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. More Information         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!   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!   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!   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.   The Staff   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!