revisiting archival interviews with key figures in early rock and roll, rockabilly and R&B. Soul singer Ben E. King began his career in the ‘50s with The Drifters but it was the '61 hit "Stand by Me" that sealed his musical legacy. He spoke to Fresh Air in 1988. We also listen back to a 1991 interview with lyricist Jerry Leiber and composer Mike Stoller, who wrote and produced music for King. Plus, we'll revisit Terry Gross' 1993 interview with Jerry Wexler, the hitmaker who coined the term "rhythm and blues."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

"Now more than ever." We say it so often the true meaning of it is in danger of getting lost. We didn't ask to be put in the daily pressure cooker that is society in the year 2025, but we're here and we HOPE we're getting our message out there. Badass drummer and swell human being Michael Collins knows what we're after, and he is on hand to help give us more. More hope. Top Ten Soulful Songs Of Hope Volume 2 marches on with the top half of our list here in Part 2. Picks 5-1 are revealed as is the true righteous character of the artists and songwriters that bring us this amazing and hopefully hopeful soulful playlist. If you missed Part 1, find it wherever you get your podcasts, or here:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-682-top-ten-soulful-songs-of-hope-volume-2/id573735994?i=1000722496002Get your fill of Soulful Songs Of Hope from the official TTSSOH Spotify playlist, featured all songs heard in Parts 1 & 2, bumper songs included:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3FYxDgwNPbru94HB5grSdd?si=f246cc56d8f04513If you missed Top Ten Soulful Songs Of Hope Volume 1 with the great Rick Torres from 2020, check it out in the archives:https://www.mixcloud.com/beneisen/episode-428-top-ten-soulful-songs-of-hope-wrick-torres/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMPILpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFDbWRkbVNZQnlpb3lyVWNzAR7-4Ws8d6cH_rpJQ8DZ0JUZ09GY1wVNrNP1Nk53SJWnxVSPJGW6ttxVqHclZg_aem_I5V989hD0vYeaXQFJg76yAAll hail the great Michael Collins! Follow this gen-yu-wine rock star drummer on the socials:https://www.instagram.com/amichaelcollinsdrums/We've lowered our prices, but not our standards over at the ATTT Patreon! Those who are kindly contributing $2 a month are receiving an exclusive monthly Emergency Pod episode featuring our favorite guests and utilizing our patent-pending improv format in which we miraculously pull a playlist out of thin air. Volume 18 dropped August 1st featuring the delightful Matt Dinan in his solo EP debut. Good times! Find out more at https://www.patreon.com/c/alltimetoptenWe're having a blast chatting it up about music over on the ATTT Facebook Group. Join us and start a conversation!https://www.facebook.com/groups/940749894391295

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.In this episode, I talk with Michael Manasseh, the drummer for the current Hadestown national tour. Michael shares his unique path from studying economics at Columbia University to landing gigs on Broadway tours, and how his early training shaped the versatile musician he is today.We talk about:* How growing up in Boston, church music, and early jazz studies shaped his drumming identity* His college years at Columbia, balancing academics with student theater, and realizing music could become a career* The turning point of joining Muse (Musicians United for Social Equity) and mentorship with John Clancy, which led to his first big break on the Shrek tour* What it's like playing Hadestown night after night—the mental and physical demands, the freedom to improvise, and why it feels like “jazz theater”* Stories from the road, including near-misses with quick costume changes, learning directly from orchestrators, and pulling influences from Art Blakey to Mark Guiliana* His perspective on the business side of Broadway, the economics of touring shows, and why relationships—not transactions—drive opportunities for drummersMichael's story highlights not just the technical side of playing drums on a major tour, but also the importance of balance, community, and adaptability in building a long-term career in theater.If you're a drummer looking to break into Broadway—or just want to hear what life is really like behind the kit on a national tour—you won't want to miss this conversation.More about Michael: https://www.michaelmanassehmusic.com/If you want to understand how to make a lasting career in this business — not just play the music — my upcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career dives deep into both the art and the industry.Subscribe to Broadway Drumming 101 so you don't miss Michael's episode and other conversations that go beyond the notes.This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.Clayton's Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and The Gospel at Colonus (featuring Kim Burrell). As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions, including Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and the national tour of Hadestown, among many others. He has also appeared on major shows including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards. He has performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton is the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career, the only guide you'll need to succeed in the competitive world of musical theater.Sign up to be the first to know when the book drops: www.BroadwayBoundBook.comHe proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.Learn more about Clayton Craddock at www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.The next episode of the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast features a great conversation with Michael Manasseh, drummer and percussionist for the most recent North American tour of Hadestown.Michael's musical journey started at the age of five and has taken him through an impressive range of experiences. From big band and small combo work at The Rivers School in Weston, MA, to prestigious jazz programs like The NEC Jazz Lab, Berklee's Five-Week Jazz Workshop, and the Vail Jazz Workshop, he built a deep foundation in multiple styles. In college, he studied under Vince Cherico, Bruce Barth, David Gibson, and Don Sickler, and played in 11 theater productions, including In The Heights, Head Over Heels, and Pippin. He eventually graduated from Columbia University with a degree in Economics and Mathematics.What made this conversation stand out was Michael's curiosity about not just drumming, but the business side of Broadway. He talked about joining a co-producing team for Lumpica, helping to fundraise for the production, and learning firsthand how tight the margins are in theater. From the massive cost of putting up a show to the weekly expenses that can make or break a production, Michael brings a perspective that every theater musician should hear.If you want to understand how to make a lasting career in this business — not just play the music — my upcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career dives deep into both the art and the industry.Subscribe to Broadway Drumming 101 so you don't miss Michael's episode and other conversations that go beyond the notes.Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.Clayton's Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and The Gospel at Colonus (featuring Kim Burrell). As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions, including Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and the national tour of Hadestown, among many others. He has also appeared on major shows including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards. He has performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton is the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career, the only guide you'll need to succeed in the competitive world of musical theater.Sign up to be the first to know when the book drops: www.BroadwayBoundBook.comHe proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.Learn more about Clayton Craddock at www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Originally posted November 2021Paul Pizzuti has over fifty years of experience playing shows, making him one of the most seasoned and respected drummers on Broadway. He's a musician everyone should listen to when it comes to understanding what it takes to build and sustain a successful career playing Broadway musicals.In this episode, we discuss:* Playing the musical Candide* Landing the original Godspell* Handling a performance during the 1977 New York City blackout* Working on the original Evita* Why Merrily We Roll Along closed quickly but became a classic* How a chain of small connections led to a seven-year run on Cats* Sight-reading the TONY Awards show* Leaving the business altogether for a short period of time* Being the China Club house drummer on Wednesday nights* Recording the cast albums for Assassins and Crazy For You* Working on Gypsy with Patti LuPone* Observing the transition from no monitors in Broadway pits to personal monitoring systemsPartial list of Paul's Broadway and concert credits:* She Loves Me* Far Away Places: Live at 54 Below w/ Patti LuPone* The Other Duke: Tribute to Duke Pearson* How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying* Merrily We Roll Along* Another Monday Night* The Lady with the Torch w/ Patti LuPone* Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific, in Concert from Carnegie Hall* Pacific Overtures* Big Band Blues* Into the Woods* The Frogs / Evening Primrose* Kiss Me, Kate* Fifteen-Year Anniversary w/ Betty Buckley* Big* A Christmas Carol* Crazy for You* Assassins* Cats* …and many moreI just released a free PDF every working musician needs—and it's not just for drummers.It's called “20 Smart Questions to Ask Before Saying Yes to Any Gig,” pulled straight from my upcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career. This book is packed with tools, insights, and real-world advice to help you navigate the ups and downs of a music career.This checklist will help you:* Avoid gigs that aren't worth your time* Spot red flags before you commit* Make sure the money, the people, and the music are right* Say no with confidence—or yes with clarityGrab your free copy here:

