Andrew Gillespie - percussion
Andrew is an accomplished percussionist across three distinct styles- Cuban, Brazilian, and New Orleans.  Instead of remotely studying rhythms Andrew has lived and breathed the music, learning traditions languages, dances, and cultures.  Living in New York City since 2010, Andrew grew up in Minneapolis.  In 1998 he spent a year in Brazil as a high school foreign exchange student.  Already an excellent drummer, he lived in the northeastern city of Recife where he was able to soak up eclectic sounds and experience the city's rich and varied culture.  During his stay, Andrew was introduced and became a fanatic of pandeiro, a Brazilian tambourine-like instrument, on which he is now expert. 

After the year in Brazil Andrew returned to the states to pursue his studies in music and language.  He earned an individualized degree in music, Latin American studies, and Portuguese while studying at the University of Miami and the University of Minnesota.  During his time in school Andrew also studied abroad in at the University of Puerto Rico in San Juan.  While there he played informally with other university students and enthusiastically explored island's vibrant salsa music scene. 

Andrew later traveled to Cuba in 2006 and 2007 where he stayed in the powerhouse Havana neighborhood of Cayo Hueso.  There, he was never more than a stone's throw from someone who could play and instrument, sing, dance, and usually do all three convincingly, if not expertly.  He studied with several of these neighborhood musicians and found himself bouncing between clubs and concert halls seeing Cuba's premiere talent while making it a point to breathe in as much of this culturally drenched atmosphere as possible.  Havana has left a profound impression on Andrew and his subsequent career path as a musician.
 
While pursuing Latin music, Andrew also began playing extensively with New Orleans style street ensembles such as Jack Brass Band and Mama Digdown's Brass Band.  Wildly popular at various summer festival, Andrew toured with the bands throughout the United States, including many trips to New Orleans as well as multiple tours to Europe.  Since relocating to New York City in 2010, Andrew has been playing in several New Orleans style brass bands, various neo-soul and funk groups.  He has also maintained and active world music career, playing timbales and conga with various salsa groups and pandeiro and other percussion with Brazilian ensembles.