Podcast appearances and mentions of Lady Day

There's nothing quite like watching your colleagues light up a TV stage.The cast of Cats: The Jellicle Ball performed “Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat” on The Tonight Show last night. Every time I see something like this, I get excited. They always look and sound great, and there's something special about watching people you work with get that kind of shine.I've been lucky enough to be on that side of the screen a few times. Tonight Show with the Ain't Too Proud company on opening night in 2019. The Colbert Report and The View with Audra McDonald for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill in 2014. The Tony Awards stage twice — Memphis: The Musical in 2010, Ain't Too Proud in 2019.So I know what that feeling is.Someone asked me why the orchestra hasn't appeared alongside the cast on any of these TV performances. Honest answer: the orchestra isn't featured in this production the way it's been in others I've been part of. We're in the basement. You don't see us.But you hear us on every one of those tracks.And I don't mind watching from home on this one. Every time they air one of those performances, I get a check in the mail.Mailbox money. I'll take it!Clayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Karl Latham played in The Fantasy Band alongside Dave Valentin, Dave Samuels, Chuck Loeb, Noel Pointer, and Roy Ayers. Five names that don't usually end up on the same bandstand. Karl made the cut for all of them.We recorded this conversation back in February 2022. A lot has changed for Karl since we sat down, including new credits that weren't on his resume yet when we hit record.Karl's reach goes deep into the jazz world. He's played with Freddie Hendrix, Roberta Gamberini, Mark Gross, and Eric Alexander. He's worked with Michael Urbaniak and Andy Snitzer. He was part of The New Voices of Freedom and joined Howard Paul for sessions with Tom Scott and Anat Cohen. He's played with Ali Ryerson alongside Mark Egan and Pete Levin, and worked the Wolfgang Lackerschmid group with Attila Zoller, Ed Cherry, Cameron Brown, and Mark Egan. He's also recorded with pianist Johannes Mossinger's band, a lineup stacked with Joel Frahm, Calvin Jones, Don Braden, Boris Kozlov, and Kermit Driscoll.He's subbed on Broadway too: Hamilton, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Ain't Too Proud, Bring It On, and Two Strangers. And when he's not touring or subbing, he's teaching. Karl is Co-Chair of the Percussive Arts Society Education Committee and adjunct faculty at four schools: Drew University, County College of Morris, Raritan Valley Community College, and Blair Academy.Karl is an endorsing artist for Yamaha Drums, Paiste Cymbals, ProMark Drumsticks, Evans Drumheads, Big Fat Snare, AEA Microphones, Radial Engineering, Heil Sound, ProLogix Percussion, and RME.Press play. And if this episode gives you something, leave us a five-star review wherever you listen. It takes thirty seconds and it means a lot to the show.Broadway Bound and Beyond isn't theory. It's twenty-six years on Broadway broken down into what actually works: how auditions really get decided, how reputation gets built or destroyed, how money works in this business, why versatility keeps you employed, and what it takes to last decades instead of one season. If you want the full career picture, the hardcover is at broadwayboundbook.com.If subbing is specifically your way in, the book gets you the mindset and the etiquette, but the Broadway Sub Playbook goes further. It's the actual system: the four-week prep formula, the show-day routine, how to take notes that stick, how to handle a pit you've never sat in before. It's built for one job — getting you ready for that call when it comes — and it's the resource a lot of working subs wish they'd had before their first one.Grab both at signaturebrandworks.com.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.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.Jared Shaw has held the drum chair on national tours of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and The Book of Mormon. He's subbed on Broadway including Tommy, one of the most demanding drum books out there. He's performed at the Kennedy Center and Ghana's National Theater, and he plays groove percussion, orchestral, African percussion, and programs electronics.In this episode, Jared breaks down what it actually took to build a career like that.We cover:* How he approached learning difficult drum books* What touring taught him about preparation and professionalism* How electronic drumming and programming fit into his toolkit* Subbing on Broadway and staying ready for the call* Studying with James Saporito, Shawn Pelton, and Valerie Naranjo* Building a sustainable career as a working musician in New York CityIf you're serious about Broadway, touring, or becoming a more complete drummer, this conversation is for you.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Jared Shaw didn't build his career on one big break.He built it on being ready.National tours of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and The Book of Mormon. Broadway sub credits on Tommy, Boop! The Musical, Beaches, and more. Four years as the drummer for Billy Mira & The Hitmen on the Howard Stern Show. Percussion guest with the National Symphony of Ghana. First drum chair of the NYU Broadway Orchestra under Ted Sperling. Over 40 theatrical productions in New York City.That's not a resume. That's a body of work built one gig at a time.He also came up the right way — NYU Steinhardt, Percussion Performance, University Honors, with minors in Business of Entertainment and Producing. In this episode, we get into what it actually took. How he approached learning difficult books. How he thinks about subbing. What touring taught him about professionalism. How electronic drumming and programming became part of his toolkit — not as a novelty, but as a necessity.We also talk about his studies with James Saporito, Shawn Pelton, and Valerie Naranjo. Three teachers who shaped how he hears music and approaches the instrument.This is a conversation about longevity. About what it actually takes to last in this business. About being the kind of drummer people call — and call back.If you're serious about how to get into subbing on Broadway, or getting a tour, this one's worth your time.For more: https://www.jared-shaw.comClayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.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.Gary Seligson: The Grammy-Winning Broadway Drummer Phil Collins Refused to Work WithoutPhil Collins snuck into a performance of Wicked one night without telling Gary Seligson he was coming.The next morning, he walked into Tarzan rehearsal and told the producers he didn't care who else they put in the band. There was one guy he wanted on drums. Not Chuck Burgi — who had literally replaced Phil Collins in Brand X and was calling in every favor he had to get the gig. Gary Seligson. The one he heard play in the theater when nobody knew he was watching.That's the kind of reputation you build over a career that most Broadway musicians would trade anything for.I chatted with Gary on August 24, 2021. The video is on the Broadway Drumming 101 YouTube channel. Now the audio is available everywhere you get your podcasts — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, wherever you listen.Gary is a Grammy Award winner who originated the drum books and recorded the cast albums for Aida, Wicked, Tarzan, A Little Princess, School of Rock, and Soft Power. He held the drum chair on Billy Elliot for over three years. He's on the Motown: The Musical cast recording playing percussion. His Broadway credits span more than two decades — from The Gershwins' Fascinating Rhythm in 1999 through Bob Fosse's Dancin' and Harmony in 2023. In 2025, he headed back out on the road with the Beauty and the Beast revival. He's also subbed on more than 20 Broadway productions, including Chicago, The Lion King, Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, Cats, and Rent.Gary grew up in West Orange, New Jersey, banging on his mother's pots and pans before his father bought him a tiny metal snare drum at age three. He studied with the same teacher from second grade through twelfth grade. He went to the Hartt School of Music in Hartford. He found his way to Gary Chester in New York, who completely rewired how he thought about the instrument, and then told him flat out: never leave town for more than four weeks.Gary took a touring gig anyway.Nine years on the road followed. And the moment he pulled into his mother's driveway after finally deciding to come home, the phone rang. It was Bob Billig calling about Chicago. That's how this business works when you've done the groundwork.We get into his first Broadway subbing experience at The King and I — walking into the pit two hours before curtain, sitting down at a drum set that felt completely foreign, getting thrown out by the stage manager before the show even started, then spending an hour and forty-five minutes walking around Midtown getting more nervous with every step. Trial by fire. He made the cut, and word traveled fast.We talk about what it felt like to play alongside Elton John in an Aida rehearsal room. We talk about Phil Collins tapping a pencil on a desk during Tarzan rehearsals — not even playing, just tapping — and how the groove was so wide the entire room felt it. And we talk about the moment Gary flew himself to San Francisco on JetBlue just to watch Wicked out of town, because he needed to know for himself whether to leave Aida for it.He knew by the first number.Gary is a Pearl Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Pro-Mark Sticks, Grover Percussion, and Remo Heads endorser, and has been featured in Modern Drummer and DRUM magazine multiple times.Press play. And if this episode gives you something, please leave us a glowing five-star review wherever you're listening. It takes 30 seconds and it means everything to the show.If you're serious about your own path in this industry, pick up Broadway Bound and Beyond at broadwayboundbook.com. Signed copies at signaturebrandworks.com.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

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He showed up to watch.9:28 AM. Carroll's Rehearsal Studios. The Tina Turner Broadway show is about to start.Jared's a college student at NYU. He's not there to play. He's there to observe — to see how a real Broadway drummer handles a real Broadway rehearsal. He's looking at the chart on the stand. Not touching anything. Just studying.9:30 hits.The drummer isn't there.Contractor John Miller scans the room. Lands on Jared.“All right, Jared. Sit down. You're on.”He sat down. Blacked out. And sight-read 15 minutes of a mega-mix — a chart he'd never seen, styles flipping every 16 bars, a section in 3/4 buried in the middle — while a friend quietly filmed from across the room.He had no idea that moment would eventually lead to his first touring gig: Beautiful.Not because he was perfect that day, but it was because he was prepared before it.My full conversation with Jared Shaw drops soon on the Broadway Drumming 101 podcast.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.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

