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The LA Music Academy Hosts Benefit for The Rhythmic Arts Project
by John Wildman

The 4th Annual Christmas Show to benefit The Rhythmic Arts Project (TRAP) and Club Aspire was held at the LA Music Academy in Pasadena on Sunday, December 7th to a wildly appreciative audience including students, alumni, and friends of the school. The show featured performances by Lynnette Adams and the High Spirit Dancers, LA Music Academy Voice Department chair, Kevyn Lettau (with instructor Jerry Watts, Yellowjackets keyboardist Russell Ferrante, and Director of Education Mike Shapiro supporting), and Babaghanoush, comprised of Jimmy Mahlis, Andy Suzuki, Jerry Watts, and Ralph Humphrey.


Highlights included those performances, as well as an appearance by Ronnie Gutierrez with his father Mike Gutierrez giving the evening a little salsa flavor, and "Drum Talk," which featured Ralph Humphrey, and fellow instructors, Joe Porcaro, Marty Fera and Mike Shapiro, with special guest percussionist Vito Rezza from Toronto. Closing the show was an animated performance by legendary drummer Vinnie Colaiuta with Jimmy Haslip and Russell Ferrante.


Commenting afterwards, TRAP founder and head, Eddie Tuduri said, "It's a rare occasion to see those guys perform together. Any serious student from anywhere in the world knows how special that was." Obviously pleased with the results of the show, Tuduri added, "It is uncanny that we don't turn people away each year given the luminary cast of players who always contribute their time and outrageous talent."



 










   Click here to see a gallery
of pictures of the TRAP Benefit Evening
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