My Story
A lifetime of music, spirituality, and finding home.
“I feel like I've come home, my heart and spirit are at peace”
Aaron Zev Katz's life in music began at the age of two when his father, a professional drummer, gave him his first drum set. Aaron's mother was a cantor at Temple Sinai in Worcester, Mass and filled Aaron's early life with spirituality, music and Jewish identity. Aaron would accompany his mother at services on drums and piano as well as travel to nursing homes and care facilities spreading the joy and healing powers of Jewish music and prayer.
While attending Worcester Academy prep school, Aaron was recruited to play drums for Worcester Polytechnic's big band and small ensembles. After his graduation, Aaron entered The University of New Hampshire on a music scholarship. He quickly earned the position of first seat drummer in the Jazz department big band, a feat rarely attained by an incoming freshman. In Aaron's sophomore year, he founded the funk ensemble, Vitamin C. The band would go on to become the most popular attraction on campus as well as in local clubs and theatres.
Following graduation, Aaron became a singer/songwriter, drummer for the nationally touring band and organization, Percy Hill, and Aaron began working as a professional touring musician and producer. For the next decade-plus, Aaron toured the country, inspiring people with his love and spirituality-filled music and message. In 2001, Percy Hill won album of the year for Color In Bloom. To this day, Color In Bloom sells online and on vinyl and is considered by many to be one of the greatest jamband studio albums of all time.
In 2009, Aaron moved to Salem, Mass and began working for the non-profit organization The Plummer Home For Boys (now Plummer Youth Promise) offering music for the at-risk youth living in the group home. Aaron went on to create and run the music program at Plummer for the next 12 years. Aaron gave Plummer youth opportunities to express their lives and emotions in ways they had never known. While at Plummer, the music program performed for thousands at youth-at-risk conferences and events. The program also released seven albums of holiday and original material all created and produced by participants of the program.
In 2021, Aaron brought his band to Camp Avoda, a Jewish summer camp, and it proved to be a life-changing experience. Aaron deeply felt a re-connection to his Jewish roots. After returning home to Judaism, Aaron became the much-loved Music Director and Songleader of TBA, as well as Songleader and After School Specialist at Epstein Hillel School and North Shore JCC. Aaron has never felt more daily joy and fulfillment now being surrounded by his spiritual family, sharing the wisdom he has acquired through his uniquely travelled path.
He lives with his wife, Sarah Blacker, a professional musician, music therapist and psychotherapist and their chocolate lab, Bruce, in Salem Mass. You can often find them playing together in one of their professional bands, in the recording studio or walking Bruce on Salem Common.
Aaron has had original compositions placed with various television and film networks including CBS, NBC, The CW Network, TNT, MTV and VH1.
The Journey
Key milestones along a uniquely travelled musical and spiritual path.
Musical Beginnings
Received his first drum set at age two from his father, a professional drummer. Grew up immersed in Jewish music through his mother, a cantor and music therapist at Temple Sinai in Worcester.
Worcester Academy Prodigy
While still in high school at Worcester Academy, was recruited to play first seat in WPI's college stage band — and toured Europe with them. Landed his first paid professional gig at age 16.
University of New Hampshire
Entered UNH on a music scholarship. Earned first seat drummer in the Jazz department big band as a freshman and founded the funk ensemble Vitamin C, which released two albums and became the biggest draw on campus.
Percy Hill & Touring
Joined Percy Hill as singer/songwriter and drummer alongside Joe Farrell, Nate Wilson, and John Leccese. Began a decade-plus career as a professional touring musician and producer, part of the late-'90s jamband revolution alongside moe. and Strangefolk.
Color In Bloom
Percy Hill won the inaugural Jammy Award for Studio Album of the Year for Color In Bloom — still considered one of the greatest jamband studio albums of all time.
Simplest Warrior
Released solo album Simplest Warrior, which won the Seacoast Spotlight Alternative Album of the Year. Formed the Aaron Katz Band, selling out the House of Blues in Boston and opening for G. Love, Dispatch's Pete Francis, and Mike Doughty.
The Dejas
Co-founded dream pop duo The Dejas with Callie Lipton. Won Seacoast Alternative Band of the Year. Their album Speeding Softly led to TV placements on The CW, MTV, and Lifetime.
Plummer Home Music Program
Moved to Salem and created the On Point music program at Plummer Youth Promise, directing it for 12 years. Released seven albums with at-risk youth participants and performed at conferences nationwide.
World Drumming Record
Broke the world record for continuous drumming in a retail store — 25 hours straight at Wynott's Wands on Essex Street in Salem, beating Andrew W.K.'s previous record. Raised $2,400 for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem.
Percy Hill Reunion
Percy Hill reunited after a decade-long hiatus with sold-out shows at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston and Port City Music Hall in Portland. In 2018, they celebrated Color In Bloom's 20th anniversary at The Sinclair and Gramercy Theatre in NYC.
Return to Jewish Roots
A life-changing visit to Camp Avoda sparked a deep reconnection to Judaism. Became Music Director and Songleader at Temple B'nai Abraham, Epstein Hillel School, and North Shore JCC. Co-founded The Ammonium Maze, an acoustic offshoot of Percy Hill.
Cantorial Soloist
Became Cantorial Soloist at Temple Emanu-El in Marblehead, drawing on thirty years as a musician, producer, teacher, and prayer leader to elevate and connect the community.
What I Offer
From cantorial services to music production, bringing decades of experience to every project.
Cantorial Soloist
Leading spiritual music for Shabbat services, High Holidays, and lifecycle events with warmth, soul, and deep Jewish musical knowledge.
Music Production & Recording
Full-service music production from arrangement through final mix, with decades of studio experience across genres.
Songwriting & Composition
Original compositions for Jewish communities, television, film, and personal projects. Placements on CBS, NBC, CW, TNT, MTV, and VH1.
Private Music Lessons
One-on-one instruction in drums, guitar, songwriting, and music production for students of all ages and skill levels.
Live Performance
Dynamic live performances for concerts, events, and celebrations — Jewish and secular repertoire with a full band or solo acoustic.
Youth Music Programming
Designing and leading music programs for schools, camps, and community organizations that inspire young people through creativity.