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.When I recorded this in February of 2022, Rodney was in his drum room. Blue Pearl kit behind him. Meshell Ndegeocello shirt on — second album, Peace Beyond Passion. We both agreed it's her best record. If you've never heard it, fix that before you do anything else today.Now he's the percussionist on The Lost Boys at the Palace Theatre. Twelve Tony nominations. Best Musical on the table. If there was ever a time to bring this one back in full, it's now.He came up in a town in North Carolina with no stoplight. His dad couldn't buy him brushes, so he put mini broomsticks in his hands and showed him what a brush sweep sounds like on a picnic table. That's the foundation. He started on saxophone. Switched to drums at 17. Moved to New York not thinking about Broadway at all. Jeff Campbell put his name in front of Chris Parker. The rest followed.The conversation goes deep on what it actually costs to stack your deck in this business. Playing Diana in La Jolla, then jumping on a plane to Japan with Avril Lavigne, then folding Mrs. Doubtfire in because his wife asked one simple question: what's the worst that can happen?Clayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.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.I chatted with Rodney Howard in February of 2022. He was in his drum room — blue kit behind him, Meshell Ndegeocello shirt on — and what started as a podcast felt more like a conversation between two guys who just happened to both live in this world.I had a great time revisiting this one.The Lost Boys is now running at the Palace Theatre with 12 Tony nominations, including Best Musical. It's the most Tony-nominated musical of 2026. Rodney is the percussionist on that show. Before that, he held the drum chair at Mrs. Doubtfire, subbed some of the hardest chairs on Broadway, and spent years on the road with Avril Lavigne, Gavin DeGraw, and Regina Spektor.This episode is about how you build that kind of career. He started on saxophone. Switched to drums at 17. Moved to New York not thinking about Broadway at all. Then Jeff Campbell put his name in front of Chris Parker, and the rest is a masterclass in being ready when the call comes.Two things from this conversation I almost forgot about that were really important. First, he said, take notes literally and broadly, but not too literally. He learned that the hard way at Lion King, following a sub-conductor's shaky conducting because Tommy told him to follow the conductor. The notes you get points you somewhere, but it doesn't replace your judgment.Second, when you sub, use what the drummer uses for monitoring. Not your nice headphones. Not your in-ears. Whatever they use. The mix was built around that. He said he's personally tanked a sub gig because he didn't. Said it like a man who doesn't enjoy repeating the experience.The video drops this Friday. Go listen.Originally released February 2022 on the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Morgan grew up in a small town in Kansas. No blueprint for this. No obvious path to musical theater. She found her way to NYU, studied West African music under Valerie Naranjo — which rewired the way she hears everything — and started building relationships one sub at a time.Now she's 600 shows into the national tour of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical. And the way she talks about this industry is the kind of honest I don't always get on this podcast.We got into some really cool things:— What she does at the kit during the show that nobody expects, and why it actually works — The subbing etiquette mistakes that quietly end reputations before they start — A blacklist situation she handled with more integrity than most veterans twice her age — What ego, patience, and sitting with uncertainty actually look like when you're learning from the people ahead of youCheck out her site: https://www.morganparkernyc.comThis Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.This is why I started Broadway Drumming 101. Not to give people a checklist. But to share access with people who figured it out — and let you hear how they actually talk about it.The video is embedded above. Audio is available on every podcast platform.If this is your first episode…welcome! Stick around.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Morgan is the drummer on the national tour of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical. Six hundred shows in. Almost quit drumming in high school. Grew up in a small town in Kansas with no real map for any of this. Found her way to NYU, subbed MJ and Yiddish Fiddler simultaneously, and landed a tour that's run nearly two years.Her path is not the one anybody draws up. And the way she talks about trust, subbing, ego, and what actually gets you hired — it's the kind of honesty you don't hear enough of.We also get into:* What she does at the kit during the show that nobody expects — and why it actually works* How studying West African music under Valerie Naranjo at NYU rewired the way she hears everything* The blacklist situation she handled with more integrity than most veterans twice her age* The subbing etiquette mistakes that quietly kill a reputation before it even starts* What she learned about ego, patience, and being comfortable with uncertainty from the people ahead of herEpisode #105 is out now. The video version drops this Friday on YouTube.If this is your first time here — Broadway Drumming 101 is the podcast and resource built for drummers and musicians who want to work in musical theater. New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe so you don't miss the next one.Subscribe to Broadway Drumming 101 on Substack →And if the podcast has helped you — even just one episode — leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It takes two minutes and it's the best way to help other drummers find this. It means more than you know.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

This is the video of last week's podcast — and another one in the Broadway Drumming 101 Classic Episode Series.This episode takes us back to January 2022 with one of the most respected drummers in both Broadway and jazz, Jared Schonig.Since we recorded this conversation, Jared has moved into the drum chair for Just in Time at Circle in the Square Theatre, but this episode still holds up because Jared drops a lot of real information about what it actually takes to survive in this business.We talked about:* How he went from jazz gigs and working at Apple to Broadway* Subbing on shows like Grease, American Idiot, and Next to Normal* Building Moulin Rouge from the ground up* Getting orchestration credit as a drummer* Broadway pit life, injuries, setups, pressure, and preparation* Why relationships and reputation matter more than people thinkJared has played with artists including Nicholas Payton, Chris Potter, John Patitucci, Cynthia Erivo, Kristin Chenoweth, and many others. He's originated seven Broadway drum books and built one of the most versatile careers out there.One thing I always appreciated about Jared is that he's honest about the work. The preparation. The pressure. The physical demands. The stuff people don't always talk about publicly.It's still one of my favorite conversations I've had on Broadway Drumming 101.Upcoming performances for Jared include shows at Sultan Room, Birdland, Zinc Bar, The Gin Mill, and dates with Brass Against.I may go and check out this show! Let me know and we can all connect there:Check out his site for more info! Click HERE https://www.jaredschonig.comClayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

