Johnny
Vidacovich
New Orleans is a city known for its immense musical culture, and in a place where vibrant sound is so free flowing and musicians crowd the streets, Johnny Vidacovich still stands out as one of the top drummers around. Born and raised in New Orleans, Vidacovich was introduced to the drums at the age of 10. Since then he has played with legends such as New Orleans’ “ Tan Canary” Johnny Adams, Professor Longhair, and Mose Allison, and has been teaching at Loyola University New Orleans since 1982. He has been recognized by publications such as Offbeat, Downbeat, and The New York Times. He has also been honored by the Big Easy Entertainment Awards and NPR radio.
Johnny V., as he is more commonly known, is most recognized for his band, Astral Project, referred to as the New Orleans’ premiere modern jazz ensemble, in which Vidacovich jams with Steve Mazakowski on guitar, Jame Singleton on bass, Tony Dagradi on Saxophone, and David Torkanowsky playing Piano. All members of the Astral Project are masters of their craft, following different paths and playing with a vast array of other musicians, yet somehow finding their way back to each other to play jazz music that only those who have been performing together for decades can produce.
SALON PROGRAM
HONORED GUEST
New Orleans is a city known for its immense musical culture, and in a place where music is free flowing and musicians crowd the streets, Johnny Vidacovich still stands out as one of the top drummers around. Born and raised in New Orleans, Vidacovich was introduced to the drums at the age of 10. Since then he has played with legends such as New Orleans' " Tan Canary" Johnny Adams, Professor Longhair, and Mose Allison and has been recognized by publications such as Offbeat, Downbeat, and The New York Times. He has also been honored by the Big Easy Entertainment Awards and NPR radio.
Johnny V., as he is more commonly known, is most recognized for his band, The Astral Project, referred to as the New Orleans' premiere modern jazz ensemble in which Vidacovich jams with Steve Mazakowski on guitar, Jame Singleton on bass, Tony Dagradi on saxophone, and David Torkanowsky playing piano. All members of the Astral Project are masters of their craft, often following different paths to play with a vast array of other musicians, but somehow finding their way back to play jazz music that only those who have been performing together for decades can produce.
In 2007, Vidacovich was diagnosed with " trigger thumb," acute arthritis in his right thumb. Though some thought he would be unable to continue pursuing his passion and astounding audiences with his incredible talent, Vidacovich has managed to continue playing and seems to have no intention of quitting anytime soon.
Johnny V. has shared his talents with College of Music at Loyola University New Orleans, where he has been a staff member since 1982. He has performed on over 250 recordings and served as a mentor for highly successful drummers such as Galactic’s Stanton Moore, World Leader Pretend’s Arthur Mintz, jazz-funk-hip-hop drummer Kevin O’Day, and Brian Blade, who has played for artists including Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Norah Jones. Johnny V. has become a living legend in the city of New Orleans and his raw talent and passion for music have made him one of the most highly reputable drummers worldwide.