Johnny Conga

“JC” Johnny Conga-Pearl Drum Endorser, has been performing for 41 years, as a “multi-percussionist-specialist”, in the Art of Afro-Caribbean Drumming.
Some of the Artists that “JC” have worked with, cover the gamut of “styles” in music. Here is a short list: Sergio Mendes & Brasil 77, Paquito D’Riviera, The Jackson 5, Willie Bobo, Mongo Santamaria, Cerrone(France), Gloria Gaynor and over 100 other major artist’s in the United States and abroad. To date Johnny has been in 140 bands and has done 17 International tours all around the world. http://www.myspace.com/jcjohnnyconga for more about me just Google-Johnny Conga

Grammy Member(Pacific Northwest chapter)
Member of BMI as composer/arranger
Member of N.A.R.A.S. (National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences)
Member of Percussive Arts Society
Endorsed by Pearl Drums-10 years/ Independent
Member of Cirque du Soleil percussionists-2004

Currently running 4 bands: Johnny Conga & Tumba Caliente, a 9 piece NY style Salsa and Mambo-Jazz band, also “Origens” a 5 piece “folklore” Afro-Caribbean drum ensamble, The Tropical Jazz Sextet and Sabor Tropical.
Radio Host for KBCS 91.3 FM-“AL LADO LATINO” on every Saturday at 6pm pst. online at www.kbcs.fm

Currently on staff at Cornish College of the Arts as
On staff at “Music Works” Northwest-Bellevue, Seattle-2002

Released first CD 1994 called Johnny Conga & Caribe + Roots of Rhythm on Skyward records.
Recognized by State of Florida as “Folklorist”-1997

Former P.A.C. E.(performing arts and cultural education) Artist for Dade County, Florida 1995

Recordings on Columbia-ABC-Polygram-Island-Roxbury-Skyward-Infinity-Cuni and others.
Producers: George S Clinton-Cheech and Chong-Trevor Lawrence-John Arrias-Pete Moore(The Miracles), John Robinson,Ken Mansfield, and Steve and Nat Kipner (short list).

Former Associate Professor at the University of Miami-Dept of Perc.-1990-92 under the auspices of Professor Fred Wickstrom. Received AA degree from Los Angeles Community College 1978. Studied percussion at Jazzmobile-IS 201-NYCity, with Ritchie “Pablo” Landrum and Charlie Persip. Also attended the East 3rd st. Music Settlement 1972, and the Johnny Colon School of Music NYC.
1969-71 lived in Germany and played with a variety of bands from Rock to Soul.
Military Veteran 1968-71 US Army-Honorable Discharge.

Johnny Conga

updated at october 2006