This is a clip from my upcoming Broadway Drumming 101 conversation with Morgan Parker, currently holding the drum chair for A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical.Morgan dropped a lot of wisdom in this episode, but this part really stood out to me.One of her mentors told her that you're going to feel overwhelmed when the phone won't stop ringing… but you're also going to feel overwhelmed when the phone doesn't ring.That's the reality of this business.Morgan also talks about how dangerous it is to compare your path to other people's careers, especially in the social media era. Some musicians land major gigs quickly. For others, it can take years or even decades. Everybody comes to music in their own time.What matters is staying prepared, staying humble, keeping your ego in check, and continuing to grow.Morgan's career is a great example of that mindset in action. Along with Broadway and Off-Broadway credits, she's also worked as a stage manager for The New York Pops and performed in everything from theater productions to television performances and concert halls.Really great conversation. Full episode coming soon on Broadway Drumming 101.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.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.This is another one in the Broadway Drumming 101 Classic Episode Series.This episode takes us back to January 2022 with one of the most respected drummers in both Broadway and jazz, Jared Schonig.Since we recorded this conversation, Jared has moved into the drum chair for Just in Time at Circle in the Square Theatre, but this episode still holds up because Jared drops a lot of real information about what it actually takes to survive in this business.We talked about:• How he went from jazz gigs and working at Apple to Broadway• Subbing on shows like Grease, American Idiot, and Next to Normal• Building Moulin Rouge from the ground up• Getting orchestration credit as a drummer• Broadway pit life, injuries, setups, pressure, and preparation• Why relationships and reputation matter more than people thinkJared has played with artists including Nicholas Payton, Chris Potter, John Patitucci, Cynthia Erivo, Kristin Chenowethand many others. He's originated seven Broadway drum books and built one of the most versatile careers out there.One thing I always appreciated about Jared is that he's honest about the work. The preparation. The pressure. The physical demands. The stuff people don't always talk about publicly.It's still one of my favorite conversations I've had on Broadway Drumming 101.Upcoming performances for Jared include shows at Sultan Room, Birdland, Zinc Bar, The Gin Mill, and dates with Brass Against.Check out his site for more info! Click HEREhttps://www.jaredschonig.comSUBSCRIBE to be notifed when the video of this episode will be released.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Noah Hadland Is Subbing Seven Broadway Shows at Once.He didn't get there by sending cold emails and waiting.He got there by running after a stranger with a stick bag outside the Book of Mormon stage door. By sight-reading act one of MJ on Broadway with 45 minutes of prep. By buying the right person a beer in 2019 and not asking for anything until 2023 — when that same person handed him a Broadway chair.Noah is 30 years old. He's subbing Ragtime, The Great Gatsby, Just in Time, Wicked, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Chess, and Death Becomes Her. And in this episode, he breaks down exactly how he built that — the networking, the touch problem of juggling multiple shows, how to take a conductor's note without pushing back, and what he'd tell his 22-year-old self who came out of NYU convinced he should already be playing Hamilton.Watch the full episode above.Building a theater career and want the roadmap? I wrote the book. Broadway Bound and Beyond is at broadwayboundbook.comClayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.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.He came out of NYU convinced he should already be playing Hamilton.He isn't playing Hamilton.He is subbing seven Broadway shows at once.That didn't happen because he sent the right email. It happened because he ran after a stranger with a stick bag outside the Broadway stage door of Book of Mormon. That stranger was Dan Berkery. They talked, stayed in touch, and built a real relationship. So years later, when MJ on Broadway had an emergency — the sub tested positive for COVID 90 minutes before curtain and nobody else was available — the call went to Dan. Dan was already booked. But he knew exactly who to pass the name to. Noah ran to H&M in Times Square to grab black clothes, got to the theater with 45 minutes to spare, flipped through the charts, and sight-read act one of MJ on Broadway in front of a live audience. One conversation outside a stage door changed everything.Over time, his name got around. Now he's one of the busiest subs on Broadway — currently covering seven shows, and by the time you read this, maybe eight or nine. The seven: Ragtime, The Great Gatsby, Just in Time, Wicked, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Chess, and Death Becomes Her. That's not luck. That's years of showing up, staying ready, and never burning a bridge.He's still learning. Still building. And I have no doubt that his own Broadway chair is coming — it's just a matter of time.In this episode, Noah breaks down exactly how he built his career.We get into the networking — not the theory of it, the actual mechanics of how relationships in this industry form and pay off years later. We talk about the touch problem: what it actually takes to juggle seven shows without dropping any of them. How to take a conductor's note without pushing back. And what he'd tell the 22-year-old version of himself who came out of school thinking he was already behind.He wasn't behind. He just hadn't started yet.Noah Hadland: https://www.instagram.com/noahhadland/If You're Not Subscribed Yet, I'm Asking You NowIf you're already a subscriber — thank you. You're the reason this show keeps going.If you're not, I'm asking you to subscribe today. Free or paid. Every subscription helps cover the production of this podcast and keeps it alive. This is an independent show built for working musicians and people who want to become one. That only works if people show up for it.Subscribe. It matters more than you know.Two Resources If You're Serious About ThisThe first is free. The How to Land a Broadway Gig Roadmap breaks down how the industry actually works — the key players, how sub lists function, how to build relationships that lead somewhere. Grab it instantly at broadwayboundbook.com/roadmap when you subscribe.The second is The Broadway Sub Playbook — $7.99 at signaturebrandworks.com. From the moment you get the call to show day. How to study the score, build your sub book, take the conductor's notes, and walk into that pit like you belong there.Want the full picture? Broadway Bound and Beyond is available everywhere books are sold online. Signed copy at signaturebrandworks.com.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

In this clip from my conversation with Noah Hadland on the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast, we get into something most drummers don't think about.I asked him what the hardest part is about subbing multiple shows at once. Most people would say the music.It's not.If you've done the work, the notes aren't the problem. The real challenge is touch.Every drummer you sub for plays differently. Some dig in. Some are right on the click. Some lean with the conductor. Some lay back. Some push.When you're bouncing between shows — sometimes in the same day — you have to carry all of that with you. Not just the parts. The feel. You're not covering a book. You're covering a person.That's where most drummers fall short. They learn the notes and think they're ready. But they don't sound like the drummer they're subbing for. Stay tuned for Noah's GREAT interview. Make sure you're subscribed to be notified when the episode is released:Clayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

On April 7, 1915, Billie Holiday was born. Known as “Lady Day,” she became one of the most influential voices in jazz, transforming music with her emotional depth and storytelling. Despite personal struggles, her legacy continues to shape American music. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

