"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)

  • Artist-in-Residence, Syracuse University. (2005, 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)

  • Louis Armstrong Jazz award. (1995)