John Amira

John Amira is a master drummer with over 40 years’ experience in Cuban and Haitian traditional and folkloric music, is the author of the groundbreaking book, The Music of Santeria: Traditional Rhythms of the Bata Drums. John’s drumming has given him the opportunity to perform with top artists (Celia Cruz, Ruth Fernandez, Tito Puente and Emeline Michel); in theater (“A Season In The Congo”, “Shango De Ima”); in film (“Putney Swope”, “Fighting Back” and “American Gangster”); on T.V.and radio; and in recordings with Latin, Jazz and other groups. He teaches, performs and lectures at universities and institutes such as: The Hartt School of Music, New England Conservatory, Julliard, Yale, New York University, Mannes, New School, Duke, Bates, Occidental, Middlebury, Kentucky State, Naropa, Drummer’s Collective, Brooklyn Academy of Music, The Museum Of Natural History, and KoSA International Percussion Workshop. He lives in New York City where he teaches conga and bata.