So much of what is happening these days seems utterly nonsensical, from Trump’s war crime and profanity-laced Easter rant, to the whipsaw on Iran. So, is it simply Occam’s razor, or is there more going on here than we’re led to believe? Since I entered politics, I have chiefly had men’s views confided to me privately. Some of the biggest men in the United States, in the field of commerce and manufacture, are afraid of somebody, are afraid of something. They know that there is a power somewhere so organized, so subtle, so watchful, so interlocked, so complete, so pervasive, that they had better not speak above their breath when they speak in condemnation of it. — President Woodrow Wilson, The New Freedom: A Call for the Emancipation of the Generous Energies of a People (1913) The real truth of the matter is, as you and I know, that a financial element in the larger centers has owned the Government ever since the days of Andrew Jackson — and I am not wholly excepting the Administration of W. W. The country is going through a repetition of Jackson’s fight with the Bank of the United States — only on a far bigger and broader basis. — President Franklin D. Roosevelt, letter to Col. Edward Mandell House (21 November 1933); as quoted in F.D.R.: His Personal Letters, 1928-1945, edited by Elliott Roosevelt (New York: Duell, Sloan and Pearce, 1950), pg. 373 I would suggest nothing we’re seeing, including (especially) the seemingly nonsensical, is ‘accidental’ or coincidental. It is PSYOP/PSWAR, a potent toxic mixture of POSIWID and chaos theory designed and intended to rapidly produce maximum chaos resulting in a ‘Clash of Civilizations‘ and The End of History and the Last Man, to ultimately bring about a ‘Novus Ordo Seclorum’1234 a la Genesis 11 → Genesis 6 → culminating in Psalm 2 → Revelation 19. Links Videos / Clips [x] = Played Trump says Americans against war with Iran are ‘foolish’ [x] 2:00–5:15 [x] 8:33–9:12 ‘Apparently I'm an idiot': Three-time Trump voter in Pennsylvania sounds off on Iran war [x] 3:15–3:45 Lucifer Has a NASA Moon Mission named Artemis. Here’s What They’re Hiding. Headlines [x] = Mentioned / Discussed Trump: “A Whole Civilization with Die Tonight” If President Trump carries out his threat to kill the entire civilization of Iran, he will join the ranks of Cato the Elder, Genghis Khan, Cortez, and other villains in history who chose the policy of destroying an entire civilization. Needless to say, this is not what Washington, Madison, Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin had in mind when they founded the US Constitutional Republic. Members of the US government—as well as We the People—should think about the reflections of multiple Roman authors who regarded the total annihilation of Carthage as an outrage and repudiation of Rome's republican values and virtues. In the Aeneid, Virgil frames the Punic Wars as a fateful conflict initiated by the Punic Queen Dido’s curse on Aeneas’s descendants. I interpret this as Virgil's way of condemning the “unspeakable” destruction of Carthage. The American people should be aware of the fact that if our US government does indeed annihilate the Iranian nation forever, it will certainly have a vast array of terrible consequences for us and for all of mankind. Among other disasters, it is likely that millions of Iranians will be forced to flee to other lands, including those of Europe. Many young men who see their mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters suffer will be animated with a burning desire for revenge. I anticipate great horrors ahead for all of us. Trump's F-Bomb on Iran Joins America's Rollicking History of Presidential Profanity White House Easter egg roll Monday: How to watch live White House Easter Egg Roll honors America’s egg farmers, says President Trump | Fox News [x] Pentagon's new plans in Iran give Trump a way out of war crime accusations – POLITICO [x] Trump threatens to jail journalist who reported on crew's rescue in Iran if they don't reveal source – POLITICO [x] Iran Says US Airman Rescue May Have Been Cover to ‘Steal Enriched Uranium' Artemis ‘Launch’ April Fool’s Day / Easter – Amazing ‘Coincidence’ [x] [Published April Fool's Day! Same as Artemis II 'launch'] Did Van Allen Belts Stop the Moon Landings? Myth vs Fact – FreeAstroScience [x] Artemis II live updates: Nasa astronauts returning to Earth after seeing parts of Moon ‘no human has ever seen' | The Independent Artemis – Wikipedia “Isis, Astarte, Diana, Hecate, Demeter, Kali, Innana…” & Asteroids | Fixed Stars Are the goddesses Ashteroth, Remphan, Isis, Ishtar, Belit, Anahita, Artemis, and Diana the same goddess with different names? – Quora Pan: The Complete Guide to the Greek God of Nature (2023) The Rest [x] = Mentioned / Discussed [x] Deutsche Bank – Wikipedia [x] Deutsche Bank [00:27, 17 May 2024 revision] – Wikipedia [x] Trump family faces high-stakes testimony in Manhattan fraud trial [x] At Trump Org fraud trial, ex-banker recalls ‘hunting' for Trump's business | Courthouse News Service [x] Finra Suspends Trump's Former Personal Banker – AdvisorHub [x] Rosemary Vrablic – Wikipedia [x] Jared Kushner – Wikipedia The thinly sourced theories about Trump's loans and Justice Kennedy's son (Jul 12, 2018) by Salvador Rizzo | The Washington Post [x] Why Trump Is Mentally Unfit to Be President: Pathology of Narcissism (Apr 5, 2017) by Alex Morris | Rolling Stone [x] Taibbi on the Madness of Donald Trump (Sep 19, 2017) by Matt Taibbi | Rolling Stone [x] Donald Trump Is About to Be a Loser, His Lawyers Say (Mar 22, 2023) by Asawin Suebsaeng and Adam Rawnsley | Rolling Stone [x] Donald Trump, Trickster God (Mar 4, 2016) by Corey Pein | The Baffler [x] Kushner and Witkoff – by esc [x] IMEC: Trump's War With Iran Is About Global Trade. Period. [x] What The Iran Attack Is Really All About – Road Warrior Radio [x] Road Warrior Radio with Chris Hinkley, March 10, 2026 Hour 1 – Republic Broadcasting Network [x] Road Warrior Radio with Chris Hinkley, March 10, 2026 Hour 2 – Republic Broadcasting Network On This Day Events April 2026 Calendar of Public Holidays | Office Holidays Holidays and Observances in the United States in 2026 What day is it today? Important events every day ad-free | United States OTD On This Day – What Happened on April 7 Today in History: April 7, Rwandan genocide begins | AP News What Happened on April 7 – On This Day What Happened on April 7 | HISTORY April 7 – Wikipedia What Happened On April 7 In History? 07 | April | 2020 | Executed Today Holidays National Beer Day (United States) Historical Events 2022 – The Senate confirmed Ketanji Brown Jackson – “Pizzagate” judge who was unable to define ‘woman' – to the Supreme Court, securing her place as the court's first Black female justice. 2021 – COVID-19 shenanigans: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announces that the SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant has become the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the United States. 2020 – COVID-19 shenanigans: China ends its lockdown in Wuhan. 2020 – COVID-19 shenanigans: Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly resigns for his handling of the COVID-19 ‘pandemic’ on USS Theodore Roosevelt and the dismissal of Brett Crozier. 1994 – A day after the presidents of Rwanda and Burundi died in a missile attack on their aircraft, the moderate Hutu prime minister of Rwanda, Agathe Uwilingiyimana, and her husband were killed by Rwandan soldiers; in the 100 days that followed, Hutu extremists slaughtered hundreds of thousands of minority Tutsi and Hutu moderates. 1990 – John Poindexter is convicted for his role in the Iran–Contra affair. In 1991 the convictions are reversed on appeal. 1984 – The Census Bureau reported that Los Angeles had overtaken Chicago as the nation's “second city” in terms of population. 1980 – During the Iran hostage crisis, the United States severs relations with Iran. 1970 – John Wayne wins Best Actor Oscar: The legendary actor John Wayne wins his first—and only—acting Academy Award, for his star turn in the director Henry Hathaway's Western True Grit. Known for his tough, rugged, uniquely American screen persona, Wayne appeared in some 150 movies over the course of his long and storied career. 1969 – The internet is born: With the publication of RFC 1, The Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) awarded a contract to build a precursor of today’s world wide web to BBN Technologies. The date is widely considered as the internet’s symbolic birthday. 1968 – Riots continue in over 100 US cities following the Apr 4 assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. 1966 – The U.S. Navy recovered a hydrogen bomb that the U.S. Air Force had lost in the Mediterranean Sea off Spain following a B-52 crash. 1964 – IBM announces the System/360. 1963 – Tito is made president of Yugoslavia for life: A new Yugoslav constitution proclaims Tito the president for life of the newly named Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Formerly known as Josip Broz, Tito was born to a large peasant family in Croatia in 1892. 1961 – JFK lobbies Congress to help save historic sites in Egypt: President John F. Kennedy sends a letter to Congress in which he recommends the U.S. participate in an international campaign to preserve ancient temples and historic monuments in the Nile Valley of Egypt. The campaign, initiated by UNESCO, was designed to save sites threatened by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. 1954 – Domino Theory: President Dwight D. Eisenhower coined one of the most famous Cold War phrases, held a news conference in which he outlined the concept of the “domino theory” as he spoke of the importance of containing the spread of communism in Indochina, saying, “You have a row of dominoes set up, you knock over the first one, and what will happen to the last one is the certainty that it will go over very quickly.” 1953 – Sweden's Dag Hammarskjöld elected U.N. head: By a vote of 57 to 1, Dag Hammarskjöld is elected secretary-general of the United Nations. The son of Hjalmar Hammarskjöld, a former prime minister of Sweden, Dag joined Sweden's foreign ministry in 1947, and in 1951 formally entered the cabinet as deputy foreign minister. 1950 – President Truman receives NSC-68 report, calling for “containing” Soviet expansion: President Harry S. Truman receives National Security Council Paper Number 68 (NSC-68). The report was a group effort, created with input from the Defense Department, the State Department, the CIA, and other interested agencies; NSC-68 formed the basis for America's Cold War policy for the next two decades. 1949 – Tony-winning musical South Pacific opens on Broadway: The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific opens at the Majestic Theatre on Broadway in New York City. The romantic musical about World War II, which touches on controversial racial themes, goes on to run for almost five years, becoming one of the most popular musicals of the 1950s. 1948 – World Health Organization established: The WHO, a privately funded United Nations agency front organization, ostensibly concerned with fighting disease and epidemics worldwide, building up national health services, and improving health education in its 194 member states. 1945 – World War II: The Imperial Japanese Navy battleship Yamato, one of the two largest ever constructed, is sunk by United States Navy aircraft during Operation Ten-Go, in Japan's first major counteroffensive in the struggle for Okinawa. Weighing 72,800 tons and outfitted with nine 18.1-inch guns, the battleship Yamato was Japan's only hope of destroying the Allied fleet off the coast of Okinawa. 1943 – The National Football League makes helmets mandatory. 1943 – Holocaust in Ukraine: In Terebovlia, Germans order 1,100 Jews to undress and march through the city to the nearby village of Plebanivka, where they are shot and buried in ditches. 1940 – Tuskegee Institute founder Booker T. Washington becomes the first Black American to be honored with a postage stamp. It will take nearly four decades for a Black woman to receive a similar honor: Harriet Tubman in 1978. 1939 – Benito Mussolini invades Albania, declares an Italian protectorate over Albania and forces King Zog I into exile. 1933 – National Beer Day: Prohibition in the United States is repealed for beer of no more than 3.2% alcohol by weight, eight months before the ratification of the Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution. (Now celebrated as National Beer Day in the United States.) 1927 – First long-distance television transmission: an image of Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover is sent from Washington, D.C. to NYC by AT&T 1922 – Teapot Dome Scandal: Interior Secretary Albert B. Fall signed a secret deal to lease U.S. Navy petroleum reserves in Wyoming and California to his friends, oilmen Harry F. Sinclair and Edward L. Doheny, in exchange for cash gifts; Fall would eventually be sentenced to prison on bribery and conspiracy charges in what became known as the Teapot Dome Scandal. 1868 – Thomas D’Arcy McGee, one of the Canadian Fathers of Confederation is assassinated by the Irish, in one of the few Canadian political assassinations, and the only one of a federal politician. 1862 – American Civil War: Battle of Shiloh concludes: Two days of heavy fighting conclude near Pittsburgh Landing in western Tennessee. Union forces led by Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and Maj. Gen. Don Carlos Buell are victorious after the Confederate attack stalled on April 6, and fresh Yankee troops drove the Confederates from the field on April 7. 1832 – The Man Who Sold His Wife: Most modern readers believe Thomas Hardy was plunging into deep fiction when he wrote about a man selling his wife. He wasn’t. Nagging wives needed to be careful in 19th Century England, for, as Hardy recounted in The Mayor of Casterbridge, her husband might put her up for sale. That's just what happened on this day to Mary Thompson, according to a local newspaper report. 1829 – Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of the Latter Day Saint cult, commences translation of the Book of Mormon, with Oliver Cowdery as his scribe. 1827 – First friction match sold: English chemist John Walker produced and sold the first operable matches. They were soon banned in France and Germany because burning fragments would sometimes fall to the floor and start fires. 1805 – German composer Ludwig van Beethoven premieres his Third Symphony, at the Theater an der Wien in Vienna 1805 – Lewis and Clark depart Fort Mandan: After a long winter, the Lewis and Clark expedition departs its camp among the Mandan tribe and resumes its journey West. The Corps of Discovery had begun its voyage the previous spring, and it arrived at the large Mandan and Minnetaree villages along the upper Missouri River (north of present-day Bismarck, North Dakota) in late October. 1798 – The Mississippi Territory is organized from disputed territory claimed by both the United States and the Spanish Empire. It is expanded in 1804 and again in 1812. 1788 – American Pioneers to the Northwest Territory arrive at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers, establishing Marietta, Ohio, as the first permanent American settlement of the new United States in the Northwest Territory, and opening the westward expansion of the new country. 1776 – Captain John Barry and the USS Lexington captures the Edward. 1739 – Dick Turpin is executed in England for horse stealing 1724 – Johann Sebastian Bach’s St. John Passion premiered: St. John’s Passion premieres on Good Friday at St. Nicholas Church in Leipzig, Electorate of Saxony (now Germany). The sacred oratorio is the oldest extant Passion by the German composer. The highly popular work is a dramatization of the final days of Jesus Christ, according to the Gospel of John. 1521 – Ferdinand Magellan arrives at Cebu. 529 – First draft of Corpus Juris Civilis or the Justinian Code (a fundamental work in jurisprudence) is issued by Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I 451 – Attila the Hun captures Metz in France, killing most of its inhabitants and burning the town. 30 – Scholars estimate for the crucifixion of Jesus by Roman troops at the behest of Jewish leadership (Caiaphas the high priest, chief priests, scribes, elders) on Golgotha outside Jerusalem [or April 3] Births 1964 – Russell Crowe, New Zealand/Australian actor, singer, producer 1954 – Jackie Chan, Hong Kong-born actor and director noted for acrobatic stunt work in hits like “The Young Master” and the “Rush Hour” series. 1939 – Francis Ford Coppola, American director, producer, screenwriter 1938 – Jerry Brown, American lawyer and politician, 34th and 39th Governor of California 1931 – Daniel Ellsberg, American activist and author (died 2023) 1928 – James Garner, American actor, singer, and producer (died 2014) 1920 – Ravi Shankar, Indian/American sitar player, composer (died 2012) 1915 – Billie Holiday, American Jazz singer-songwriter, actress whose soulful intensity earned her the nickname “Lady Day.” Signature hits like “Strange Fruit” and “God Bless the Child.” (died 1959) 1897 – Walter Winchell, American journalist and radio host (died 1972) 1893 – Allen Dulles, American lawyer and diplomat, 5th Director of Central Intelligence (died 1969) 1890 – Marjory Stoneman Douglas, journalist, conservationist, activist best known for her advocacy for the preservation of Florida’s Everglades region. (died 1998) 1860 – Will Keith Kellogg, American businessman, ardent eugenicist, Seventh-day Adventist cult member, founded the Kellogg Company (died 1951) 1772 – Charles Fourier, French philosopher, communist (died 1837) 1770 – William Wordsworth, English poet (died 1850) Deaths 1947 – Henry Ford, American businessman, founded the Ford Motor Company (born 1863) 1928 – Alexander Bogdanov, Russian physician, philosopher, and author (born 1873) 1891 – P. T. Barnum, American businessman, co-founded Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey Circus (born 1810) 1804 – Toussaint Louverture, Haitian general (born 1743) 1733 – Samuel Partridge, very stupid and unconcern'd From the New England Weekly Journal, July 23, 1733 — a three-month-old news item (part of a roundup of dated minor dispatches) that had to cross the Atlantic from the mother country. Ipswich, April 7. Last Saturday Samuel Partridge was executed here, for robbing Mr. Barwell of Brockley in this City, of 31l, 10s., a Horse, and other Things, in Company with another Person not yet taken. He said he was born at Debden in Suffolk, that he was about 22 years of Age, and was brought up in Husbandry; he appeared to be very illiterate, for he could neither read nor write, and was entirely ignorant of the first Principles of Christianity. He denied the Fact for which he suffered, and said he was perswaded to own the Robbery by a Soldier that was in Halsted Bridewell with him, he telling him, that if he confessed the Fact he would come off very well; and that he advised him to say, that he had made use of a Bolt instead of a Pistol, and that he had hid it in a certain Place, where it was found according to his Direction. At the Place of Execution he seemed very stupid and unconcern'd; only, as directed, he called on God for Mercy when he was turned off. Elon Musk Tweets ‘Novus Ordo Seclorum' After Donald Trump Wins Reelection. MAGA Is The Pied Piper – winepressnews.com ↩ Novus Ordo Seclorum – History of Motto on Great Seal’s Unfinished Pyramid ↩ Novus ordo seclorum – Wikipedia ↩ Annuit cœptis – Wikipedia ↩

