"When I returned from my second trip to Brazil, after spending one year living there, I made it my mission to bring the maracatu rhythms to the United States. It's been a long hard road. I've been very fortunate to have great friends and mentors who helped me find a way to keep pushing my projects to the next level while trying to make a living doing my passion. Below are some of the awards that I've received over the years for my projects that I felt were worth highlighting."
NEA Grant through “Southern Exposure” for “A Tale of Two Nations” touring project. (2013)
Drum set Clinic at PASIC. (2013)
Artist-in-Residence, “California Brasil Camp”. (2006-2007-2013-2014)
Drum set Clinic at PASIC. (2010)
Recipient of artist grant from The Brooklyn Arts Council (2003, 2005, 2010)
Latin Jazz Ambassador nominated by the US State Department and Lincoln Center. (2006)
Latin American World Music Artist-in-Residence grant from the University of Florida. (2006)
$12,000 grant from the Brazilian government to collaborate and record the Nation Beat CD with the traditional maracatu percussion group Estrela Brilhante. (2005)
Artist-in-Residence, Richmond University. (2005)
Latin Grammy nomination for participation and composition on Cascabulho’s CD. (2004)
