"Keeping the Blues Alive: The Next Generation" Daniel's natural talent, magnetic stage presence, mature poise, and charming personality have made fans of musicians and music aficionados alike. Born on February 4, 1993 in Norwood, Massachusetts, Daniel resides in Pembroke with his parents and is a 6th-grader at the Hobomock Elementary School. He began his formal weekly drumming lessons with his Berklee-trained drum teacher when he was 6 years old. Daniel initially gained experience performing for the public by attending the local Youth Open Mike at the Yard Rock Blues Club in Quincy, Massachusetts. Besides honing his technical skills, Daniel's drum teacher has also nurtured his creativity, allowing him to express himself freely at the end of each lesson. Daniel is able to sit in with any band and play songs he may never have heard before, as well as perform impressive drum solos when given the opportunity. Daniel was interviewed on the Late Show with David Letterman and the FOX25 Morning News, both of which also featured his drumming. To date, he has performed with established artists such as Paul Shaffer and The CBS Orchestra on the Late Show with David Letterman, Blues singer and recording artist Shirley King (B.B. King's daughter), the Chris Fitz Band, Ronnie Earl, Duke Robillard, David Maxwell, Billy Branch, and the Linsey Alexander Band, among others. In addition to local venues such as Mount Blue, the Cambridge House of Blues, and the Newport Blues CafΘ, Daniel has also performed in Chicago at Willie Dixon's Blues Garden, Rosa's, and the Voodoo Lounge with these artists. Daniel also frequents the Open Blues jams at the Chicken Bone Saloon in Framingham MA, Hajjars in Weymouth MA, and Harry's in Hyannis MA. Daniel practices his drumming almost two hours each day. He has performed either as guest drummer or at open mike sessions about 50 times this past year. Daniel's other hobbies include basketball, soccer, swimming, video games, and Competitive DanceSport. Daniel's influences include B.B. King, Sandy Nelson, Buddy Rich, Ringo Star, Phil Collins, Gene Krupa, Anton Fig, and his drum teacher Chris Rivelli. Since his first drum kit, he has upgraded to a Yamaha Beech Absolute and he endorses Zildjian cymbals and Vater drumsticks. He has formed his own band, The Moondance Blues Band, and he hopes one day to have a recording contract. Quotes... "We have our next Buddy Rich/Sandy Nelson in the works..." ùPaul Shaffer "A young prodigy..." ùDavid Letterman "Amazing! A prodigy..." ùFOX25 Morning News anchors "Daniel is a wonder..." ùShirley King "A drummer's job is to keep time and provide a good feel... That's what his strength is. That's what impresses." ùChris Rivelli (drum teacher)