Esme is celebrating on Lady Day, and George has something to say.

David and Tony exchange thoughts on Esme's Lady Day gathering and Josh's sudden departure. David then confides his and Ruth's doubts over their handling of the Brookfield inheritance. Tony sympathises, telling David about the Anguses and how he thinks Tom and Helen might see the future of Bridge Farm. Having your children tell you what to do is so hard, they agree. It'll be the same with Pip before long, David thinks, before hoping he and Tony get more time for more chats like this. Brian confesses to Alice that he's nervous about moving back into Home Farm, before Alice suggests he's been acting out of character lately. Even Lynda thinks something's up. Brian dismisses their concerns, assuring Alice he's fine, before conceding he occasionally fears he's failed his children. Alice disagrees, even if Ruairi has had a wobble recently. More cheerfully Brian then claims full credit for bringing Rex and Alice together. Later, Miranda joins Brian and Alice for supper. Alice tells Miranda she's happy about them moving into Home Farm, reassuring Miranda that Brian is happy too. If he's been stressed recently it's nothing to do with the move or her. After the meal Brian admits he hears Jennifer's voice in his ear when he's cooking, before Alice leaves. Miranda then pulls Brian up on an earlier comment that the Home Farm house will be hers, not his. She wants it to feel like his home too, but queries whether it's what he wants. Brian promises her he does, with all his heart.

When Neil pops to Meadow Farm with George's lunch, nervous George admits he thought Neil could be bringing bad news. Neil sympathises, before getting a guided tour of the farm. Esme's delighted when her landlord messages offering a reduced rental and better terms on their environmental commitment. She'll take over the tenancy next Wednesday, Lady Day, and plans a gathering to celebrate. George excuses himself, but Esme insists he's coming too. Neil's annoyed when Ruairi texts to say he's sick, but George has a feeling Ruairi isn't right at the moment. While Tracy's working on Chelsea's horsebox at the Dower House niggly Justin says he only agreed to it being there because Lilian forced him. Tracy stands her ground before a solicitor, Olivia, arrives for a meeting. Justin tells Olivia he's disappointed with the offer for his BL shares by the consortium she represents. She calls his bluff, suggesting he can't find another buyer, before Tracy interrupts, wanting to heat up her lunch. Justin tells her to wait outside, but Olivia's happy for Tracy to stay. When asked, Tracy explains what the horsebox is for and Olivia pushes Justin into agreeing he'll act as Chelsea's business mentor. The two women bond over having daughters of the same age and laugh at the idea of Justin as Ambridge's sweetheart. Later, Justin thanks Tracy for breaking the ice with Olivia, who ended up making a more acceptable offer. Tracy clarifies that Justin really will mentor Chelsea, then pushes her luck over keeping the horsebox at the Dower House longterm. Justin agrees to think about it.

In this episode of the Business Beauty Network Podcast, Brandi Taylor sits down with marketing strategist, esthetician, and entrepreneur Dayna Mott to talk about the power of networking and why it's one of the most overlooked strategies for business growth.Dayna shares her journey from working in the spa industry to becoming a brand strategist helping entrepreneurs focus on the marketing metrics that actually lead to sales. She explains the difference between chasing followers and building real connections that help grow a business.If you're a beauty professional trying to attract more clients and grow your brand, this episode will shift the way you think about marketing, networking, and showing up consistently in your business.In this episode we discuss• Dayna's journey from esthetician to marketing strategist• Why networking changed the trajectory of her business• The difference between influencer marketing and real business marketing• How beauty professionals can simplify their marketing strategy• Why consistency matters more than posting every day• The mindset challenges entrepreneurs face when promoting themselves• The importance of building genuine connections in business• Tips for approaching networking events with confidenceKey TakeawayNetworking isn't just about meeting people. It's about building relationships that lead to opportunities, collaborations, referrals, and long-term business growth.About Dayna MottDayna Mott is a licensed esthetician, author, speaker, and brand strategist with over 17 years of experience in the beauty industry. She helps entrepreneurs grow their brands through marketing, branding, and social media strategies that drive real sales and client retention.She is the founder of Lady Day, LLC and the author of Kinky Locs. Dayna has also worked alongside organizations such as MIB International and has been featured in Forbes. Based in Metro Detroit, she works with clients worldwide through consulting, coaching, and workshops.Connect with Dayna MottFollow Dayna for updates on upcoming workshops, marketing resources, and the She Means Business Unleashed Conference.Connect with Business Beauty Network & Brandihttps://www.businessbeautynetwork.com/https://www.instagram.com/iambranditaylor

