Joel Alpers

 

Welcome (or welcome back) to the site! This is the spot to find out what I’ve been up to and what I’ll be doing next. I hope you have fun looking and listening!       


2024 is off to a busy start. I’m currently playing the musical “Chicago” at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood - I’ve always wanted to play this show since I saw it years ago, and we have a fantastic cast and orchestra on this run. The drum/percussion book is a monster - wall to wall vaudeville/burlesque grooves and sound effects! - and of course playing the Pantages is always the best.


I also have a lot of “Wicked” currently on the calendar - I’ve drummed for this show many hundreds of times all over the country, but I hadn’t played it for several years, until I went out to fill in on the national tour last month. It boggles my mind that this is the same tour I played on 15 years ago, and that it’s still out there going strong and selling out houses everywhere! I’ll be out again on the tour for a couple of months this spring before coming home to settle in for the summer.


Last year’s highlight was drumming for the world premiere of Joe Iconis’ “The Untitled, Unauthorized, Hunter S. Thompson Musical” (directed by Christopher Ashley), at the La Jolla Playhouse. I love everything about this show and everyone involved in its journey - the performances were phenomenal, but the best part of the experience was being involved in all the rehearsals with the cast and creatives, it was just a magical time. I can’t wait till we get to do it again!


When I’m not in a show these days I am savoring my time at home with the family, enjoying playing around town and recording with friends, and teaching some wonderful students.


I hope everyone is staying healthy, creative, and inspired, and finding music and art everywhere in the world. Many thanks to you all for your continued support and inspiration - I hope to see & hear you soon!


                                                                                                                            JDA

                                                                                                                            March 2024



 

Drummer    Percussionist   Composer   Producer

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