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.In this video episode, I sit down with drummer and Hawaii native Pili Fronda—and fair warning: you might learn more about Hawaiian history, food, geography, and culture than you expected. And I'm not mad about it…because I love Hawaii as much as Pili does.What started as a conversation about drums quickly turned into a deep dive into the mountains of Maui, eating poke in Vegas, dodging cliffs on the road to Hana, and unpacking what it really means to grow up Hawaiian.Pili shares powerful insight into his upbringing, the meaning behind his full name (which you'll want to hear him pronounce), and how the cultural values of the islands shaped his character and musical path. We talk about the community spirit of Hawaii, how music is integrated into education there, and how his influences—from reggae to Latin percussion to gospel—eventually led him to the national tour of Mrs. Doubtfire.Later on, Pili breaks down how he landed that tour gig right out of college, how he prepared for it, and what it really takes to succeed on the road. It's an inspiring conversation with a young musician doing it right—with humility, discipline, and heart.Watch, enjoy, and if you like what you see, hit that subscribe button on the Broadway Drumming 101 YouTube channel. There's more great content coming your way, with new videos dropping regularly.And if you're looking to build your own career in musical theater, stay tuned. Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career is almost done—and I can't wait to share it with you. This book covers everything I've learned about getting the gig, keeping it, and building something bigger.Sign up at www.BroadwayBoundBook.com to stay updated on the release.For more about Pili, visit www.pilifronda.com.Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.Clayton's Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and The Gospel at Colonus (featuring Kim Burrell). As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions, including Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and the national tour of Hadestown, among many others. He has also appeared on major shows including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards. He has performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton is the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career, the only guide you'll need to succeed in the competitive world of musical theater.Sign up to be the first to know when the book drops: www.BroadwayBoundBook.comHe proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.Learn more about Clayton Craddock at www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I sit down with drummer and Hawaii native Pili Fronda, and fair warning: you might learn more about Hawaiian history, food, geography, and culture than you bargained for. And I'm not mad about it…because I love Hawaii as much as Pili does. This conversation might've started out about drums, but before we even hit the 10-minute mark, we were deep in the mountains of Maui, eating poke in Vegas, dodging cliffs on the road to Hana, and breaking down what it really means to grow up Hawaiian.Pili shares powerful insight into his upbringing, the meaning behind his full name (which you're going to want to hear him pronounce), and how the cultural values instilled in him shaped not just his character, but his entire musical path. We also talk about the community-centered spirit of the islands, the way music is woven into Hawaiian education, and how Pili's musical influences—from reggae to Latin percussion to gospel—led him to the national tour of Mrs. Doubtfire.Later in the episode, we dig into his process for landing that tour gig straight out of college, how he prepared for it, and what it takes to thrive on the road. This is an inspiring conversation with a young musician who's doing things the right way, with humility, discipline, and heart.This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.For more about Pili: www.pilifronda.comAnd if you're looking to build your own career in musical theater, I've got something coming for you. Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career is almost finished, and I can't wait for you to read it. This book breaks down everything I've learned over decades in the industry, what it takes to get the gig, keep it, and grow beyond it. Sign up for our email list at www.BroadwayBoundBook.com to stay updated on the release.Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.Clayton's Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and The Gospel at Colonus (featuring Kim Burrell). As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions, including Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and the national tour of Hadestown, among many others. He has also appeared on major shows including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards. He has performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton is the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career, the only guide you'll need to succeed in the competitive world of musical theater.Sign up to be the first to know when the book drops: www.BroadwayBoundBook.comHe proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.Learn more about Clayton Craddock at www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Originally released in 2021, this episode is a masterclass in what it really takes to make it on Broadway and beyond. Jake Goldbas was at the time, the drummer for Dear Evan Hansen. He shares his incredible journey from growing up in Connecticut to playing for some of the biggest names in music, including Aretha Franklin, Patti Austin, and The O'Jays.In this conversation, we talk about:* How a subway bucket drummer sparked Jake's passion for rhythm* The power of preparation when subbing on Broadway* Why being early (not just on time) sets you apart in the business* Valuable lessons from legends like Bernard Purdie* The reality of building trust as a sub and making the right impressionIf you've ever wondered how to break into the Broadway scene, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the mindset, hustle, and professionalism required.Sign up at BroadwayBoundBook.com for updates on Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.Clayton's Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and The Gospel at Colonus (featuring Kim Burrell). As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions, including Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and the national tour of Hadestown, among many others. He has also appeared on major shows including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards. He has performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton is the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career, the only guide you'll need to succeed in the competitive world of musical theater.Sign up to be the first to know when the book drops: www.BroadwayBoundBook.comHe proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.Learn more about Clayton Craddock at www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 22ú lá de mí Iúil, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1983 chaill 15 aire sóisearach a carr de bharr go raibh gearradh siar de 1 milliún punt. I 1994 tháinig nuacht iontach amach don tír mar go raibh an eacnamaíocht chun ardú 6% tar éis bliain uafásach I 1993. I 1993 roimh Féile I nDurlas, tháinig Stad Semple amach ag rá nach raibh cead ag daoine coiscín a dhíol timpeall an stad. Tháinig sé amach go raibh sé de bharr reachtaíocht rialtas. I 2003 bhí damáiste de 100 míle euro déanta de bharr tine mhailíseach I dTeampall Mór. Bhí an tine ag monarcha Taylor Made sa bhaile agus las dhá leantóir a raibh 40 troigh ar thine. Sin Donna Summer le I Feel Love – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 1977. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1989 chuaigh Martika chuig uimhir a haon I Meiriceá lena hamhrán Toy Soldiers agus d'fhan sí ann ar feadh dhá sheachtain. Chuaigh sí chuig uimhir a cúig sa Bhreatain. I 2004 fuair amhránaí Arthur Crier bás de bharr cliseadh croí. Bhí sé ball de The Chimes agus d'oibrigh sé le Little Eva, Gene Pitney, The Four Tops. The Temptations, Ben E.King, Johnny Nash agus The Coasters. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh amhránaí Selena Gomez I Meiriceá I 1992 agus rugadh aisteoir Willem Dafoe I Meiriceá ar an lá seo I 1955 agus seo chuid de na rudaí a rinne sé. Beidh mé ar ais libh amárach le heagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo. Welcome back to another edition of Ar An Lá Seo on the 22nd of July, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 1983: 15 junior ministers lost state cars in £1m cut. 1994: Booming economy was to grow by 6pc after flat 1993. 1993 – Ahead of Feile in Thurles, Semple Stadium issued a notice saying that the sale of condoms within Semple Stadium would be prohibited. This was a matter covered by Government Legislation.  2003 - €100,000 worth of damage was caused in what was described as a malicious fire in Templemore. The fire, at the Taylor Made factory in the town, occurred when two forty-foot loaded trailers were allegedly set on fire. That was Donna Summer with I Feel Love – the biggest song on this day in 1977 Onto music news on this day In 1989 Former actress Martika started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Toy Soldiers', a No.5 hit in the UK. 2004 American singer, songwriter and producer Arthur Crier died of heart failure. Member of The Chimes and had worked with Little Eva, Gene Pitney, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Ben E. King, Johnny Nash and The Coasters. And finally celebrity birthdays on this day – singer Selena Gomez was born in America in 1992 and actor Willem Dafoe was born in America on this day in 1955 and this is some of the stuff he has done. I'll be back with you tomorrow with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 22ú lá de mí Iúil, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1983 chaill 15 aire sóisearach a carr de bharr go raibh gearradh siar de 1 milliún punt. I 1994 tháinig nuacht iontach amach don tír mar go raibh an eacnamaíocht chun ardú 6% tar éis bliain uafásach I 1993. I 1977 tháinig an t-ambasadóir nua ó Mheiriceá chuig an tír. I 1983 bhí raic sa chomhairle de bharr an mholadh chonradh nua. Sin Donna Summer le I Feel Love – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 1977. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1989 chuaigh Martika chuig uimhir a haon I Meiriceá lena hamhrán Toy Soldiers agus d'fhan sí ann ar feadh dhá sheachtain. Chuaigh sí chuig uimhir a cúig sa Bhreatain. I 2004 fuair amhránaí Arthur Crier bás de bharr cliseadh croí. Bhí sé ball de The Chimes agus d'oibrigh sé le Little Eva, Gene Pitney, The Four Tops. The Temptations, Ben E.King, Johnny Nash agus The Coasters. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh amhránaí Selena Gomez I Meiriceá I 1992 agus rugadh aisteoir Willem Dafoe I Meiriceá ar an lá seo I 1955 agus seo chuid de na rudaí a rinne sé. Beidh mé ar ais libh amárach le heagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo. Welcome back to another edition of Ar An Lá Seo on the 22nd of July, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 1983: 15 junior ministers lost state cars in £1m cut. 1994: Booming economy was to grow by 6pc after flat 1993. 1977: New U.S ambassador to Ireland arrived. 1983: There was council uproar over contract recommendation. That was Donna Summer with I Feel Love – the biggest song on this day in 1977 Onto music news on this day In 1989 Former actress Martika started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Toy Soldiers', a No.5 hit in the UK. 2004 American singer, songwriter and producer Arthur Crier died of heart failure. Member of The Chimes and had worked with Little Eva, Gene Pitney, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Ben E. King, Johnny Nash and The Coasters. And finally celebrity birthdays on this day – singer Selena Gomez was born in America in 1992 and actor Willem Dafoe was born in America on this day in 1955 and this is some of the stuff he has done. I'll be back with you tomorrow with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.

What does it take to go from high school marching band to playing drums for major Broadway tours? Meet Jaren Angud, a versatile percussionist whose journey has taken him from ska cover bands in garages to international stages with Disney and beyond.In this episode, Jaren and I dive deep into his story:* How a high school French horn mishap led him to drums* Playing in ska and punk bands before discovering theater music* Why he originally planned to be an engineer, not a musician* The moment he decided to pursue music seriously and how grad school shaped his path* Landing national and international tours like Flashdance The Musical and Beauty and the Beast* Touring across the U.S. and overseas—from Cairo to Qatar—and what it taught him about culture, travel, and resilience* What life is like as the drummer for the First National Tour of Back to the Future: The Musical* How he and his wife turned RV living into a full-time touring lifestyle* Managing fitness, routine, and mental focus while on the road* Advice for drummers who want to break into the Broadway world: versatility, preparation, and mindsetJaren's story is full of practical advice, real-life insights, and inspiring lessons about saying “yes” to opportunities and staying ready for the big call.Mentioned in this episode:* His early influences: Travis Barker, ska bands, and marching percussion* Transitioning from music education to performance* Why being a “total drummer” is the key to success* Tips for navigating long-haul touring, from budgeting to health* The reality of subbing on Broadway and how Jaren prepared for Back to the FutureWhether you're a drummer dreaming of Broadway, a musician navigating freelance life, or someone curious about the touring lifestyle, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.And if you've ever dreamed of building a theater career of your own, my new book is almost here.Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career is launching soon.Get your name on the list at BroadwayBoundBook.com to be among the first to grab a copy when it drops.Thanks for listening!Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.Clayton's Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions such as Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and Hadestown (tour), among many others. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2016 conversation with Mike Stoller. ABOUT MIKE STOLLERMike Stoller has written more than 60 songs that have appeared on the Billboard charts, including the #1 hits “Hound Dog,” “Kansas City,” “Yakety Yak,”  “Searchin',” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Poison Ivy,” “Stand By Me,” “Young Blood,” “Don't,” and “Ruby, Baby." After Stoller and songwriting partner Jerry Leiber found early R&B success with recordings by Little Esther, Charles Brown, Ray Charles, and Big Mama Thornton, Elvis Presley turned their song "Hound Dog" into a #1 single on the pop, R&B, and country charts in 1956. Elvis went on to record more than 20 Leiber and Stoller titles, including the hits "Love Me," "Loving You," "Jailhouse Rock," "Treat Me Nice," "She's Not You," and "Bossa Nova Baby." Mike and Jerry signed an independent production deal with Atlantic Records in the mid-1950s, where they wrote and produced a series of hits for several artists, including the Drifters' "There Goes My Baby," "Dance With Me," and "On Broadway." Additionally, the pair wrote and produced all the Coasters' singles, including "Young Blood," "Searchin'," "Charlie Brown," "Along Came Jones," and "Poison Ivy." Other highlights from the Leiber and Stoller songbook include "Love Potion No. 9," which was a hit for both the Clovers and the Searchers, and "Is That All There Is," which was a hit for Peggy Lee. Eleven different versions of their song “Stand By Me” appeared on the Billboard charts over the span of 50 years, with the original version by Ben E. King hitting the Top 10 in both 1961 and 1986. Smokey Joe's Cafe, which included 40 Leiber and Stoller songs, opened in 1995 and became the longest running musical revue in Broadway history. Stoller received the prestigious ASCAP Founders Award in 1991, has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and is a member of both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.We're closing in on 100 interviews here at Broadway Drumming 101, and we're just getting started. We've got a great lineup ahead. Upcoming episodes include conversations with:* Pili Fronda* Michael Manesseh* Matthew Friedman* Joe Bergamini* Tom Jorgensen* Trevor HolderWe're also re-releasing some Broadway Drumming 101 Classic Episodes you may have missed, featuring:* Jesse-Ray Leich* Jake Goldbas* Paul Pizzuti* Dena Tauriello* Larry Lelli* Rich Rosenzweig* Elena Bonomo…and many more.Be sure to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. And subscribe to the Broadway Drumming 101 YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes video content.In this episode, I talk with Augusto Oropeza, the drummer on the national tour of Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations. He shares what it's really like playing this music night after night, life on the road, his transition from an IT career into full-time performance, and the story of how he landed the gig in the first place.We discuss:* How he went from auditing the show to joining the cast on tour* The challenges of split-week travel and three-city weeks* Why he left behind a steady job in cybersecurity to chase his dream* His influences—from Jonathan Moffett and Vinnie Colaiuta to Karen Carpenter and Sheila E* What it takes to stay healthy and injury-free on tour* The importance of networking, versatility, and being a good hang* The reality of drum booths, tight pits, late-night DoorDash, and finding community on the road* How Cirque du Soleil and musical theater sparked his passion for live performanceThis is an honest and inspiring look at what it means to live the touring musician's life.Support the show by visiting our merch store: merchandise.broadwaydrumming101.comAnd if you've ever dreamed of building a theater career of your own, my new book is almost here.Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career is launching soon.Get your name on the list at BroadwayBoundBook.com to be among the first to grab a copy when it drops.Thanks for listening!Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.Clayton's Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions such as Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and Hadestown (tour), among many others. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

