Alex Weiss & Different Drum
Different Drum is a versatile Afro/Latin ensemble that plays World Music, specializing in South African Township, Andean Melodies, Brazilian Sambas, Salsa, Calypso and Cumbia. Typically, Different Drum devotes equal time during their performances to jazz, eclectic music and original songs.
The band is led by Alex Weiss who developed a love for and understanding of world music during his travels across the U.S. and Mexico, through Europe and the Middle East, to North Africa and Central America. A composer, multi-instrumentalist and director for Different Drum, Alex plays the congas, alto recorder, coronet, flugelhorn and other instruments. He is accompanied on the congas by his Wife Li-Lan who also plays other percussion instruments. The duo often plays in festivals, libraries and cafes.
The group can be expanded to include addtional instruments as required: Bass, Tenor Saxophone, Drums, Alto Saxophone, and other instruments.
“Alex Weiss & Different Drum’s unique sound of warm rhythms, airy melodies and tight arrangements retain the power of timeless communication. A journey of exceptional sound exploration and virtuosity…endlessly distinctive!” – Bill Meeham of Songwriter, July 2008
“A lush, invigorating romp of music and poetry. Percussion, flutes, voices, guitars, horns, ambient forest sounds, satire, seriousness, playfulness: “Songs of Hope and Protest” explodes with Alex’ sharp wit and musicality. Prepare to be soothed, agitated, and entertained.” – Bob Slentz-Kesler of Author, June 2008
“Alex Weiss and Different Drum present their view of world music and jazz in a unique manner… On “May Dayze” the klezmer-like horns are supported by the congas truly mixes cultural boundaries. “The High Way West” gives off a Western-styled cowboy melody on a high-pitched harmonica yet once again the rhythms take you beyond the lonesome prairie of Hollywood movie scores.” – Cameron Blades of World Rhythm Webzine, April 2007, “Global Music and Culture”On Alex Weiss’s latest CD release “North of the Border” (July 2006, Silent Dayze Music, BMI): “North of the Border has an invitingly informal quality…The combination of brass, winds, guitar, and percussion creates a “large-small ensemble” feel to these compositions…the music also has an infectious warmth.” – Cliff Bellamy of The Herald Sun, July 2006
“Constructed like a long meandering suite, the 14 cuts that comprise Beautiful Melody (May 2004, Silent Dayze Music, BMI) are strangely unified. A soft bed of percussion cushions the presentation without dominating it. Though Weiss and his mates are capable improvisers, gratuitous soloing is taboo. Instead brass, woodwinds, and softly plucked strings rise up, establish a mood and fade away anonymously into the ether.” – Joe Vanderford of Independent, May 2004, “Music Spotlight: Finding Alex Weiss”
“Different Drum has become a regular in the town’s (Carrboro, NC) “Entertainment Adventures” familiy series over the years. He’s a favorite with us and the community. Alex is a multi-talented musician. He does a great family show!” – The Chapel Hill Herald, May 2003, “Multiculturalism helps Shape Musician”
Professional author, storyteller and multicultural folklorist, Donna Washington has been featured at hundreds of festivals and thousands of schools, libraries, theaters and other venues around the world, including Canada, Peru, Argentina and Hong Kong. A multiple-award winning artist with nine CD's, she presents stories for audiences as young as four and for families and adults of all ages.
For his Willie Nelson Tribute, Roy Hammock (appropriately nicknamed "Roy Willie" by his fans) received Country’s Hottest Hitter Award from The Reel Awards in Las Vegas--the Academy Awards for tribute artists. He also was the winner of the Willie Nelson Lookalike Contest.
Recognized by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. as the Worldwide Favorite Elvis Tribute Artist of fans via online fan polling, Stephen has been a Finalist and Semi-finalist in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest sponsored by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. in each of the last 3 years.
The Johnny Cash Experience is a Broadway-quality show that takes the audience through the late country legend’s career, covering Early Johnny Cash, Johnny Cash & June Carter, and the Folsom Prison Concert Era. Those who see his performance will know what it must have been like to see the real Johnny Cash in concert -- his voice, mannerisms, and his band are wholly true to the legend.
Consisting of trumpet, trombone, clarinet, tuba, banjo and percussion, RAZZaMaJAZZ has been entertaining North Carolina audiences for more than 20 years, playing a variety of musical styles, including Jazz, Dixieland and Swing.
This Young, Classic Rock/Pop band from Richmond, Virginia boasts a rapidly growing fan base along the East Coast. They perform tunes ranging from Stevie Wonder to Van Halen and Bruno Mars. Their 2019 release, Yellow Dress, reached #1 on the charts in Virginia and #59 in the United States.
Different Drum is a versatile Afro/Latin ensemble that plays World Music, specializing in South African Township, Andean Melodies, Brazilian Sambas, Salsa, Calypso and Cumbia. The band plays, Congas, Alto Recorder, Coronet, Flugelhorn and can be expanded to include Bass, Tenor Saxophone, Drums, Alto Saxophone and other instruments.
Award-winning Musical Ambassadors from Russia, Moscow Nights is an exciting, versatile trio of world-recognized, prize-winning musicians who have established themselves as one of the fastest rising folk groups in the U.S. Presenting authentic Russian folk traditions and culture, their lilting Balalaikas, dynamic Bayan Accordion, humorous dances and superb vocals create an exhilarating, educational performance for all ages.
Invite your audiences to enjoy an evening of tributes to legends with more than 60 legendary vocalists in one talent-packed show, starring extraordinary singing impressionist, Eric Kearns. You can customize the show for your audience by choosing from more than 60 vocalists to "perform" during your show.
Lady & The Tramps plays a popular blend of Rock & Roll, Top 40, Classic Rock, Jazz, Contemporary, Pop, Latin, R&B, Swing, Country, Bluegrass, Classical, Ballroom Dance, and Ethnic music, embellished with your favorite requests.
PushPlay keeps events exciting and guests entertained with a variety of music from the 70's to current Rock, Pop, Soul, R&B, Country and Top 40 hits.
Recording Artist, writer and composer Mickey Mills is an exciting, energetic, multi-talented entertainer par excellence. He is a vocalist, songwriter and steel drum player, who has been called “the fastest steel drum soloist on Earth”. A native of Trinidad and Tobago, Mickey has performed on steel drums nationally and internationally, including Madison Square Garden.
Jef weaves through the crowd at festivals, fairs and first nights, sharing his wacky brand of roving artistry which includes mime, juggling, mask work and variety arts. Festival goers become willing participants, interacting with him by creating faces for his masks, juggling with him, posing for photos with his masterpiece camera and even playing a game of human-sized ring toss with one another.
Using the latest in live sound technology, transit is able to harness vocals and transform them into a high impact show that some will scarcely believe is created with only 5 voices. Showcasing popular songs of today and their original music, transit will connect with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Overcoming crippling nerve damage, Gladius defines courage as an individual, innovation as a composer and mastery as an instrumentalist, pushing the boundaries of his Baroque-Ethnic-Metal fusion. In an era when expertise and originality are often overlooked in lieu of fleeting flash and flare, Gladius defines innovation as a composer and mastery as an instrumentalist.
The Legacy entertains audiences with the classic Motown sound from Detroit, exciting, high-energy choreography and impressive showmanship. The Legacy will take the audience back to the days of The Drifters, The Coasters, The Jacksons, Earth Wind& Fire, The Four Tops, The Okays, Isley Brothers, Kool and the Gang, Jackson Five, Chairmen of the Board, Pharrel Williams and the Temptations.