Like I said I would, I want to show you what it's really like to build a Broadway show. Not the opening night photos, the red carpet, or the reviews. I'm talking about the early days. The first speeches. The moment when everyone realizes what they've actually signed up for.On the first day of Cats: The Jellicle Ball at New 42 Studios, we had our official meet and greet. The cast, creative team, and producers all came together for the first time. The energy was high. It was great to see many of the same cast and band members from our time at the Perelman Arts Center near the World Trade Center. There was a sense of history, but also a feeling that something bigger was about to happen.During the meet-and-greet, Matthew Harrison stood up and read a letter he had written to Andrew Lloyd Webber. Matthew is part of Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, the producing team of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Michael Harrison. He's spent his whole life around big productions. He's not someone who gets impressed easily.Then he said something that made everyone pause and pay attention.“In nearly 40 years of theatre going, I have never experienced a reaction from an audience like it.”He talked about sitting in the audience and watching the people around him. There was a 19-year-old nearby, two men in their 50s, a straight couple on a date, a couple in their 60s with their 20-year-old son, and a group of young women who see every Broadway show. People of different ages and backgrounds, but everyone reacted the same way.People were pointing at the stage, crying, then cheering. They sang “Jellicle Cats” as if it were their own anthem. Some got out of their seats because they couldn't contain themselves. He counted five standing ovations during the show. Not just at the end, but throughout.He also admitted that he used to roll his eyes when people called the theater a religious experience. He never believed that before. But that night, he understood it.This wasn't just marketing. He was trying to describe something that truly surprised him.I felt something similar the night I took a night off from playing the show downtown and watched it from the audience. I thought it was fantastic. Seriously. I was cheering like everyone else in the audience, and I was part of the rehearsal process before. But seeing it in full bloom was really special. I never liked the original Cats, but this version makes sense.Matthew put it simply. This isn't just a revival. It's a reinvention. It feels new, like Cats is the most relevant musical in New York right now.If you want to work on Broadway, you need to understand this part of the process. Big moments don't just happen. They start with conviction in a rehearsal studio, long before critics arrive. They begin with producers willing to take risks and artists giving their all before anyone knows how the show will turn out.Sitting there on day one and hearing those words, I felt the weight of it all. It was motivating and grounding. Once the speeches are over, the real work starts: long days, lots of details, adjustments, repetition, and precision.That was just the beginning of week one. We're in week two now. There's downtime. There are short sections repeated ad nauseam. It's fascinating to watch something take shape in real time.Next, I'll write about the piano vocal book you get on the first day of a Broadway show, especially when there isn't a drum score yet, and what that means for you as a working musician.If you're interested in how Broadway shows are really built, keep following. Share this with anyone who wants to learn about the process. And if you want everything explained step by step, that's why I wrote Broadway Bound and Beyond.You can get it from signaturebrandworks.com or from any other place you buy books online.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for the upcoming Broadway musical Cats: The Jellicle Ball, opening at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 7th. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows such as Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you for being a longtime listener of Broadway Drumming 101.I've been thinking about doing more solo episodes for a while, and I'm finally starting today.Over the past week, I've been deep in rehearsals for Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and this version is even stronger than what we did at PAC. Everything feels sharper and more focused. We officially open on April 7th, and I'm excited for people to see it.READ: Two Icons of New York, Ready for Broadway's ‘Jellicle Ball'At NAMM, I brought up a topic that doesn't get talked about enough:How careers really begin.For me, it wasn't Broadway. It wasn't some audition. It was a hotel gig in New Rochelle, playing the same 20 songs every other Friday night.A connection from that gig led me to a tour.That tour opened the door to subbing.And subbing eventually brought me to Broadway.In this new solo episode, I break down:• Why saying yes early in your career matters• Why showing up beats just posting• How small gigs compound over time• And how to know when it's time to start saying noIf you caught my talk at NAMM, this episode goes even deeper into that topic.READ: And if you're serious about building a real career in theater, get my book:Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.You can order it right now on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.If you want a signed copy, go to SignatureBrandWorks.com.Listen to the new solo episode.Pick up the book if you're interested.And I hope to see you at the Broadhurst!Clayton Craddock is the drummer for the upcoming Broadway musical Cats: The Jellicle Ball, opening at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 7th. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows such as Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Hello music lovers, and welcome to another edition of Why Music Matters. I'm your host, music journalist and musician Jeff Miers. Today, my guests represent a cross-generational journey through the ever-evolving world of jazz.  Alex McArthur is a singer and storyteller whose resume reads like that of a musician three times her age. A winner of multiple JazzBuffalo Vocalist of the Year awards, Alex brings a distinct soulfulness to any music she lends her voice to, whether she's singing something she wrote herself, or flexing her interpretive muscles on the works of legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, and Mavis Staples.  Alex is joined today by a man who has acted as a significant mentor in her musical journey.  Pianist George Caldwell is credited by Alex as, quote, “the first person I ever attempted to sing jazz in front of, and the person who encouraged me to explore vocal jazz and improvisation in the first place.”  In his role as Director of the Student Jazz Ensembles and Music Piano Performance Instructor at the University at Buffalo, George has employed his decades of experience as a Grammy-winning professional musician to help mold the musical imaginations of countless young artists-in-the-making.  Those decades of experience include tenures with the Count Basie Orchestra, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, tap dancer and choreographer Saivon Glover, R&B legend Ruth Brown, and right here in Buffalo, the awe-inspiring Star People, a Miles Davis Repertory Ensemble.  Currently, Alex and George are in the midst of performing Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, a recreation of Billie Holiday's final performance, with Alex inhabiting the role of Lady Day, and George acting as Musical Director.  The show, a MusicalFare production, is running at Shea's Smith Theatre in Buffalo's Theatre and Entertainment District, through February 15. (You can learn more about the production and purchase tickets through musicalfare.com.)  Welcome to Why Music Matters, Alex McArthur and George Caldwell! 

Guest: Elena Bonomo, drummer for SIX. Originally released January 14, 2022.This is one of those conversations that still holds up years later.In this episode, Elena Bonomo talks through what it actually looks like to build a career in theater music from the ground up. Elena shares how early musical experiences with her family shaped her connection to music, why drums always felt like fun instead of work, and how getting her first drum set set everything in motion.We also talk about her early pit experiences, reading music at a young age, and how playing school musicals laid the foundation for what she does now. She breaks down her time at Berklee, why versatility mattered to her more than locking into one lane, and how musical theater work at school mirrored the real expectations of Broadway life.Elena also gets honest about touring right after school, making very little money, and learning the realities of life on the road. From there, she talks about cruise ship work, adaptability, and how every gig, even the unglamorous ones, added tools to her toolbox.If you're trying to understand how Broadway careers are actually built over time, this episode is full of perspective that's still relevant today.https://www.elenabonomo.comThis Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.If you want to go deeper into this world, Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career, is available now on Amazon.com.If you'd like a signed copy by Clayton, along with Broadway Drumming 101 merchandise, head to signaturebrandworks.com.The book lays out the mindset, preparation, relationships, money realities, and long-term thinking behind real theater careers.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for the upcoming Broadway musical Cats: The Jellicle Ball, opening at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 7th. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows such as Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

Joe Bergamini on Subbing, Broadway Reality, and Building a Real Music CareerIn this episode of the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast, I sit down with Joe Bergamini—drummer, educator, author, and one of the most thoughtful voices in the drum world.Joe has subbed on more than 15 Broadway shows, toured nationally, taught for decades, and written some of the most respected drum books out there. But what really stands out is how clearly he talks about what it actually takes to build a sustainable life as a working musician.We dig into what subbing on Broadway is really like, how learning music note-for-note early on prepared him for theater work, and how teaching, touring, rock bands, and saying yes to the right gigs quietly shaped his career. Joe also shares stories from his early club days and why preparation, curiosity, and relationships matter more than hype or shortcuts.This is an honest, practical conversation for drummers who care about longevity.Here are just a few books he has written:Speaking at NAMM – January 24I'll be expanding on many of these ideas in person at NAMM:Building a Career in Theater MusicSaturday, January 2411:30 AM – 12:00 PMHilton California AIf you're attending NAMM and curious about Broadway, touring, subbing, networking, contracts, and the real financial side of being a working musician, I hope you'll stop by.Broadway Bound and BeyondMy upcoming book, Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career, goes deeper into many of the topics we talk about here—how musicians actually get hired, how careers are sustained, and what no one explains when you're starting out.Get on the list at:www.broadwayboundbook.comSubscribe and Stay ConnectedIf you're getting value from these conversations, make sure you're subscribed to Broadway Drumming 101 so you don't miss future episodes and articles.If you know a musician trying to figure out their next move, share this episode with them. Subscriptions and reviews help more working players find the show.Thanks for listening and for supporting the Broadway Drumming 101 community.This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for the upcoming Broadway musical Cats: The Jellicle Ball, opening at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 7th. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows such as Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