It's a classic episode of Baxie's Musical Podcast with guitar legend Carlos Alomar from June of 2023! From 1974 to 2003 Carlos Alomar was the longest serving band member during David Bowie's historic career. He served as one of the key members of Bowie's infamous D.A.M. rhythm section--playing during the most artistically power stretch of his career. But that's not all. Carlos has played on more than 30 different gold or platinum albums with an enormous resume that includes names like James Brown, Chuck Berry, Bruce Springsteen, Duran Duran, Alicia Keyes, Iggy Pop, Luther Vandross, The Pretenders, Simple Minds (featuring his wife Robin Clark), Ben E. King, The Main Ingredient, and the late Tina Turner as well. This is one of the most astonishingly brilliant guests EVER! One of my favorite episodes! Absolutely amazing! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and on the Rock102 app! Brought to you by Metro Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Chicopee

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.We're closing in on 100 interviews here at Broadway Drumming 101, and we're just getting started. We've got a great lineup ahead. Upcoming episodes include conversations with:* Pili Fronda* Michael Manesseh* Matthew Friedman* Joe Bergamini* Tom Jorgensen* Trevor HolderWe're also re-releasing some Broadway Drumming 101 Classic Episodes you may have missed, featuring:* Jesse-Ray Leich* Jake Goldbas* Paul Pizzuti* Dena Tauriello* Larry Lelli* Rich Rosenzweig* Elena Bonomo…and many more.Be sure to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. And subscribe to the Broadway Drumming 101 YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes video content.In this episode, I talk with Augusto Oropeza, the drummer on the national tour of Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations. He shares what it's really like playing this music night after night, life on the road, his transition from an IT career into full-time performance, and the story of how he landed the gig in the first place.We discuss:* How he went from auditing the show to joining the cast on tour* The challenges of split-week travel and three-city weeks* Why he left behind a steady job in cybersecurity to chase his dream* His influences—from Jonathan Moffett and Vinnie Colaiuta to Karen Carpenter and Sheila E* What it takes to stay healthy and injury-free on tour* The importance of networking, versatility, and being a good hang* The reality of drum booths, tight pits, late-night DoorDash, and finding community on the road* How Cirque du Soleil and musical theater sparked his passion for live performanceThis is an honest and inspiring look at what it means to live the touring musician's life.Support the show by visiting our merch store: merchandise.broadwaydrumming101.comAnd if you've ever dreamed of building a theater career of your own, my new book is almost here.Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career is launching soon.Get your name on the list at BroadwayBoundBook.com to be among the first to grab a copy when it drops.Thanks for listening!Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.Clayton's Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions such as Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and Hadestown (tour), among many others. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Originally released: October 2021In this classic episode, I talk with Dennis Arcano—an all-around force in the musical theater world: Educator / Audio Engineer / Synth & Drum Programmer / Composer. He's subbed on shows like Death Becomes Her, tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Jagged Little Pill, and more.Dennis and I go way back, and in this episode, we talk about how he broke into the scene, from his first professional gig at Candlewood Playhouse to subbing on Broadway. He shares how a single connection led to his first Broadway subbing gig on Follies, and how that eventually led to touring tick, tick...BOOM! with his wife alongside him.He gets into:* How to properly prepare for a subbing gig (and what not to do)* His path as a multi-instrumentalist and why that matters* Why it's important to play like the drummer you're subbing for* His philosophy on groove, gear, teaching, and building trust in the pit* What it was like to come back to Broadway years later for Jagged Little PillThis episode is a masterclass in professionalism, humility, and the power of staying ready. Whether you're a drummer looking to break into the Broadway scene or someone who wants to understand what it really takes to make it, this is one worth going back to.Listen now and subscribe to the podcast for more inspiring and honest conversations with the drummers behind the shows.And grab your copy of my book: BroadwayBoundBook.comClayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.Clayton's Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions such as Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and Hadestown (tour), among many others. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.In this episode, Clayton chats with drummer Patrick Phelan IV, the current touring drummer for the Shucked First National Tour. Patrick shares how a random hangout in NYC led to his first Broadway subbing opportunity and how he's since built a career full of friendship, groove, and grit.We dive into his musical upbringing in Wisconsin, where he studied classical percussion at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, and how his early decision to leave veterinary studies for a life behind the drum kit changed everything. Patrick talks about balancing eight shows a week, playing pickleball and golf to stay sane on the road, and bleeding all over his snare in Dallas — literally.Patrick also opens up about:* His deep love for Yacht Rock and why he dreams of touring with Michael McDonald or Christopher Cross* Learning to play entire shows from Vimeo videos (with no charts!) — like his recent tour with Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard* Why subbing on Shucked led to a national tour* Playing music for music's sake—not just for the showWhether you're a drummer, a theater musician, or someone trying to figure out how to break into the Broadway world, this episode is packed with real advice, honest stories, and some good laughs.Featured Topics:* Getting into musical theater through friendship and trust, not just auditions* Classical chops meeting country-pop grooves on Shucked* Why networking isn't just schmoozing—it's about real human connection* Staying musically inspired while playing the same show night after night* The role of joy, artistic outlets, and “pretending you're at your own rock concert” when playing in isolationAbout Patrick Phelan:Outside of Broadway, Patrick has toured internationally with Americana band Them Coulee Boys, recording the album Die Happy, which charted on the American Radio Album charts. He played for the Grammy-nominated Jazz Ensemble 1 at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and performed at PASIC with the UWEC percussion quartet. Patrick also teaches private lessons in drum set, concert percussion, and piano.Connect with Patrick:Instagram: @patrickphelan4Email: patrickphelan4@gmail.comCheck out the Broadway Bound and Beyond book and merch!Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.Clayton's Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions such as Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and Hadestown (tour), among many others. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

What happens when you're brand new to NYC, hanging out between shows, and you meet someone who might change your life? That's exactly what happened to drummer Patrick Phalen.In this candid clip, Patrick shares how a simple hangout with Shannon Ford and Joshua Samuels, who were both playing Beetlejuice, introduced him to Emma Ford, who later offered him the chance to sub on Shucked. Fast forward, and he's now on the First National Tour.The episode drops on Saturday, June 21st!Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify⭐️ Please subscribe, rate, and review—it helps more people discover the show and supports what we're building with Broadway Drumming 101.Hit that follow button, tell a friend, and join us as we explore the real stories behind Broadway's pit musicians.Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.Clayton's Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions such as Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and Hadestown (tour), among many others. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.In this episode, Clayton chats with drummer Patrick Phelan IV, the current touring drummer for the Shucked First National Tour. Patrick shares how a random hangout in NYC led to his first Broadway subbing opportunity and how he's since built a career full of friendship, groove, and grit.We dive into his musical upbringing in Wisconsin, studying classical percussion at UW–Eau Claire, and how his early decision to leave veterinary studies for a life behind the drum kit changed everything. Patrick talks about balancing eight shows a week, playing pickleball and golf to stay sane on the road, and bleeding all over his snare in Dallas — literally.Patrick also opens up about:* His deep love for Yacht Rock and why he dreams of touring with Michael McDonald or Christopher Cross* Learning to play entire shows from Vimeo videos (with no charts!) — like his recent tour with Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard* Why subbing on Shucked led to a national tour* Playing music for music's sake—not just for the showWhether you're a drummer, a theater musician, or someone trying to figure out how to break into the Broadway world, this episode is packed with real advice, honest stories, and some good laughs.Featured Topics:* Getting into musical theater through friendship and trust, not just auditions* Classical chops meeting country-pop grooves on Shucked* Why networking isn't just schmoozing—it's about real human connection* Staying musically inspired while playing the same show night after night* The role of joy, artistic outlets, and “pretending you're at your own rock concert” when playing in isolationAbout Patrick Phelan:Outside of Broadway, Patrick has toured internationally with Americana band Them Coulee Boys, recording the album Die Happy, which charted on the American Radio Album charts. He played for the Grammy-nominated Jazz Ensemble 1 at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and performed at PASIC with the UWEC percussion quartet. Patrick also teaches private lessons in drum set, concert percussion, and piano.Connect with Patrick:Instagram: @patrickphelan4Email: patrickphelan4@gmail.comCheck out the Broadway Bound and Beyond book and merch!Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.Clayton's Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions such as Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and Hadestown (tour), among many others. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.In this classic episode of Broadway Drumming 101, I chat with the multi-talented percussionist Joshua Mark Samuels, whose Broadway journey spans from singing and dancing as a child in California to holding down chairs in some of the biggest shows on Broadway and Radio City.We initially chatted in October of 2021, but I wanted to share this episode again. It's funny, thought-provoking, and incredibly informative. Episode Highlights:* Early Musical Roots: Josh shares stories of growing up in L.A., starting drum lessons at the age of two and a half, and learning music theory from his legendary uncle, Dave Samuels.* Dual Passions: How Josh navigated his love for both performing on stage and playing in orchestras, eventually fusing both into a career in musical theater.* Cruise Ship Hustle: Becoming a music director at age 21 and realizing pit drumming was his true calling.* Move to NYC: Josh recounts his unexpected relocation to New York and how one subway ride introduced him to Broadway drummer Gary Seligson, kick-starting his networking journey.* Landing Marvelous Wonderettes & Godspell: Hear how obsessive preparation, transcriptions, and laser-focused practice helped Josh build a strong reputation as a sub.* Radio City Christmas Spectacular: What it's really like to play 200+ shows in two months with the Rockettes—and why this gig is one of the most demanding in the business.* Subbing Philosophy: Learn why being effective matters more than being right, how to take notes without ego, and why watching the conductor is non-negotiable.* Building a Career: Josh offers insight into the importance of relationships, people skills, and being someone others want to be around, on and off the bandstand.Key Takeaways:* “Subbing is a people game. It's not just about chops—it's about trust.”* “Obsessive preparation isn't about showing off—it's about honoring the gig.”* “You don't succeed on Broadway because you're the best player. You succeed because you're the best fit.”About Joshua Mark Samuels:Josh currently holds the drums/percussion chair at Maybe Happy Ending on Broadway. His resume includes work on notable productions such as Beetlejuice, Aladdin, Miss Saigon, Jersey Boys, Chaplin, Godspell, A Bronx Tale, and Sunset Boulevard, among others. He's performed all three percussion books (drums, timpani, mallets) at Radio City's Christmas Spectacular, and he's a respected clinician and educator with presentations at NYU, Carnegie Mellon, Rutgers, and Temple University.He proudly endorses Vic Firth, Sabian Cymbals, MalletKat, and TreeHouse Drums.Website: joshuamarksamuels.comSubscribe to Broadway Drumming 101 on your favorite podcast platform, and visit BroadwayDrumming101.com for more content, resources, and merch.Don't forget to rate, review, and share this episode with fellow musicians and theater fans!Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.Clayton's Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions such as Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and Hadestown (tour), among many others. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Frank Zambrano didn't take the traditional path to a Broadway tour, but that's exactly what makes his journey so inspiring.In this episode, Frank shares:* Why his biggest advice is to get out of the musical theater bubble* The pivotal role the Broadway Percussion Seminar played in his development* A quote from Clint de Ganon that changed his mindset forever* How his second chance to play Kimberly Akimbo became a story of preparation, grit, and follow-through* What it took to turn theme park gigs and months of shadowing into a Broadway pit opportunityWhether you're an aspiring pit musician or just someone chasing a dream, Frank's story is packed with the kind of real-world advice that doesn't get taught in school.Listen now and hear how Frank made his second shot count.Subscribe to our YouTube channel – help us reach 1,000 subscribers by the end of June:

