MASTER PERCUSSIONIST Jessica Marcus has been dedicated to the rhythmic art of Conga Drumming for over 25 years. As both performer and teacher, she emphasizes the importance of respect for the spiritual aspects, history, and ancient rhythms of the drums.

After attending the BERKLEE SCHOOL OF MUSIC in Boston, Jessica went on to study at the ESCUELA NACIONAL DE DANZA MODERNA Y FOLKORICA in Havana, Cuba. She sought further training with some of the most revered drumming masters in the world, including, Baba Olatungi, Obo Addy and André Chacón.

Master Baba Olatungi's birthday party

Jessica has performed with a diverse and exciting list of artists: Jesse Colin Young, Taj Mahal, Obo Ady, The Vukani Maeuthu Choir, jazz trombonist Bill Waltrous, guitarist Bruce Langhorne (Mr. Tambourine Man), Reverend James Cleveland and the Northern California Gospel Choir, the San Francisco City Chorus, and was part of the Drum Ensemble for Nelson Mandela's appearance at the Oakland Coliseum.

From 1988 -1997 she worked with Shakti Gowain at both the Hawaii Retreat Center (1988-90) and the Shakti Gowain School in Marin County, conducting seminars and workshops.

She has presented her own performance group, The Wahine Drum Ensemble, at the Marin County Fair, The Solano Stroll '94-97, Oakland's Walk for Aids '91, and the Whole Life Expo '92.

Jessica has given numerous live performances and interviews on KALX, KPFA and KUSF in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

In November, 1997, Jessica conducted a seminar-clinic on Afro-Cuban percussion at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention in Anaheim, California.

1998 and 1999 she taught Afro-Cuban drumming for "Learning Annex" in Los Angeles.

Since 1993 Jessica has worked with Young Imaginations, an educational outreach program under the direction of Maryann Locke that has brought drumming to the public schools of Alameda, San Francisco and Marin Counties.

She taught at the Seattle World Percussive Society in 1993, and both performed and taught at the World Rhythm Festival in Seattle in 1994 and 1995. She has taught advanced percussion classes at USC, McCabe's Music in Los Angeles, Paces Dance School in Hawaii, and the Santa Fe Performing Arts School.

Amando Peraza (original Santana congero) with my friend, Kelvin and me.

Jessica has recorded with many artists, including the legendary Reverend James Cleveland and his Gospel Choir, with whom she also made a video. She has released two teaching tapes, "TIGER PAW: TEACHING", and "NO THINKIN' ALOUD," and has also released two CDs of her original compositions entitled "SWEET BEATS " and "DIVINE INTERVENTION" and the newly released, "HEART OF THE MATTER" with Kabir Stanton. These recordings are available for sale.

Currently she is living in Hawaii and recording while teaching at the Waldorf Kona Pacific School and conducting workshops as well as touring the west coast. Her new album, Heart of the Matter, has just been released. Her most recent concert gig was teaming up with Jesse Colin Young and Bass player, Vito Truglio, at the "A Slack Key Christmas Show, 2001" at the Aloha Theater in Kona, on Big Island. She also accompanied master Hawaiian Slack Key guitarist, George Kuo at the same event.

For information on booking Tigerpaw or purchasing her CDs please contact her at:

Jessica Marcus
PO Box 1149, Captain Cook, Hawaii 96704

Telephone: 808-938-5869 or
Email: tigerpawmusic@earthlink.net