This is a Broadway Drumming 101 Classic.Originally released in December 2021, this episode features Rich Rosenzweig, recorded on the very day Companyofficially opened on Broadway. The timing alone makes it special. Rich was stepping into an opening night shaped by grief, history, and pressure, following the passing of Stephen Sondheim, while carrying the responsibility of yet another major Broadway chair.But what makes this episode endure is not the moment. It is the honesty.Rich and Clayton dig into the parts of Broadway drumming that rarely get talked about clearly. Reviews. Word of mouth. Why some shows with mediocre press run for years while others with praise disappear. Rich explains how the power of critics has shifted, and why storytelling, audience response, and momentum now matter more than ever.From there, the conversation goes deep into subbing. This is one of the most detailed discussions anywhere about what chair holders actually look for in a sub drummer. Not flash. Not ego. Preparation, consistency, psychological trust, and the ability to make a conductor feel safe. Rich explains why subbing can be more stressful than holding a Broadway chair full time, and why even great drummers struggle if they miss these non-negotiables.They also talk candidly about career reality. Getting fired. Losing gigs. Being passed over. How to assess whether feedback is something to grow from or simply a mismatch. Rich shares stories from Beauty and the Beast, Cats, Rent, Memphis, and more, showing how longevity in this business often comes down to adaptability and self-awareness, not perfection.This episode is essential listening if you are serious about musical theater, Broadway, or touring at a high level.Not motivational quotes. Not shortcuts. Just real talk from someone who has lived it.If you are trying to understand how Broadway actually works, this one belongs in your library.Support Broadway Drumming 101 and unlock exclusive content at BroadwayDrumming101.com.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for the upcoming Broadway musical Cats: The Jellicle Ball, opening at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 7th. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows such as Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

This Classic episode goes back to 2021 with drummer Rich Rosenzweig. At the time, he was playing the drum chair for Company. Today, he is the drummer for Ragtime at Lincoln Center. Part One focuses on his early years, his training, and his path into the Broadway world.What we cover in this episode* How Rich transitioned from piano lessons to drums.* Growing up in a home filled with music and support for the arts.* Group snare drum lessons in grammar school and early practice habits.* Playing in the basement, practicing with records, and discovering big band.* Hearing Buddy Rich, Basie's band, and how those experiences shaped his sound.* Getting into jazz as a teenager and forming his first jazz groups.* Studying at UNC Chapel Hill and balancing music with a liberal arts education.* His obsession with film, film scores, and composers like Bernard Herrmann and Ennio Morricone.* Moving to New York with pianist Frank Kimbrough and building a freelance life.* Playing weddings, club dates, and the slow grind toward professional theater work.* Watching Ray Marchica play The Will Rogers Follies and learning what Broadway drumming really requires.* Subbing under conductor Eric Stern and facing a click track for the first time.* Landing his first Broadway chair on State Fair and what he learned from that experience.* Why Broadway drumming demands consistency, reading skills, groove, and a full understanding of the storytelling behind the music.This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Why this episode matters* It gives a clear picture of how a Broadway drummer builds a career from scratch.* It highlights the mix of training, influences, timing, and relationships that shape a long career on Broadway.* It shows how jazz, film music, and classical Broadway scoring all feed into a drummer's approach and musical identity.* It offers practical insight for anyone who wants to pursue theater drumming at a high level.Part Two will be released next week.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for the upcoming Broadway revival of Cats: The Jellicle Ball, opening at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 7th. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows such as Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton is currently on tour with The Rock Orchestra and has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

I went back to one of my classic Broadway Drumming 101 conversations this week, and it reminded me why I started this series in the first place. Years ago I sat down with Rich Rosenzweig when he was holding the drum chair for the revival of ‘Company.' Now he's driving the bus for Ragtime at Lincoln Center, and revisiting this talk brought everything back. We got into the real work of subbing on Broadway, the pressure of matching the regular drummer's feel, and the quiet connection with the conductor that determines whether you get asked back.In the clip, Rich breaks down the truth every serious drummer needs to hear. Subbing isn't about chops or showing what you can do. It's about matching the show so well that the conductor can close their eyes and feel the same pulse, the same sound, the same flow they get from the regular drummer. They're not looking for surprises. They want stability. If you're not giving accuracy, presence, and attention to detail, they feel it immediately.Rich also talks about how conductors watch the monitor even when they say they don't. They're looking for someone who is locked in and communicating clearly. Plenty of great drummers have fallen short because they didn't prepare the book with real precision or didn't read the conductor the way the regular drummer does. Most people never hear that part of the job. Subbing is consistency, connection, and trust.Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it.This conversation is one of my favorites, and I'm bringing it back. Subscribe to Broadway Drumming 101 so you're notified when the re-release goes live. If you're trying to get into Broadway or looking to sharpen your subbing skills, this episode will show you what the job really demands.This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Rich Rosenzweig has played more than a dozen Broadway shows and appeared on multiple cast recordings. He's been the drummer for the Kennedy Center Honors orchestra for more than a decade, toured nationally and internationally, and has been the regular drummer for City Center's Encores! series. He performs in progressive jazz ensembles, including his own East Down Septet, teaches privately, and has written several feature screenplays.More episodes like this are coming. Stay tuned.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for the upcoming Broadway revival of Cats: The Jellicle Ball, opening at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 7th. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows such as Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton is currently on tour with The Rock Orchestra and has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I sit down with drummer Tom Jorgensen. He's been playing drums on the Beetlejuice national tour for the last three years. Tom talks about what makes the Beetlejuice drum book one of the most physically demanding on the road and how Shannon Ford's original approach set the tone for everything that followed.We dig into:* The sheer physical challenge of playing Beetlejuice eight times a week and how Tom reworked his setup and grip to survive it.* The philosophy he learned from jazz legend Michael Carvin — “It's not about what you're playing, it's about what you're doing” — and how that mindset keeps every performance fresh.* His time touring with Postmodern Jukebox, cutting his teeth on cruise ships, and what those experiences taught him about endurance, posture, and musical adaptability.* Lessons from working with Rich Mercurio and Nadia DiGiallonardo on Waitress, and the moment that turned a sub gig into his first big break.* The balance between consistency and creativity on tour — how to avoid burnout, stay healthy, and keep the show locked in night after night.* Why gratitude and discipline are non-negotiable for musicians who want longevity on the road.Tom's story is a reminder that Broadway drumming isn't just about chops — it's about mindset, focus, and knowing how to serve the show every night.For more: https://www.tomjorgensensound.comListen now wherever you get your podcasts.Subscribe at BroadwayDrumming101.com and pre-order my new book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career at BroadwayBoundBook.com.Mentioned in this episode:* Beetlejuice National Tour* Shannon Ford* Michael Carvin* Rich Mercurio* Nadia DiGiallonardo* Postmodern Jukebox* Waitress First National TourClayton Craddock is the drummer for the upcoming Broadway revival of Cats: The Jellicle Ball, opening at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 7th. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows such as Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton is currently on tour with The Rock Orchestra and has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

durée : 00:59:55 - Les Nuits de France Culture - par : Philippe Garbit - Un hommage à la chanteuse de jazz Billie Holiday. Cette émission publique a été enregistrée le 7 Octobre 1998 au Studio Sacha Guitry de la Maison de Radio-France. Les invités d'Alain Gerber étaient Jean-Louis Chautemps, André Clergeat, Paul Benkimoun, Georges Paczynski. - réalisation : Virginie Mourthé