Q. Robinson on the 92nd episode of the Broadway Drumming 101 Inc. podcast: Tour LifeIn this episode of Broadway Drumming 101, Q. Robinson shares what it's really like on the road with a major musical. He talks about longer stays in each city, the physical and emotional toll of eight shows a week, and how the role of the drummer has shifted in modern theatre.Watch the full conversation in Episode 92.Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.Clayton's Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he's contributed his talents to Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Correction…This Week's Podcast GuestHey everyone – quick note!Sorry about the last email. I had Frank Pagano on my mind while posting about this week's episode featuring Frank Zambrano. Both are incredible drummers who've been guests on Broadway Drumming 101, and I'm honored to share their stories.The title is fixed now. Thanks for rolling with it—and don't forget to check out the latest episode!

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Originally recorded in October of 2021, this conversation with Sammy Merendino is a standout. Sammy is a Broadway veteran with decades of experience under his belt and a reputation for being one of the most reliable and musical drummers in the business.In this episode, we discuss:* Growing up in Akron, Ohio, and playing in several bands during his formative years.* What it was like auditioning for Chubby Checker and getting an 18-month tour.* The importance of playing live and playing with older and better players.* Going to a cattle call for a Billy Idol tour and his many second-place finishes.* How a $2.75 beer at the Prince Street Bar catapulted him to another level where he became the go-to guy for drum programming in New York City.* Meeting Larry Blackman and recoding ‘ Single Life' and eventually programming the drums for their breakout album “Word Up.”* Working on commercials in the morning, then off to do sessions with Hall and Oates in the afternoon, and Cameo later at night.* How he met Cyndi Lauper and got the drum chair at Kinky Boots.This is the kind of episode that every drummer trying to break into theater should hear. Sammy is full of practical wisdom, and his calm, grounded approach is something a lot of players can learn from.Sammy has recorded and/or performed with many top artists, including Cameo, Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Foreigner, Lou Reed, Aretha Franklin, Ziggy Marley, Hall & Oates, The Beach Boys, Pat Metheny, Joan Osborne, Anita Baker, Sophie B. Hawkins, Carly Simon, Paul Rodgers, and many others. He has played on numerous Grammy-winning recordings and over 1,000 commercials and television themes, including Monday Night Football with Hank Williams Jr., Nightline, World News Tonight, and ABC Golf.Currently residing in Harlem, Sammy's turn-of-the-century brownstone is home to a state-of-the-art recording studio. Complete with Pro-tools HDX, Neve/API/BAE/ mic pre's and EQ's, vintage microphones, and compressors, his drums are always set up, and mic'd - ready to go!If you're serious about making a career in Broadway drumming, don't miss this one.Subscribe to Broadway Drumming 101 wherever you listen to podcasts, and visit broadwaydrumming101.com for more interviews, resources, and stories from the pit.Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.Clayton's Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he's contributed his talents to Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Lesson Two, and Two and a half.A 7-part series by Member389. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Stories. This summer job wasn't turning out the way I'd thought. So far I'd mowed the lawn, done the dishes, (thankfully there's a dishwasher) hauled trash, done laundry, dusted and vacuumed. When Summer asked if I wanted to help her out for a few weeks I sort of expected there would be fringe benefits to go with, or instead of, getting paid. Instead it was actual work. She wasn't shy, about her body or mine, she often would wrap her arm around my waist to help with her balance. She occasionally stroked my ass through my jeans. I didn't hesitate to return the favor but I always ended up with only a smile in return. I figured after that first day when I took the job I might get some more personal time with her. The other night I helped her to run a bath, and she shooed me out of the bathroom. One night we watched a late movie I slept over, and ended up on the couch. Something didn't seem right about all of this. Nearly a week had gone by, and it was as if that first day hadn't even happened, and I was too shy to say anything. I hitched the grocery bag I was carrying a little higher, tonight, I'd say something tonight.I walked up to the kitchen stoop and pulled open the screen door and I heard a gasping cry. I dropped the bags on the table and darted into the living room, she wasn't there. Another cry, and I looked to the right and saw the bedroom door was open. I walked quietly towards the door, and Summer was laying back on the bed naked except for her bandaged ankle. She was sliding a pink vibrator up and down between her thighs. She tilted it slightly and slid it into her, her other hand pulling on her nipple. I was instantly hard watching her pleasure herself. She let go of the nipple and slid her hand down and began flicking her clit, rubbing it fast. She arched her back crying out "Yes!" She pulled the vibrator out slipping her fingers in as she came. She continued rubbing her clit slowly and stroked her fingers in and out for a few before falling flat to the sheets like a deflated balloon. Her breathing was fast and shallow."How long have you been watching?" She asked, not looking up. She looked absolutely radiant, her skin flushed pink through her tan. Her hair was a tangled mess of sun streaked gold, she looked fantastic."Just a couple minutes." I said quietly looking down at the floor. I heard the old brass headboard creak and I peeked up. She had raised her head and was looking at me."What's the matter?" She asked gently. I shrugged and walked out to the kitchen, and started putting away the groceries."I picked up some local shrimp for lunch. I'll put them on ice in the fridge." I said loudly from the kitchen. I turned and Summer was leaning against the doorway to the kitchen watching me with her arms crossed in front of her, buck naked. She gave me a shrewd glance."Please tell me what's bothering you."I looked at her for a moment, then turned away and put a couple other items in the fridge."Nothing." I said, unconvincingly."It's just..." I started. I looked over at her and said."Never mind." I walked out to the yard looking around to see if I should mow the lawn again already or not. I heard the screen door bang shut behind me. I felt her hand on my shoulder as she stepped up beside me."I love it here. The salty sea air, the big sky, everything seems so much simpler." She said softly. I instinctively wrapped my arm around her waist, her skin was warm and damp."Why?" I asked softly."Why what, Pete?" She asked with surprising sincerity. "Why haven't we had sex since Monday? Is that what you want to know? Are you asking me if you were a one afternoon-stand? What Pete? Ask me." She urged.Her words inflamed me and my frustration flared. "Yes!" I turned to face her, her arm sliding down from my shoulder. "Was I just a one shot deal? Screw me, then have me cook and clean for you?" I immediately sensed I'd gone too far and full well expected a slap. I'd deserve it if she did. I opened my eyes wide.She stood there looking at me, her eyes smoldering. She coolly pointed out. "Which one of us is the one standing here naked?" I stood there a moment longer, every muscle in my body taut like a drawn bow. I snapped and took hold of her and kissing her hard as our lips parted, tongues lashing out at each other like sparring fencers. Her arms wrapped around my waist pulling us together."Damn, I thought I you'd never come around." She said between kisses. I leaned back and gave her a queer look."What?" I asked, completely confused. She grinned ear to ear."Lesson number 2, confidence is sexy. Hell it took me walking around naked to get your damned attention. What the hell is wrong with you?" She bopped me on the forehead. I shrugged, feeling completely confused. I had no idea what she was talking about."This exercise, which you nearly failed miserably I might add, was to see if you would take the lead. I personally tend to be a bit passive. Therefore, as the guy, you need to learn to take the lead, just like dancing." She held my hand up and snugged her hand around my back and gave a little sway."The other night when you fell asleep on the couch I laid awake waiting for you for nearly an hour. I finally took matters into my own hands, maybe I should have made more noise.""I knew girls were crazy. I honestly was hoping to get more insight from you, not more confused." I said smiling. "You were waiting for me?""You haven't seen crazy yet, give me a week." She winked.I groaned, then kissed her again, holding her against me, my hands stroking down her back to her ass massaging it as I pulled her to me. Holding her was like holding a flame, seductive, hypnotizing and hot, and I didn't care if I got burned."Tell me you've had the good sense to pick up some protection." Summer mumbled between kisses. Without breaking our kiss I reached back for my wallet and held it up."Please tell me you bought more than one." She growled. I felt her hands come between us resting on the waist of my jeans unbuttoning them and grabbing for the zipper. She pushed my jeans and boxers down far enough for me to escape captivity. She let out an appreciative hum as she ran her hand up and down my hardened length. She broke our kiss long enough to grab the hem of my polo shirt and drag it up pulling it over my head. She leaned down and took one of my nipples into her mouth. I gasped out loud at how the sensation shot through me. It felt as if my cock was getting even harder and I didn't think that was possible."Holy shit! Does it feel this way when I do this to you?" I gasped.She hummed an agreement as she switched to the other side, then stepped back and looked at me smiling.I stood dumb-founded for a moment. I quickly realized she was waiting for me to do something. She placed her hands on her hips and gave them a slight tilt. "I'm all yours, all you need do is tell me how you'd like me, or better yet, show me." She winked. I kicked off my shoes and pushed my pants the rest of the way off and looked at her for a moment. The sun kissed her body so exquisitely, her pink nipples hard and pointing straight at me. Her hair was blowing in the breeze surrounding angelic face like a golden halo. I stepped forward, wrapped her up in my arms again and kissed her deeply. I ran my hand up between us taking her breast in my hand cupping it twirling the nipple in my fingers. I work my mouth down her jaw, kissing her neck and I feel her shudder and gasp. I moved down the center of her chest trailing kisses to the other nipple and teased it with my tongue before taking into my mouth suckling it gently. A moan escaped her lips. Her hand was pulling me towards her, fingers running through my hair. I wanted her so badly but I didn't want this to end. I pulled away looking up at her face, her mouth hung open her eyes half closed."Your ankle has to be killing you right now." I said, noting she'd been standing for a while now. I walked over and brought one of the Adirondack chairs over and set it behind her and she smiled. I laid my clothes on it to keep her from burning her ass on the sun heated wood. She just looked at me without sitting. "Sit down." I told her, and she tilted her head in assent and sat. I knelt down in front of her and kissed her nipple again and began trailing kisses down her stomach. She took the cue and leaned back on the chair. I flicked her little belly button ring aside and licked her belly button. She let out a whoop and jumped, chuckling."Ticklish?" I chuckled. She grasped a handful of my hair and gave me a little push further down, but I was going at my own pace and I made my way down nuzzling her little blond stripe. I kissed my way around her pouting lips, my tongue darting out giving little licks. She tasted sweet, the scent of her was driving me mad, I couldn't take it any longer and slipped my tongue into her as I massaged her clit.She arched her back and moaned. "Yes!" I lapped up to her clit taking it in my lips and giving it due attention. Her cries got louder and I stepped up the assault on her. Her leg came up over my shoulder and she pulled me hard into her with her heel. I let up a bit, I didn't want this to end too soon, it seemed that I wasn't the only one enjoying it. I slipped my middle finger into her, and felt her grip it tightly. Her hips started rocking forward. I was pretty sure I could finish her off quickly if I had a mind to, but I didn't. I continued bathing her clit, varying the pressure on it. She let out a few short gasps. "Please?!" She begged. I knew then I had to finish her and slipped another finger in to join the first and intensified my tongue lashing. Her hips lifted off the chair as she climaxed. She held on to me, still moaning, finally collapsing back into the chair panting."You sir, are a natural." She gasped. I returned her smile and licked my fingers."Am I mistaken, or is there a very hard cock in my immediate future?" I grinned even wider and nodded. "How would you like me?""Over hard." I said smiling. Her eyes lit up like a fire had been kindled."Well then, dig that little party hat out and show me how easy it is to put on."I chuckled and dove for my wallet lying on the grass a few feet away. I dug out the foil wrapper and crawled back. I tore open the packet holding the ring carefully and reaching down, putting in place and unrolled it carefully."Very good." She said her eyes flashing. She stood up and knelt down on the grass facing the chair. "Over like this? I'm sure you'll supply the 'hard' part." She added with a wink."Yes." I said, my breath shallow. I had to have her and scooted up behind her and lined up pushing the head in. I took her hips and pushed forward in a single motion burying myself in her.We both gasped loudly. In moments she started moving her hips back and forth and I pulled out and began taking slow strokes at first, but I knew I wasn't going to last. She leaned back pushing hard against me and I responded in kind driving forward, the sound of our bodies coming together pushed me into a frenzy. Her gasps were coming in short cries of, "Yes!" She began shaking in my hands, her moans coming from deep in her throat as she arched back into me and climaxed again pushing me over the edge. I drove her forward nearly knocking her and the chair over as I stiffened arching my back. I froze in place for what seemed an eternity, and not long enough both at the same time as I came deep in her.She leaned back against my chest, the heat of her skin against me was incredible, she reached behind us grasping my ass pulling our hips tight together. "I love how you feel inside me." She whispered. I leaned down and began kissing her shoulder, working my way up to her neck and nibbled on her ear."I love how you feel too." I said, my voice a little weak.She breathed a deep contented sigh. "What now?" A small smirk spread across her lips."I don't know about you but I worked up an appetite." I said. "Those shrimp sound good about now.""All this and you cook too. You're not going to be single long." She chuckled and reached up behind her and stroked my cheek. "I think we may need to move for that though." She said lightly, reminding me that I still had her pinned against the chair. I leaned back, pulling free of her. I stood stepping back, I gathered up my clothing. Summer put her good foot down and stood, steadying herself on the arms of the chair. "Let's go clean up and have lunch." She smiled slipping an arm around my waist and we went into the house.I started a pan for the shrimp, a little olive oil, some garlic and some red pepper flakes tossed on top of fresh spinach. My killer homemade vinaigrette to top and she would be mine. Well she already seemed to be. I stopped and stared out the little window above the sink out over the water. That thought caught me by surprise. What exactly was going on here? An hour ago I was pissed off for being shunned, now I was making her lunch with a silly, satisfied grin on my face.Summer hobbled into the kitchen wearing a pale blue tank top and panties with little pink hearts on them."Don't you own pants?" I asked smiling."Sure, would you rather I be fully dressed, or comfortable?" She asked."Oh I don't mind your outfit, as long as you don't mind your lunch burnt to a crisp." I laughed."What are you making?" She replied chuckling."I'm going to woo you with my culinary skills. My own special shrimp and spinach salad with homemade vinaigrette." I said."Wow, sounds awesome. You're a man of many talents. I think you're a little late in the wooing department though." She said smiling.My chest tightened at that. Nobody ever thought of me as a man before. Everybody has always treated me as a kid until now. The shock of it must have been evident in my expression."What?" She asked, her eyes widening. I didn't answer her, I just leaned forward and kissed her softly, she responded in turn."Nothing." I said, my grin returning."Need a hand?" I handed her two lemons with directions to squeeze the hell out of them then juice them for me into a bowl. I diced up the shallot, and garlic tossing them into the big bowl, salt and pepper followed. In went a huge dollop of spicy mustard, I looked at how much juice Summer had squeezed out of the lemons and eyeballed it pouring it into the bowl, straining out the seeds. I dug a whisk out of the drawer and started whisking in olive oil."Most vinaigrette recipes ask for vinegar, obviously. I like mine with lemon juice, especially with seafood." I said. I stopped whisking dribbling a little onto my finger to try it. "That's the ticket." I said offering a taste to Summer who agreed with a little sound. I set the big bowl aside and had her start splitting the cherry tomatoes. The shrimp were rinsed and patted dry on a towel, and I threw some garlic into the pan starting it with some of the olive oil. I salted and peppered the shrimp and in they went tossing them around to coat them all with the hot oil. They were ready in a couple minutes and the kitchen smelled terrific. I stacked the plates with spinach and started building the salads with the tomatoes, red onions, shrimp and as a topper sliced almonds."If this tastes like it looks, you're staying on as cook after this heals." She said lifting her foot behind her."Prepare to have your mind blown." I said handing her a plate and a fork. I had brought a small baguette with me which I'd sliced up and we ate."A girl could get used to this." She smiled popping a shrimp into her mouth. Cooking for a girl is a sure way into her panties."I laughed. "Even if she wasn't wearing any?""Well she's wearing some now." Her eyes flashed."But for how long?" I said playing along."You have your driver's license don't you?" She asked, changing the subject."Yea, I just don't have a car of my own yet." I said, wondering why she asked."Do you know of anybody that would loan you one, like your folks?""Yea I'm sure I can get one. Why, do you want to do it in the backseat?" I wiggled my eyebrows at her."Hell yea, but I'd also like to get a ride to go get my Jeep. It's been down at the clinic for a week now. They told me it would be safe but I'm getting a little stir crazy stuck here in the house." She replied.I looked out the window. "I can ride down and bring it back, it's only about four or five miles." I said."Ride?" She asked."I have a bike, I can put it in the back and haul it back if you don't mind.""Not at all." She smiled.I did the dishes and cleaned up after lunch, and Summer kicked back on the sofa folding a load of laundry I'd done earlier. I took a look at the grass, yea the lawn could wait a couple more days. "What else needs to be done?" I asked from the kitchen. I got no answer. I walked into the living room and she was bobbing her head as I walked around the edge of the couch I noticed she'd put in earbuds and was listening to her mp3 player. She was lip syncing some unknown song. She looked up at me and grinned, pulling one of the buds loose."I couldn't live without my music." She threw a towel at me to fold."Listening to anything good?" She mentioned a band I'd never heard of, and moved the folded stuff from beside her and patted the seat beside her. I sat and she handed me the ear bud."Check it out, you might like it." I put it in my ear and listened for a song or two, folding another towel. A hard rock song started and she turned it up a bit and started singing along. She got to the chorus and really joined in full blast. The lyrics were pretty explicit. I was thinking you wouldn't hear music like that on the radio around here. There was a pause, then a soft intro began. The ballad was soft and low, and Summer stopped and closed her eyes, her lips barely moving with the lyrics. When I noticed I stopped and listened intently to the lyrics, it was about intense, heart-felt, you are my world, kind of love. The kind of love that lasts longer than a lifetime. When it ended she reached down and stopped the playback. She looked straight out the window for a moment and turned to me, a shy sweet smile on her lips."Do you believe in love Pete?" She asked me. I stared at her in wide-eyed amazement for a minute, and began slowly nodding."I do now." I said, my voice barely above a whisper. I wanted to kiss her so badly, but something in her eyes made me hesitate. There was sadness there, and they welled up as if she were doing her best to hold back tears. A wash of emotion swept over me like a storm driven wave, and I leaned forward lifted her chin and kissed her softly. Our lips brushed, our tongues sought out one another, delicately probing. Something wet touched my cheek making me break the kiss long before I wanted to. I pulled back and a tear streamed down Summer's