I was raised in the small town of New Richmond, Wisconsin, just over the border from the Twin Cities, in Minnesota. Yes, I did start by banging on pot and pans (Thanks Mom). My father was the Jr.High Band director and I acquired some sticks to "play" on things around the house. At a young age, I remember my first drum set: coffee cans of varying pitches, set up and playing the beginning of Hawaii 5'O. I took some piano at about 8yrs old for two years. We had a few real talented drummers in school who were older than me. I saw them play, and knew at a young age that I wanted to do that. That said, I started upright bass in the orchestra. But after making it into the drum section the next year, the bass went by the way. I played in a horn band,comprised of about ten players from within a 100 mile radius. Somehow I got us to rehearse in my town's Town Hall. What a great time we had with that. I attended University of WI, Green Bay (yeah, Packers fan) for two years on a classical percussion degree. Then went on exchange program to William Paterson College in New Jersey and REALLY dug going to see the greats in New York city on a regular basis. So I transferred. I played in a weekend country band in and around New Jersey at that time, while finishing up my Bachelors in Jazz Studies and Performance. The next year or so I moved to Phoenix. I played a bunch of really varied gigs while there, learned how to work as a musician. Everything from organ trio, country, jazz, r&b, rock, and casuals. I backed up the Coasters, and the inimitable Chuck Berry. Learned about Bob Wills from a band I worked with for quite a little bit. Played and ended up leading a seven piece R&B/funk horn band. I was also doing some recording for various styles and projects, a couple of TV appearances, (morning show with a rock band, and a bunch of cable shows). I moved to LA in the fall of 1999. In these few years, I've been hired to play House of Blues, B.B.Kings, and many of the clubs on Ventura Blvd. and Hollywood. Recorded for a couple of projects. One being Peter Klimes whom I've I worked with numerous times and is always in my corner. I've been blessed to be hired to go play in Switzerland, Sweden, and Toronto, with groups from LA.. Then in the midst of a very busy spring Kenny Lee called. I started on the summer tour of '04. We have a good time and I've learned a lot from these guys, both as musicians and friends. And though it's been tough on them, I've been enjoying the ride with The Doo-Wah Riders. I'm fortunate to do what I do. Thank you all for your support. Much love. Keep Groovin' Perry