2024 Instructors
Gergo Borlai
(Al Di Meola/Scott Kinsey)
Gergo Borlai is one of the most exciting
and sought-after drummers on the planet. His contributions to
the drumming world via recorded work, Drumeo, and live
workshops, are many.
A Los Angeles-based Hungarian drummer/composer/producer, Gergo started
playing drums at the age of 3.
A verteran of more than 500 albums to-date, Gergo is well-know
for his work with Gary Willis, Scott Kinsey, Scott Henderson,
Matthew Garrison, Bob Mintzer, L. Shankar, Vernon Reid, Al
Di Meola, Nguyen Lee, Hadrien Feraud, Tim Lefebvre and more.
Gergo is an intensely passionate player who became a favorite at
the 2019 Drum Fantasy Camp! We are excited to have him back!
Chris Coleman
(Chaka Khan/Beck)
Chris Coleman is one of Drum Fantasy Camp's most beloved
instructors. A world-class drummer with muliple world-class
artists, Chris brings amazing teaching chops, accompanying
attendees on bass guitar to get them up and playing - and to
challenge their musical approches and sensibilities. His energy
is inspiring.
Though he was offered a scholarship at Berklee and was accepted
into the Manhattan School of Music, Coleman graduated with
honors from the Drummer's Collective in New York City. Among
30,000 entries, he was honored to win the National Drum
Competition sponsored by Gutiar Center (2001).
Since then, Coleman has gone on to tour with Chaka Khan, Beck,
Christina Aguilera, Babyface, Patti LaBelle, Randy Brecker, and
many more.
Mike Mangini
Dream Theater/Steve Vai
Mike Mangini is one of the most
important progressive rock drummers of the past two decades. His
work with Dream Theater, James LaBrie, Extreme and Steve Vai
pushed the limits of energy and creativity. He has several
Grammy nominations and a win for "Best Metal Performance" (Dream
Theater/2021).
But Mangini is also a fantastic teacher.
Before joining Dream Theater, he was a faculty member at Berklee
College of Music. His instructional materials have drawn wide
acclaim. "Rhythm Knowledge" is a cognitive and computer science
based learning system. "The Grid" turns musical improvisation
into a science.
Today, Mangini travels the world doing master classes and
releasing instructional material while remaining an in-demand
live performer with top international acts.
Simon Phillips
(Jeff Beck/Toto/Protocol)
Simon Phillips is a GRAMMY®
Award-nominated drummer, producer and composer.
Regarded as one of the world's most renowned and respected
drummers, Simon's style not only reflects his technical gift but
also his distinct musical sensibility. Whether it is rock,
fusion or jazz, Simon applies the same precision and intensity
to his drumming, which is never lacking in emotion and feel.
Throughout the 1970s and 80s, Simon has worked with rock bands
and artists including Jeff Beck, Michael Schenker, Nik Kershaw,
Mike Oldfield, Judas Priest, Mike Rutherford, Tears for Fears,
10cc and The Who. After Jeff Porcaro's death in 1992, he became
part of the world-famous rock band Toto. After leaving the group
in 2014, Simon ventured into the fusion and progressive rock
worlds as both a drummer and producer.
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The Band |
Hagar Ben Ari
Bass Guitar
Hagar
Ben Ari is well known as the versatile bassist on
The Late Late Show with James Corden. Her
versatility comes from a foundation of education and
deep industry experience.
Hagar has studied classical composition and toured the
world as a rock musician. She has performed with dozens
of acts in New York and has toured with Moby and Sharon
Jones and the Dap-Kings. She supported Grace Potter
while opening for The Rolling Stones and Prince, and she has
performed in Kinky Boots on Broadway.
We are excited to to have Hagar back for her second year
at Drum Fantasy Camp! |
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Stu Mindeman
Keys
Stuart Mindeman is a versatile
pianist/keyboardistskilled in various styles of music
including Jazz, Pop, R&B, Classical, Salsa/Latin music,
Gospel, and more.
He has shared the stage with such names as Dave Weckl,
Tom Kennedy, Fareed Haque,
Gloria Estefan, Rodney Whitaker, Claudio Roditi, John
Clayton, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, and many others.
He is also active in Chicago’s Theater community,
musically directing for The Second City, among others.
In addition to performing, Stuart maintains a private
studio, and is on faculty at the Chicago Academy for the
Arts. We're grateful to have this amazing talent at our
concerts and jams! |
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Chrissi Poland
Vocals, Keyboards
Chrissi Poland has been the heart
and soul of Drum
Fantasy Camp since it started in 2007!
A graduate of Berklee with a four-octave range, Chrissi
is the energetic leader of our Jam Nights and opening
concerts. A composer and recording artist in her own
right, Chrissi has toured/recorded with artists
including Moby, Bette Midler, Scissor Sisters and Sam
Moore. She is also well known for her "Higher Ground"
session with Dave Weckl and Chris Coleman. Chrissi has
definitely earned the respect of the drumming community.
Chrissi is a true pro who challenges Drum Fantasy Camp
attendees to play with confidence, passion, and solid
musical sensibilities! |
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Vinny Valentino
Music Director
Guitar, Vocals
Vinny Valentino is a world-class
guitarist and
educator. He is best-known for his work with the
legendary George Benson and Steve Smith's fusion band
Vital Information.
Vinny is a "musician's musician." He plays "in the
pocket" and chooses his notes carefully. He's a writer,
arranger, and performer of the highest order. He is also
a great teacher - helping drummers understand how to be
more musical. Vinny has conducted music workshops all
over the world.
Vinny's company, "Play Along Jazz," produces play along
tracks for musicians of every background and playing
level.
At Drum Fantasy Camp, Vinny pulls together all the music
for our concerts and Jam Nights. He's the musical vision
of the camp and holds everything together during the
concerts and jams. He also runs our Groove Class! You
can learn a lot from Vinny. |
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The Staff |
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Steven Orkin
Owner / Camp Director
Steven Orkin is the owner and
director of Drum
Fantasy Camp. He also runs Orkin Marketing and
Management,
an entertainment marketing firm in Los Angeles, California.
Steven spent ten years in corporate marketing and the ad
agency world before starting his firm. Over the years,
he has worked with Dave Weckl, Steve Smith,
Simon Phillilps, Mike Stern, Frank Gambale, Mark
Guiliana, and many more.
Steven started Drum Fantasy Camp in 2007. He's completely accessible at Drum Fantasy
Camp and enjoys discussing the biz with attendees. He
also enjoys staying in touch with attendees and hearing
about their progress after the camp! |
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