cheek. I reached for one of the towels and daubed it. I took a deep breath and was about to ask why she was crying when a curt little head shake waved off the question."Please don't ask, not yet anyway." She said, her voice thick with emotion. "I'm sorry." She said wiping the remaining tear with the heel of her hand."You don't have anything to be sorry about." I replied softly.She inhaled deeply and let it out slowly. She turned to me with a smile on her mouth but sadness in her eyes."I saw there's a free concert in the park tonight. Want to go? A rock blues cover band is playing. Sounds like they might be good."I knew they were good, my friends brother was in the band, and I'd heard them before. I smiled and nodded. "Sounds like fun, and they are good, I've heard them before.""I should ride down and get the Jeep. There's no way you're walking that far." I said sternly."Yes dear." Summer rolled her eyes at me. She giggled, and got up hobbling off to the bedroom and came back with a set of keys handing them to me."It's black, and I'm guessing the only one with West Virginia plates. It's at the walk-in clinic on Route 12."I nodded. "I know exactly where you mean. I'll go get it. You relax, take a nap if you want. I should be back in an hour or so." I smiled. I kissed her again, the underlying want in our embrace was nearly too much. She placed her hand on my chest, with the barest hint of pressure. She was right, if I kept it up we weren't going anywhere. I reluctantly stepped back, picked up the folded towels and put them away. I walked back out and she had laid down on the couch with her foot up on a pillow. I smiled that she'd taken my suggestion."Can I get you anything before I go?" I said softly leaning over the arm of the couch. She just smiled and gave her head a little shake. She reached up pulling me down closer for a quick upside-down kiss. I headed for the kitchen door, pausing as I closed it quietly, looking back into the house. I turned and started walking home.I walked, lost in thought. This week had been a week of firsts for me. I grinned at the thought of the first day when I lost my virginity to an amazing woman. The aggravation of the following days of not knowing exactly what was happening. If I had just opened my eyes I would have noticed she was waiting for me. Then today when she all but pushed me into making love to her again. I wondered why, well why me anyway. I knew so little about her. What was going on here. We'd known each other about a week, what was that question about believing in love. I could easily fall in love with her, I had to admit. Was I doing just that? So many questions came to mind as I walked up my driveway, I grabbed my bike out of the garage and hopped on. I made my way down to the coast road and started pedaling in earnest up the first rise. The traffic drifted past me as I sought answers to my questions. I pedaled harder nearly coasting up the next rise. Why was I over analyzing this? I was living out a fantasy any red-blooded male would die for. A beautiful, sexy woman wanted to have sex with me, repeatedly. Isn't that enough for me? I laughed out loud at that thought because I realized, it isn't.I rolled down the long slope of the hill seeing the clinic up ahead. I pulled into the parking lot and rode around looking for the Jeep and found it near the side of the building. I checked the plate and got off my bike, took out the keys and opened up the driver's side door. The heat billowed out of it from being parked in the sun so long. The smell of a roasted sweet smelling air freshener poured out and nearly gagged me. I walked to the back and looked at how I was going to get my bike in there and noticed there was a folding bike rack on the spare tire mount. I figured it out in a few minutes and had my bike on it and strapped it into place. I got in and got myself familiar with everything. Started it up and turned up the air conditioning. Once I felt comfortable with everything I pulled on my seat belt and headed out of the parking lot. I got back to town and figured I'd go drop off my bike first. I pulled up in front of the house, and killed the engine. I hopped out and took my bike off the back, then ran inside for some clothes to wear tonight since I was kind of sweaty from the ride. I picked through some stuff and grabbed a bag and tossed it in. I was glad mom wasn't home, I didn't want to have to explain what I was doing, and who owned the Jeep out front. She knew I was working for a tourist that needed help, and unless Paula at the store said anything, Mom had no idea who it was. I made my way back to the house."Thank you for getting my Jeep.""It's no problem. I haven't had much practice with a stick.""Ouch! Do I still have a clutch?" She teased.I just rolled my eyes in imitation of her."The concert is in a few hours and I want to take a bath, you could probably use one too." She scrunched up her nose at me sniffing and making a face."It's your fault I got all sweaty earlier." I said smiling and gave her a quick peck. I got up and went into the bathroom and started the water running."Actually you smell pretty good, like good clean sweat. Let's wash it off."I turned to face her. She looked at me for a moment and raised her arms in silent admonition to undress her. I took the hem of her tank top and lifted it up baring her chest. She never broke my gaze as I knelt and slid her panties over her taut thighs. I took her ankle and she rested her hand on my shoulder for balance as I unwound the bandage and set it up on the counter. She didn't wait for me to get undressed, she reached for my tee and lifted it and I raised my arms in time for her to sweep it off. I kicked off my shoes as she undid the button of my jeans pushing them down. She leaned her head towards the bath and motioned me to get in first. She got in sitting gently between my upraised knees and leaned back against me. She sighed and just closed her eyes and relaxed for a minute. I kissed her on the temple softly and a little smile spread across her lips."We don't need to go to the concert, you know." I whispered in her ear giving it a little nibble."I know, but anticipation will make it better. Trust me. Call it lesson two and a half." She chuckled. She turned and picked up the little scrubby puff sitting in the corner and the bottle of body wash and handed them to me and sat back. I lathered up and began soaping down her chest, working my way down one arm, then the other. I worked down her stomach, making sure not to tangle her little belly button ring in the puff. Her thighs glistened as she raised first one to be washed, then the other. For a moment she liberated the puff and did her calves and feet, being better able to reach them. While there, she did mine as well, working her way back up my thighs. She turned and knelt facing me, lathering up the puff once more. She began washing my chest, and down my stomach eventually making her way down to my now hard cock. She washed it well but didn't linger as she worked her way back up to my arms. She washed my face gently. Her hand rested gently on the back of my neck and drew me to her as she ran the soapy puff over my shoulders and down my back. I wrapped my arms around her hips and pulled her to me. I kissed her navel flicking her little heart dangle. She immediately jumped, and I smiled."Hey I warned you." She said. Before I could respond the soaked puff smacked me on the head, soap suds ran down my face. Summer laughed. "Don't open your eyes." She said, massaging it through my short hair. I heard the water turn on again and she fiddled with the knobs and turned on the hand held sprayer. After a moment I felt her holding it over my head rinsing me off. I stood letting her finish the job, and took the sprayer and began rinsing her off as well. I watched the suds give up their hold on her curves, and I could imagine their sadness from letting her go as they pooled at her feet. She reached down and rinsed the suds down the drain and turned off the water. I stepped out and helped her so she needn't put undue weight on her ankle. I dried Summer off before getting around to me. She headed into the bedroom as I rummaged through the clothes I'd brought. I put on my good jeans and pulled on a polo shirt. Summer passed me in jeans and a little black bra, a shirt slung over her arm. She eyed me up and down as she sauntered past. I followed her into the bath to see what she was up to. She shooed me out claiming she needed to 'put on her face'. Despite my protests that her face was beautiful as is. I got the boot anyway.She came out a few minutes later wearing her long sleeve top with the buttons undone, nearly showing her bra. A little silver pendant hung down her chest of a little sea turtle. I looked at her face and it glowed. Her hair brushed but slightly curly. Her eyes somehow seemed larger and deeper color, and her lips pinker and more inviting. I didn't realize I had been holding my breath until I exhaled sharply.Her smile disappeared. "What?" She looked at me."Nothing!" I said quickly. "It's just that you're so... you're beautiful."She softened at the compliment, the glow returning to her face. "Thank you. You're too sweet." She gave me a quick kiss. "I have a cooler, let's pack something for dinner." We headed into the kitchen and put together a little picnic in the cooler of cheese, veggies and the rest of the baguette from lunch."Damn, I need to make some more tea. Oh well we can swing by the market before they close and see what they have." She said.We gathered up our little cooler and she grabbed a sweatshirt for when it cooled off later, and we headed out. I helped her up into the Jeep and went around and got in the driver's seat."Does it feel odd being chauffeured around?" I asked smiling."No it's kind of nice actually." She smiled back and gave my thigh a squeeze. We stopped in at the store and she hobbled down the aisles and picked up some grapes, and she found a bottle of sparkling cider."If you want they have wine and beer too. I'm driving so you're safe." I smiled."I'm not much of a drinker, this will be fine, and we can share it." She smiled slyly back at me. I took the grapes behind the counter and gave them a good rinse and set them on some paper towels to drain."Do you always walk around like you own the place?" Summer asked."Don't knock it. If it weren't for that, I would never have been so lucky to deliver your groceries last Monday." I wiggled my eyebrows at her making her giggle. "Hey Paula, do you have any cups I can snag for our champagne?""What?" Paula said, shocked."It's just cider!" Summer added quickly holding up the bottle."You know where that stuff is Pete, take what you need." Paula waved me off."Ooh!" I heard behind me as I gathered up the grapes and bagged them up. I looked over my shoulder to see Summer going over a small display of locally made chocolates. She picked up a small back of chocolates to add to the pile.We got up to the counter and Paula was keying everything in."Did you want to settle your bill while you're here Miss Lynne?" Paula asked."Sure it's Friday, no better time." She smiled. "Let's put this on it too." She waved at the pile on the counter. She handed over her card, signed the pad and got her receipt, stuffing it into her wallet. "Oh we don't need a bag, we're going to toss it into the cooler.""Where are you kids off to?" Paula asked innocently. I knew Paula and she was digging for dirt. Luckily I cut in before Summer did."I'm taking Mrs. Lynne down to the concert in the park. She still can't drive her standard with her foot." I said doing my best to sound as innocent as I could. We made our way out and put the rest of the food in the cooler."I'm guessing she's a bit of a gossip?" Summer whispered. "Gotta love small towns. It's the same back home.""Yea well she has an ear for dirt, and she's centrally located to redistribute anything she thinks is juicy enough to share. Let's just put it this way, if she thought I was doing anything besides your lawn you wouldn't live it down with the locals."We both had a good laugh at that as I pulled the Jeep around and headed into town. The street down to the park was going slow, traffic was moving though and people were walking down the sidewalks with blankets and coolers. I pulled up right at the entrance and got a nasty look from a cop."I'm just dropping off the handicapped!" I yelled out the window. Summer gave me an offended look and gave me a punch on the shoulder. "Play it up a bit, maybe I'll get to park closer." I said under my voice. "Go towards the center if you can, maybe about twenty or thirty yards from the stage for the best sound. I'll bring the cooler.""Okay, grab the blanket from behind the back seat while you're at it." She added, and hopped down onto her good foot and hobbled off dramatically. Sure enough, the officer called out and told me to park at the end lot where the police and ambulance were. I made my way back with the cooler and blanket.As I made my way to where I hoped to find Summer I bumped into a few people I knew, swapping quick hello's as I moved through the gathering crowd. I noted at least two admiring stares and noticed they were aimed right where I was headed. I wasn't sure if that made me happy or not. Yes I was here with the lovely lady, and just the thought of that made me grin."What are you smiling at?" She asked seeing me. I shrugged setting down the cooler and spreading out the blanket, and Summer scooted onto it. Recorded Fifties music was playing softly over the sound system from the stage.I leaned in close and said in her ear. "I just noticed that you're drawing attention and I'm wondering how many guys are wishing they were me right now." Her cheeks went pink as she looked up and around looking to see who looking at her."Don't get many women-folk in these parts, do you?" She asked softly. I laughed."Beautiful women don't usually go out on their own. This town is known for eligible bachelors swooping down on unsuspecting fair maidens and making off with them." I said softly, playing along. "Don't worry, I'll protect you." She giggled."Good, I'd hate to be made off with by some 'other' handsome guy, oh the horror!" She said rolling her eyes at me. She leaned in and gave me a peck on the cheek. "Thank you." She smiled. I blushed furiously realizing we were in public and that kiss was a blatant admission that she was without a doubt, with me.The lights facing the crowd began to flash slowly signaling that the show would start in a moment. They went down and the lights on the stage came up slowly in blue. The Fifties music got a little louder and there were couples dancing on the stage.All of a sudden a spot came on in the center of the stage and two guys stood there. John, my buddy Jeff's older brother was one of them. The other guy must have been one of his music school buddies."I can't play like this?" He said holding up a red rag wrapped around his hand. "You did this, now you gotta play for me."John stared at him for a moment and reached for the guitar on the stand and walked to the front of the stage. "This is an oldie, well where I come from it is." He turned to the band. "Watch me for the changes and try to keep up." He started playing Chuck Berry's, Johnny B. Good. He really got into it, dancing around the stage, ending with a huge jump and dropped to his knees with the final note.John stood, to loud applause, and introduced himself and the band, and said they'd be taking a walk down a musical memory lane with us tonight, and he hoped we enjoyed the show. The show was choreographed like a play, as actors appeared on stage to join in the songs and period costumes of the Fifties and Sixties. Everything they played was some sort of blues rock, everything from Ray Charles and Ben E. King, to Marvin Gaye. He stopped to tell us that despite the invasion of British music, American music was still a very powerful influence, and the Sixties weren't only about the Beatles and the Stones."That brings us to the mid-Sixties. We're going to take a quick break, and we'll be right back, don't go anywhere. We're watching you." He pointed at people in the crowd, then laughed. The crowd joined him. "This concert is sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce, but I'd also like to direct you down to our tent over here where we're selling CD's and gear, because we artists need beer and pizza like the rest of the world.""Wow they're good!" Summer said cracking the cooler open and digging out some snacks. "Here, open that would you please?" The plastic cork popped sounding like a champagne bottle. Causing a few people to turn and smile and one to clap. I poured the cider into the cups and we nibbled on the snacks in the cooler. She popped a cherry tomato in my mouth then took one herself."You build a heck of a picnic." I said, causing her to laugh."I slaved over a hot stove all day."The lights on the crowd began to flash again, announcing the end of the intermission. A lone guitar started in on something bluesy.The lights came back up and there were summer of love trappings on stage. The backup singers were dressed in bell bottoms and headbands and long flowing sleeves. John took center stage again and the spot came up on him."Now you may have construed that my earlier remarks about the Sixties not being about the British invasion as a criticism. It wasn't in the least. A lot of bands came out of Britain then, and most of them were excellent to say the least. A good many of these performers sited their love of American jazz and blues as their influence. One such performer was a gentleman named Van Morrison." Quite a few people gave in to a round of applause. "I'd like your help in convincing one of our audience members to give us a hand with the next couple songs. You see my little brother Jeff works the sound board." He pointed down at the front to where Jeff waved. "A good buddy of his from school is one of the best sax players I've ever heard, which is saying a lot when you consider my fellow musicians.""Pete! I know you're out there, Jeff spotted you with a lovely young lady earlier. Maybe we can convince you to break away from her for a few songs."Summer turned to me her eyes wide. "Does he mean you." I was still staring at the stage."Folks let's hear some support to get him up here and get on with the show!" He yelled.Applause erupted through the crowd. I looked at Summer who was clapping furiously and reached over and gave me a push. I stood up and made my way to the sound board through the crowd, people encouraged me as I walked by.I got up to Jeff and said, "Thanks buddy, I owe you one." I'm sure the sarcastic edges wasn't lost on him."I figure if this doesn't impress her panties off, nothing will." He replied.If he only knew, I thought to myself. I stepped up to the edge of the stage and climbed the steps. John was center stage clapping over his guitar. I walked up and shook his hand. I whispered something into his ear, then walked back to where the horns were and picked up a sax, and a mouthpiece. I wet the reed down and mounted it up as the bass player started the riff for Tupelo Honey. The audience started clapping."Pete made a request of me, which is only fair since I dragged him away from his lovely lady friend, so we're dedicating this to her. Summer this is for you." He pointed out to the crowd. The song began and I joined in like I'd been playing every day since school got out. I walked up beside John and played the sax solo like a pro. When we were done serenading Summer we moved on to Days Like This, and segued right into Moondance, my favorite by far. I found myself singing alongside John when I didn't have a solo. The flute player a tall, pretty girl was really getting into it. John improvised the lyric to 'Underneath the cover of June, Rockport skies'. The flutist and I stepped forward next to John and took a bow as the song ended, as he yelled our names into the mic. I was feeling pretty awesome at that point taking off the sax and placing it back on the stand and shaking the hand of its owner thanking him for the use. I made for the steps and waved once more as John started in on the turn of the decade and started on Clapton's Bell Bottom Blues next.I found Summer sitting next to Jeff at the sound board with the biggest grin she could muster without hurting herself."Thanks for the seat." She said to Jeff and stood up and wrapped her arms around my neck giving me a long hard kiss. As we broke our lip lock I saw Jeff give me a thumbs up sign without even looking over at me. I just smiled and turned Summer back to our blanket."Oh my God! That was awesome. Why didn't you tell me you were a musician?" She said as people around us thanked me. I just shrugged."I don't know, I've been playing for six or seven years. I've always loved jazz and blues. It's like a hobby to me." I said. "My grandfather and his brother were trombone players in the Maine state band."John went on to laud bands from the Seventies and picked out Steely Dan as the set went a smoky blue color as they played on. Summer curled into me leaning on my chest as we listened. I was about ready to explode with happiness. They moved on and a girl stepped forward from the backup singers with a microphone and John introduced her and mentioned the influences of the west coast moving up to the Seventies bringing us groups like Heart and they started playing Barracuda. They played a few others ending up with a Billy Joel mash up as their last song. They did Rockport State of Mind to the music of New York State of Mind. People were standing up applauding. I had to admit, John and the band did a hell of a job. They got such a long ovation that they played a two song encore, to another long round of applause."That was awesome!" Summer shouted over the applause. "I wish they did things like this back home!""Welcome to Maine." I said smiling.We packed up the cooler with the remains of our picnic and Summer folded the blanket tossing it over her arm. As we made our way back to the Jeep. I looked over to see her grinning ear to ear again."What?" I asked."I feel like a groupie who's going home with one of the band." She said, causing both of us to laugh.To be continued in part 3, by Member389 for Literotica