Coming Soon: The Tom Jorgensen Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast EpisodeThere's a line that's stuck with Tom Jorgensen ever since he first heard it from jazz legend Michael Carvin:“It's not about what you're playing — it's about what you're doing.”It sounds simple. But as Tom explains in the upcoming episode of the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast, that one sentence completely changed how he approaches music, performance, and storytelling on stage.For those who don't know Tom: he's the drummer on the North American tour of Beetlejuice The Musical, which returned to Broadway in a limited 13-week engagement at the Palace Theatre beginning October 8, 2025 and running through January 3, 2026. In this episode, Tom opens up about how Carvin's philosophy guided him through every stage of his career. From late nights on cruise ships to the bright lights of Broadway. He shares how mentors like Rich Mercurio and Nadia DiGiallonardo helped him realize that playing music isn't just about perfect notes or flawless grooves, it's about listening, intention, and being part of the story.This episode goes beyond chops and technique. It's about presence, purpose, and what it truly means to serve the music.If you've ever found yourself going through the motions—counting bars, chasing perfection, or just trying to “get through” a gig—this conversation will hit home. It's a reminder that every note, no matter how small, can help tell the story.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for the upcoming Broadway revival of Cats: The Jellicle Ball, opening at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 7th. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows such as Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton is currently on tour with The Rock Orchestra and has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.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.Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast — Episode: Larry LelliLarry Lelli has done just about everything a Broadway drummer can do. From marching snare in Wisconsin to playing The Producers on Broadway, his story is about hard work, timing, and versatility. In this conversation, Larry talks about his early days growing up in the Midwest, his years in drum corps, the Nashville country scene, and how he built a lasting career in New York City's theater world.Larry's been behind the drum kit for shows like The Producers, Jekyll and Hyde, Les Misérables, Wicked, and The Full Monty. He's also a respected educator and clinician whose experience bridges jazz, pop, and orchestral playing.This episode breaks down how he made the jump from the road to Broadway, what it takes to earn a chair, and why learning from others is one of the smartest moves a drummer can make.Key Moments and Topics Covered00:03 – Early Years in the MidwestLarry talks about growing up in Chicago, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. He shares how he started on trombone before switching to drums and getting his first kit — a red Slingerland jazz set from the 1960s.00:05 – Marching Band and Drum CorpsHe describes how marching band led him to drum corps, playing snare with the Blue Stars. Those years shaped his reading, discipline, and love of ensemble playing.00:09 – The High School Metal BandLarry formed a heavy-metal band called Fallen Angel, later Perfect Stranger, influenced by Motley Crüe, Poison, and Ozzy Osbourne. That mix of rock energy and groove became part of his foundation.00:10 – Discovering Studio LegendsHe recalls studying the session greats — Steve Gadd, Jeff Porcaro, Hal Blaine, and JR Robinson — and how copying their records taught him to listen, absorb, and reproduce other players' feel. That skill later helped him sub successfully on Broadway.00:13 – Choosing Music Over a “Backup Plan”Despite warnings from family about the risks of a music career, Larry stayed focused. A mentor told him, “If it's the thing you must do, then you have to do it.” That advice stuck.00:16 – University of Wisconsin–Eau ClaireHe studied jazz performance, percussion, and conducting, earning a Bachelor of Music degree. He credits conductor Robert Baca and professor Ron Keiser for turning Eau Claire into a respected jazz program.00:19 – Nashville YearsLarry moved to Nashville in the early 90s and toured with the country-comedy duo Pinkerton Bowden and later with country balladeer Doug Stone. He shares what life on the road was really like and why he eventually grew tired of touring.00:24 – The Call of New YorkAfter meeting jazz players on a cruise, he decided to explore Broadway. They told him his versatility would fit New York's theater scene. His first exposure to a pit was watching Ray Marchica play Damn Yankees — a life-changing moment.00:28 – Starting Over in NYCHe saved $10,000, moved to the city, and started sitting in on shows. Early on, he learned that “no one cares what you've done anywhere else — they only care what you've done in New York.” That lesson shaped how he built credibility.00:33 – Miss Saigon: The BreakthroughMichael Hinton gave Larry a shot at subbing the massive percussion book for Miss Saigon. The score had originally been written for three percussionists. Larry practiced daily for a month and nailed his first show — instantly building a reputation as someone who could handle the hardest gig in town.00:37 – From Subbing to a ChairLarry began subbing at Beauty and the Beast, Les Misérables, and other productions, eventually holding nine different sub books at once. His first full Broadway chair came with Jekyll and Hyde.00:42 – Landing The ProducersWhen Jekyll and Hyde closed, a referral led to an audition with legendary conductor Paul Gemignani for a new show. Although that production closed quickly, the connection opened doors. A few years later, Larry joined The Producers, which became a long-running hit.00:46 – Lessons on LongevityLarry emphasizes professionalism: showing up prepared, treating every sub date like an audition, and understanding that reliability and attitude matter as much as chops. Every gig, even the short-lived ones, builds your reputation.00:48 – Teaching and Passing It OnHe now teaches drummers how to approach theater work with discipline and respect for the craft — reading, listening, blending, and adapting.Key Takeaways* Learning by listening prepares you for the realities of Broadway.* Every show, even a short run, can lead to future work.* Versatility is a drummer's greatest asset — orchestral, rock, jazz, and pop all show up in modern theater books.* Reputation is everything. People hire musicians who make their lives easier.* Keep the joy. The best drummers never lose that excitement they had as kids hitting their first kit.Connect with Larry LelliWebsite: larrylelli.comInstagram: @larrylelliAbout Broadway Drumming 101Broadway Drumming 101 is the leading platform for drummers and musicians working in theater. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for full interviews and clips, or join the membership at BroadwayDrumming101.com for behind-the-scenes videos, real-world training, and exclusive articles.Learn more about our upcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career at BroadwayBoundBook.com.Clayton Craddock is the drummer for the upcoming Broadway revival of Cats: The Jellicle Ball, opening at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 7th. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows such as Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.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.I'm excited to share that a new Broadway Drumming 101 podcast episode with Larry Lelli will be re-released soon. I originally sat down with Larry back on December 16, 2021, and since then, his career has kept growing in remarkable ways.Larry isn't just a veteran Broadway drummer—he's now also a Broadway producer. He's gone on to co-produce Water for Elephants (opened March 21, 2024), Gutenberg! The Musical! (opened October 12, 2023), and most recently Waiting for Godot (opened September 28, 2025).Before stepping into producing, Larry built a career most musicians dream of. He's played drums and conducted for over 40 Broadway shows, including The Producers, Assassins, How To Succeed In Business, and Million Dollar Quartet. His list of collaborations is just as impressive—Melissa Etheridge, Josh Groban, Audra McDonald, Patti LuPone, Bernadette Peters, Nick Jonas, Vanessa Williams, Jerry Lee Lewis, and even the New York Philharmonic.Larry is also a clinician with Yamaha Drums and Sabian Cymbals, and you can currently catch him performing in the Tony Award-winning hit Come From Away.In our conversation, we dug into:* Growing up in the Midwest playing in baton and drum corps* Touring with country star Doug Stone after moving to Nashville* How a jazz cruise changed his life and led him to New York City* Why subbing for Michael Hinton on Miss Saigon was his big break* Learning from legends like Paul Gemignani* How he approaches learning an entire Broadway showLarry's story is a masterclass in building a long, versatile career in music—and now he's added producing to his list of achievements.Stay tuned for the re-release of this edited Broadway Drumming 101 episode. It's one you won't want to miss.https://www.larrylelli.comClayton Craddock is the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career. His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows like Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour. He has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis. 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.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

Episode Summary:In this episode, host Steve Roby welcomes singer Stella Heath for an intimate look at the Billie Holiday Project—a heartfelt tribute to Lady Day's music and legacy. Ahead of her performances at SF Jazz, Stella shares her journey from a musically rich upbringing in Petaluma, California, to her deep dive into jazz and acting, and how these experiences shape her storytelling on stage.Key Topics & Highlights:Stella's early musical influences included Louis Armstrong, Edith Piaf, and her mother's eclectic taste.The impact of classical training and acting (including Shakespeare) on her jazz phrasing and storytelling.The origins and inspiration behind the Billie Holiday Project, focusing on Billie's emotional depth and social impact, especially through songs like “Strange Fruit.”Live performances from the Billie Holiday Project, including “No Regrets” and “I'll Be Seeing You.”Stella's approach to interpreting Billie Holiday's phrasing—balancing homage with her own voice.Insights into “back phrasing” and how Billie Holiday reshaped melodies.The band lineup for the SF Jazz shows, featuring musicians like Neil Angelo Fontano (piano), Robbie Elman (reeds), Daniel Fabricant (bass), Spike Klein (drums), Ian Sheer (guitar), and guest trumpeter Justin.What audiences can expect at the live shows: a mix of classic and lesser-known 1930s tunes, narrative arcs, and a unique setlist for each performance.Show Details:The Billie Holiday Project with the Stella Heath Sextet comes to SF Jazz's Joe Henderson Lab:Saturday, September 6th: 7:00 PM & 8:30 PMSunday, September 7th: 6:00 PM & 7:30 PMFor tickets and more information, visit sfjazz.org.Connect with Stella Heath:Website: stellaheathmusic.comListen & Subscribe:Find this episode, past conversations, and show notes (including ticket links) wherever you get your podcasts.Thanks for listening, and we'll see you at the show!

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

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

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.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