Moderator: Joe Bergamini Panelists: Craig Blundell, David Garibaldi, Mike Malone, Juan “Carlito” Mendoza Joe Bergamini is an internationally-known drummer who currently tours with The Doo-Wop Project. His extensive Broadway resume includes holding the drum chair for Gettin’ the Band Back Together and performing at over 15 other shows including Movin’ Out, Jersey Boys, In the Heights, Rock of Ages, The Lion King, Hamilton, and others. He is the author of Neil Peart: Taking Center Stage, Stewart Copeland: Drumming in the Police and Beyond, GADD (A Life in Time) and COBHAM: The Music and Drumming of Billy Cobham–working directly with these legends on the books. Among Joe’s many other books is The Working Drummer’s Chart Book. He has been the director of the Sabian Education Network since 2015, Senior Drum Editor for Hudson Music since 2009, and owned his own private teaching studio for over 35 years. The winner of four Modern Drummer Readers Poll awards, Joe proudly endorses Tama drums, Sabian cymbals, Vic Firth sticks, Evans drumheads, and Latin Percussion. Craig Blundell is regarded as one of the most influential progressive drummers in the world. He’s currently the drummer in Steven Wilson’s live band, a member of Prog supergroup Frost*, Matt Berry’s drummer of choice, and John Mitchell’s right hand man in “Lonely Robot.” He also performs in his own project Fusion crossover power trio Trifecta with Nick Beggs and Adam Holzman and The Backstage, a crossover project with Jonas Reingold and Rob Townsend. He’s recorded drums and toured with Steve Hackett, he played on the iconic “Fish” final album “Weltschmerz” and has recorded many drums and programmed music for TV, Film and Radio from Talksport to Netflix, and from Apple TV to Jaguar. Aside from all the recording, he remains one of the most respected educators and clinicians in the world. Craig is an ambassador for Mapex drums, where he now holds the position of main R&D consultant for KHS brands, working closely with the team in terms of product development and design. He has also been with Roland for over 20 years and continues to work with Roland Japan in sound development and product design and is known as one of their most iconic V-Drums artists. Born and raised in the San Francisco bay area, David Garibaldi began playing drums in elementary school at the age of ten. At age seventeen, he started his professional career, and in 1966 joined the United States Air Force where he became a member of the 724th USAF band stationed at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, Washington. Upon leaving the military in 1969, he returned to the bay area and on July 23, 1970 joined the legendary Tower of Power. It was in this setting that David became one of the most influential drummers of his generation and became known as an innovator in funk drumming. As a writer and performer David has worked with such artists as Patti Austin, Natalie Cole, Mickey Hart’s Planet Drum, Boz Scaggs, The BBC Orchestra, Gino Vannelli, Talking Drums, The Buddy Rich Orchestra, Ray Obiedo, Wishful Thinking, Poncho Sanchez, and many others. In 1998, after an eighteen-year “break”, he rejoined the Tower of Power for some “unfinished business”, where he remained for the next 25 years, touring globally, recording, as well as doing tours with other artists and clinics. Then in January 2024, David felt that his time with TOP had reached its end and decided to retire from the road. Mike Malone is performer and educator based out of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He attended University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire to study classical and jazz percussion. In 2013 Mike was invited to join The Glenn Miller Orchestra and tour across North America. After returning to UWEC to finish his degree in 2014, Mike began touring with groups including jazz vocalist, Ray Brown Jr, and vocal jazz group, Five By Design. As a recording musician Mike can be heard on dozens of albums as both a supporting musician and leader. His debut album as a leader “Overalls & Airplanes” was released in 2013. His diverse skillset has allowed him to be featured musically across numerous styles and settings, and led him to be named “Drummer Of The Year” by the Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) Awards in 2021. Mike currently maintains a regular performing schedule and manages a private teaching studio with students of all ages and experience levels. Mike is also a performing artists for Evans Drumheads. Juan “Carlito” Mendoza is a New Jersey based drummer, educator, and author whose career brings together performance and a passion for teaching. His experience spans the Broadway stages of The Lion King and Hamilton, where he serves as a substitute drummer, along with appearances on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series and Drumeo. A Guitar Center Drum Off Grand Champion, Juan draws on his musical background to help drummers connect technique with creativity. He is the author of Rudiment Creativity Volumes 1 & 2 and Songo/Timba Grooves. With an extensive social media presence across Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok, he reaches drummers around the world through lessons, performances, and creative insights. Through his books, online content, and work as a middle school band director, he shares practical ways for musicians to develop their skills and find their own voice.