Episode 94 — Frank Pagano: From Glen Rock to the Broadway PitIn this must-hear episode of the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast, I sit down with legendary drummer and percussionist Frank Pagano — a true veteran of both the concert stage and the Broadway scene.Frank's career reads like a who's who of the music industry. He's played with icons like Bruce Springsteen, Bette Midler, Al Green, and Phoebe Snow. On Broadway, his credits span from Leader of the Pack and The Who's Tommy to Smokey Joe's Cafe, Cry-Baby, The Pirate Queen, Good Vibrations, Fosse, Big River, Saturday Night Fever, and more. What you'll hear in this episode:* How a 4th-grade music demo sparked Frank's lifelong love of drums.* Growing up and gigging with the Vivino brothers (yes — that Jimmy Vivino).* What it was like studying percussion at Manhattan School of Music and later with Joe Morello and Justin DiCioccio.* His unusual path to Broadway — having a chair before ever subbing.* The real reason he pivoted to Broadway full-time: marriage, fatherhood, and health insurance.* Wisdom on subbing: play their show, not yours.* Lessons from playing percussion alongside killer drummers like Brian Brake.* Touring vs. pit life — the physical grind of the road versus the stability of Broadway.* How working with artists like Laura Nyro and Bruce Springsteen shaped his perspective on artistry and professionalism.* Advice for drummers who want to make it in New York: “Play with everyone. Play everything. Be early. Be likable. Be ready.”Frank's reflections on time, groove, and what it really means to be musical are some of the best insights I've heard on this show. This episode is for any drummer who wants to play on Broadway — and stay there.Watch more episodes on YouTubeListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcastsLearn more about Frank Pagano: https://www.frankpagano.com/bioClayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.Clayton's Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he's contributed his talents to Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Some drummers can play the show. They've got it memorized. But throw them on a gig where they don't know the song? Where there's no chart, no click, no safety net?They freeze.In tomorrow's episode, Frank Pagano breaks down some of the things you'll need to know to have a long-lasting career. A musician can memorize a show and play it just fine, but if someone suddenly calls out a song on a different gig and you haven't played with lots of different bands before, you might have no clue what to do. That kind of experience is what really builds your skills.Playing Broadway is about more than just knowing the notes. It's about being a musician. A collaborator. Someone who listens, adapts, and brings the music to life—even when it's unfamiliar.This episode is essential listening for anyone chasing the Broadway dream, or any gig that demands more than muscle memory.

