My Story

My life in music began at the age of three when my father, a professional drummer, gave me my first drum set. My mother was the cantor at Temple Sinai in Worcester, Massachusetts, and she filled my early life with spirituality, music, and Jewish identity. As a teen I often accompanied my mother on drums and piano during services and visits to nursing homes and care facilities, helping to spread the joy and healing power of Jewish music and prayer.

While I attended Worcester Academy prep school, I was recruited to play drums for Worcester Polytechnic Institute's big band and small ensembles. After graduation, I entered the University of New Hampshire on a music scholarship. I quickly earned the position of first seat drummer in the Jazz Department's big band, a rare feat for an incoming freshman. In my sophomore year, I founded the funk ensemble Vitamin C. The band went on to become the one of the most popular attractions on campus as well as in local clubs and theaters.

At UNH, I became the singer/songwriter and drummer for the nationally touring band, Percy Hill. I also began working as a producer. For the next decade, I toured the country with Percy Hill and also the Aaron Katz Band. In 2001, Percy Hill's "Color in Bloom" won album of the year at the Jammy Awards held at Irving Plaza in New York City.

In 2009, I moved to Salem, Massachusetts and began working for the non-profit organization the Plummer Home for Boys (now Plummer Youth Promise). For the next twelve years, I created and ran the music program for the residents. Participants in the program performed for thousands of people at youth-at-risk conferences and events. They also produced and released seven albums of original music.

While living in Salem, I met my wife, singer/songwriter Sarah Blacker. Performing, writing, and recording music is our shared passion. We formed a duo, and I also became a key member of her larger band. My original compositions have been featured on various network and cable television channels, including CBS, NBC, the CW, TNT, MTV, and VH1.

In 2021, Sarah and I brought our music to my childhood summer camp, Camp Avoda, in Middleborough, Massachusetts. It proved to be a life-changing experience. I felt a deep reconnection to my Jewish roots and community. After returning home to Judaism, I became the music director and cantorial soloist at Temple B'Nai Abraham, in Beverly, as well as the songleader at Epstein Hillel School in Marblehead.

In 2024, I was hired to be the cantorial soloist at Temple Emanu-El in Marblehead, and I remain in that position today. In addition to offering music for all occasions at the Temple, I continue to teach music and production to community members of all ages. I have never felt more alive than I do now, being immersed in the traditions I grew up with and sharing the wisdom I've acquired through my unique traveled path.

I currently live with my wife, Sarah Blacker, who is a professional musician, music therapist, and psychotherapist. When we're not working at our separate jobs, you can find us playing together in one of our professional bands, creating music in the recording studio, or walking our chocolate lab, Bruce, around the city.