$10 adv. $12dr.

The next generation of percussionists celebrating the legacy of the Percussion Masters.

The project of these talented percussionists has been in the making for 15 years. Their performances include highly skilled music percussion presentations in which each player is armed with 3-4 congas and are accompanied by an all-star rhythm and horn sections.

Originally conceived by Julio Areas, Jaz Sawyer and Adrian Areas in the early 90’s from hours of practice on weekends over a two-year period. In June 2011 they united with Javier Navarrette, one of Bay Area’s in-demand multi-percussionist working frequently as a teacher of youth and adults, to form PDC. Peers Ben Krames and David Flores were frequent in the jam sessions at the Aquatic Park, La Raza Park, and many nights sitting in with the local bands.

Between them they have studied with the living legends of Bay Area percussionists including John Santos, Carolyn Brandy, Jesus Diaz, Josh Jones, Michael Spiro, Karl Perazza and more, with strong influence by the Escovedo Family, Orestes Vilato, Richie Flores, Giovanni Hidalgo, Jose Luis “Changuito” Quintana and others. PDC has taken on several different formats with performances including The Haight Asbury Street Fair, KPFA Radio, Kimble’s East (R.I.P) and various events. With more than a decade old the time seemed right to revisit and bring the vision to the present.

Adrian Areas is the son of Nicaraguan percussionist José Chepito Areas who is known for his work with Santana, from 1969-1980. “Chepito” welcomed jam sessions at his house for Adrian and his friends to develop their craft. In his own right, Adrian has worked and performed with Tito Puente, Carlos “Patato” Valdez, Santana, Journey, The Doobie Bros, The Steve Miller Band, and Arturo Sandoval.

Javier Navarrette, one of Bay Area’s in-demand multi-percussionist working frequently as a teacher of youth and adults, has studied with masters in Cuba such as Miguel Angá Díaz, Jose Luis “Changuito” Quintana, John Santos, Michael Spiro and Jesús Díaz. Javier was featured on three Grammy nominated albums with John Santos and continues to create and teach music.

Jaz Sawyer was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. He began playing drums at age 2 and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from New School University and a Master of Public Administration degree from M.C.N.Y. He has worked with Wynton Marsalis, Abbey Lincoln, George Benson, Irvin Mayfield, Bobby Hutcherson, Phil Lesh & Friends, Dee Dee Bridgewater and M’lumbo.