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.We're bringing back a Broadway Drumming 101 Classic episode with Joe Choroszewski—a musician whose Broadway and live performance resume is as deep as it is diverse.Joe has been on drums for The Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring The Rockettes for the past three seasons, performing hundreds of shows at one of the most iconic venues in the world. Before that, he spent an entire decade (2009–2019) anchoring the Off-Broadway hit Avenue Q at New World Stages, helping extend the legacy of the Tony Award-winning production long after its Broadway run.As a Broadway sub, Joe is in rare company—having performed on more than twenty Broadway productions, including The Lion King, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, Beetlejuice, Frozen, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, Legally Blonde, Jagged Little Pill, Ain't Too Proud, Newsies, and more.Joe also stepped in to take over the drum chairs for Finding Neverland in 2016 and Promises, Promises in 2010, finishing the final runs of both Broadway productions. He was the drummer for the Off-Broadway run of Avenue Q and on tour, he performed in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat starring Patrick Cassidy. Joe was also on the first national tours of Avenue Q and Monty Python's Spamalot.In this episode, Joe shares insights from:* His time working with major artists like Heather Headley, Ariana DeBose, Cheyenne Jackson, Sutton Foster, and Chita Rivera* Backing cabaret icons like Natalie Douglas, Christina Bianco, and “Kenn Boisinger” (Michael West)* Playing for household names like Mario Cantone and Real Housewives star Luann de Lesseps* And his long-standing involvement in Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS benefit eventsBeyond Broadway, Joe's played everywhere—from symphony halls (Princeton Symphony, Allentown Symphony) to cruise ship showbands (Carnival and Norwegian), weddings to worship bands, jazz trios to hard rock cover groups. He's also helped shape new musicals in development and has been a go-to regional drummer for ACT of Connecticut and Ridgefield Playhouse concerts.Education Spotlight:Joe holds a degree in Jazz Studies from the prestigious University of North Texas College of Music, where he studied for six semesters with drum legend Ed Soph. He continued his private study with another legend—Tommy Igoe—in New Jersey and is featured on Igoe's best-selling instructional DVD Great Hands For A Lifetime. Joe has been teaching privately for over 25 years and continues to share his knowledge as a guest clinician at schools and studios.Offstage, Joe lives in Somerset County, NJ, with his wife Giana, their three boys, and three dogs. He's an avid runner, a vintage drum collector, and a passionate Major League Baseball fan.Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.Clayton's Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he's contributed his talents to Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.In this episode of Broadway Drumming 101, we chat with touring legend Paul Hannah, whose career spans over four decades and countless genres—from orchestras to biker bars and Broadway pits to jazz trios.Paul began playing professionally at just 16, growing up in Las Vegas during a time when the mob ran the city and every hotel had a full orchestra. He learned firsthand from giants like Jerry Gilgor, Tommy Check, Leo Camera, Roger Rampton, and Walfredo de los Reyes. Later, he studied with titans like Vic Firth, Alan Dawson, and Alexander Lepak, preparing him for a career that's taken him across the U.S., Canada, Japan, and China.

