Our Amazing Staff
Icons and everyday professionals in the music industry…
The World’s #1 Drum Camp Since 2007!
2027 Drumming Instructors
Our 2027 roster will be announced in January!
Our World-Class Band
Jimmy Haslip / Bass
Jimmy Haslip is an iconic bass player who has made two appearances at Drum Fantasy Camp.
A master of groove, and equally comfortable in jazz, Jimmy is a founding member of the Yellowjackets and boasts an incredible list of musical collaborations with the likes of Allan Holdsworth, Chaka Khan, Donald Fagan, Michael Bolton, Eric Marienthal, Mike Stern, Jeff Lorber, and many more.
Jimmy is actively composing, arranging, producing and performing with many artists. He's a Grammy winner with 18 nominations in his career. Drummers at DFC have a rare opportunity to play with a legend!
Stu Mindeman /Keys
Stu Mindeman is a versatile pianist/keyboardist skilled 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, Stu 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!
Chrissi Poland /Vocals
Acclaimed vocalist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Chrissi Poland has been with Drum Fantasy Camp since we started in 2007!
Known by drummers for her performance on Dave Weckl's 2013 "Higher Ground" remake, Chrissi has toured throughout the world and has performed on stage, television, and in the studio with a long list of artists and legends including: Lady Gaga, Bette Midler, Nile Rodgers, Mavis Staples, Chaka Khan, Michael Bolton, Sting, Moby, Scissor Sisters, Smokey Robinson, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, Toto, Sheryl Crow, Michael McDonald, Dave Matthews, and the legendary Stax "Soul Man" Sam Moore (formerly of Sam & Dave).
Known for her electrifying and captivating live performances, Chrissi steals the show every year at Drum Fantasy Camp!
Vinny Valentino /Guitar
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'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 Tunes, 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.
The Band in Action!
Management
(L/R) Mark Guiliana, Simon Phillips,
Steven Orkin
Steve Smith & Dave Weckl
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 a who’s who in the music business: Dave Weckl, Steve Smith, Mike Stern, John Daversa, Frank Gambale, and many more.
Steven started Drum Fantasy Camp in 2007 and has organized dozens of other in-person and online clinics and master classes with the world's top musicians. 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!
Click here to send Steve an email with any questions about Drum Fantasy Camp!