Mikey amazes Jerry Thornton with his thrilling story about meeting Ben E King. Mikey shares the secrets of perfect bowel health. Mikey and Jerry wonder why it is still legal to drink tequila. Mikey is considering a boycott of Taco Bell. Mikey and Jerry defend Bill Belichick's dating life. Mikey congratulates Worcester for being one of America's fattest cities. Castiglioke makes sure you know that You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mikey amazes Jerry Thornton with his thrilling story about meeting Ben E King. Mikey shares the secrets of perfect bowel health. Mikey and Jerry wonder why it is still legal to drink tequila. Mikey is considering a boycott of Taco Bell. Mikey and Jerry defend Bill Belichick's dating life. Mikey congratulates Worcester for being one of America's fattest cities. Castiglioke makes sure you know that You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet.

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Paul Hannah is the latest guest on the 93rd episode of Broadway Drumming 101. In this episode (dropping May 10), Paul shares how he managed to live out nearly every dream he had in the music business, without ever relocating to New York City. From performing with top-tier jazz musicians to launching a successful Broadway-style career and securing a pension, his journey proves there's more than one path to success.Get his book: Show Drumming – An Expert's Guide to Theatre and TouringPaul's wisdom doesn't stop at the podcast. His new book,

Back when we were all stuck inside and Broadway had gone quiet, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the great Warren Odze—a true Broadway and NYC studio veteran. Re-listening to this interview in 2025, I'm reminded just how rich and inspiring Warren's stories are. Things have changed for the better since we first recorded, but this conversation holds up stronger than ever.Warren has played in an incredible list of Broadway shows, including:

This week's Mixtape Rewind takes us back to our new music mix from October 2022Taylor Swift dominated charts by claiming all top ten Billboard spots with her "Midnights" album – we explore "Mastermind," highlighting how her songwriting prowess continues to evolve while maintaining that distinctive Taylor sound.The musical whiplash continues as we bounce between genres. Flatland Cavalry's folksy "Mountain Song" transports listeners to peaceful natural landscapes, while Sam Smith and Kim Petras deliver the imposing, menacing "Unholy" that marks a dramatic departure from Smith's typical style. Rock veterans make strong showings with Smashing Pumpkins returning to their hard-edged roots on "Beguiled" and Red Hot Chili Peppers honoring guitar legend Eddie Van Halen with their extended six-minute tribute "Eddie."Our exploration reveals fascinating discoveries – from The 1975's "I'm In Love With You" (prompting us to admit we've overlooked their 20-year catalog) to emerging artist Jake Swamp and the Pine's nostalgic "Empty Stomachs and Bloodshot Eyes." We even find Bruce Springsteen covering Ben E. King on his upcoming Motown and soul covers album.https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/new-music-october-2022/pl.u-mJy81vBINE8XR1q https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0BzHINFCB80bJQZAlwEiWu?si=18378ffac35a4bd5Mastermind by Taylor SwiftMountain Song by Flatland CavalryUnholy by Sam Smith & Kim PetrasFrancesca by WeezerLift Off by LabrinthI'm In Love With You by The 1975Beguiled by The Smashing PumpkinsEmpty Stomachs and Bloodshot Eyes by Jake Swamp and the PineEddie by Red Hot Chili PeppersStfu (feat Rick Nielsen) by Todd RundgrenElectricfy My Love by Mondo CozmoDon't Play That Song by Bruce SpringsteenSupport the showVisit us at https://www.superawesomemix.com to learn more about our app, our merchandise, our cards, and more!

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Broadway Drumming 101 – Episode: Quinton “Q.” Robinson (2025 Update)

This one originally dropped in September 2021 in two parts—but if you missed it back then, don't worry. I'm bringing it back as part of the Broadway Drumming 101 Classic Interview Series.Ray Marchica is one of those drummers whose name has been floating around the NYC scene for decades—and for good reason. He's done it all: gold records, TV house band gigs, iconic Broadway runs, off-Broadway, jazz big bands, the works. From James Brown's "Living in America" to The Rosie O'Donnell Show to Mamma Mia!—Ray's been laying it down with feel, power, and style.In this episode, Ray shares stories about:* Growing up in Brooklyn and learning drums from his uncle in the basement* Studying classical percussion at Brooklyn College with the legendary Morris Lang* Landing his first major gig on the A Chorus Line tour in the ‘70s* Navigating the world of jingle sessions, Radio Registry (yes, that was a thing for you young folk), and Broadway subs* Getting the gig with Dan Hartman and playing on hit records* What it was like playing for La Cage aux Folles, Starlight Express, Will Rogers Follies, and other major shows* His time in the pit for Miss Saigon, the long run with Mamma Mia!, and his approach to training subs* Real talk about the rise of drum machines, the shift in Broadway orchestra pits, and how he's stayed versatile through it allWhether you're a drummer, a fan of Broadway, or just someone who loves hearing stories from the road, the pit, and the studio, you'll dig this.Hit play. Subscribe if you haven't. And check out more at BroadwayDrumming101.com.If you loved this episode, check out some of the other powerful resources we've created for musicians looking to bridge the gap between the classroom and the Broadway pit:*

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

(00:00-14:24) Ben E. King. Audio of amateur Jose Luis Ballester talking about peeing in Rae's Creek. Gotta pick your spots. Talkin' Day 2 of The Masters. (14:32-16:37) Jay Delsing joins us in studio. We'll be talking Masters and his new book next segment. (16:47-25:10) Jay Delsing hanging out in-studio. Jay picked Justin Rose to win earlier in the week. You don't win a trophy on Thursday or Friday. Rose and Aberg at the top of the leader board. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

(00:00-14:24) Ben E. King. Audio of amateur Jose Luis Ballester talking about peeing in Rae's Creek. Gotta pick your spots. Talkin' Day 2 of The Masters. (14:32-16:37) Jay Delsing joins us in studio. We'll be talking Masters and his new book next segment. (16:47-25:10) Jay Delsing hanging out in-studio. Jay picked Justin Rose to win earlier in the week. You don't win a trophy on Thursday or Friday. Rose and Aberg at the top of the leader board. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this exclusive clip from the upcoming Broadway Drumming 101 podcast, percussionist Andrew Atkinson shares how a one-off gig on America's Got Talent led to an unforgettable opportunity on Hamilton. Hear how a backstage connection, a feature in Modern Drummer, and pure preparation paved the way for his Broadway debut — all without asking for a single gig.Andrew recalls the moment he heard "My Name Is Alexander Hamilton" live for the first time, the wild audience reaction, and how he learned the book in just two weeks. Most powerful of all? His mindset: "I don't get nervous. I get prepared."

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Back in 2021, I sat down with one of the most versatile and in-demand drummers on Broadway: Sean McDaniel.Since that interview, Sean's career has only expanded. He's played Some Like It Hot, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club and now holds the drum chair for one of the most buzzed-about new musicals on Broadway: Smash.So I figured—why not bring this conversation back to the forefront?In this re-released episode, Sean gives us an inside look at the early development of The Book of Mormon, starting with a modest 20-minute workshop. It's wild to hear how the show started with hand-drawn cartoons projected behind a reading stage—and how Sean's ability to adapt, play by ear, and control dynamics became essential in shaping the drum parts that evolved over the years.Broadway Drumming 101 is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.He talks about the two lives of Broadway drumming: playing with “toothpicks” during readings and unleashing full stadium energy in the pit once the show is fully staged. That flexibility—combined with a deep understanding of styles and musical storytelling—is what sets him apart.Sean also shares how his high school show choir days prepared him for the dynamic, mic-less world of workshops and readings. He developed a skill many overlook: playing softly while still maintaining intensity.If you're a drummer looking to understand what it really takes to build a Broadway career from the ground up—this is an essential listen.The full episode drops this Saturday.

In this episode of Broadway Drumming 101, we sit down with Andrew Beall, an accomplished percussionist, composer, and Broadway musician whose career spans international performances, musical theater orchestration, and a deep love for percussion. From his early days in Ohio to working on some of Broadway's biggest productions, Andrew shares insights into his journey, his influences, and his passion for composition.We dive into the art of orchestration, the challenges of subbing on Broadway, and how he balances multiple musical roles—including running Bachovich Music Publications and managing orchestras. Andrew also talks about adapting to technological advancements in music, the impact of Finale's discontinuation, and how biking in NYC keeps him in rhythm with the city's fast pace.Whether you're an aspiring Broadway musician or just love behind-the-scenes stories from the theater world, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and practical advice.Episode Highlights: