All-star music makers gather to celebrate the legacy of the great John Bergamo, the peerless hand-drummer, composer, global music explorer and educator who was one of the most influential creative figures in the history of California Institute of the Arts.

Beginning in 1970, Bergamo headed CalArts’ percussion programs for 35 years and inspired generations of musicians who continue to shape and define music today. On October 18, The John Bergamo Tribute Concert will honor the late maestro with a selection of his most important works – ranging from early composed pieces to later compositions reflecting his devotion to global idioms of hand drumming.

The open-air event is co-presented by The Herb Alpert School of Music at CalArts’ Percussion and World Percussion Programs – both founded by Bergamo. The concert takes place at The Wild Beast Music Pavilion on the CalArts campus on October 18 at 6 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public. With open lawn seating, families are welcome and picnics encouraged.  Reservations are suggested.

Faculty percussionist David Johnson comments “Bergamo’s work in the percussion field ran the gamut of what one can do. He played classical percussion. He was a drumset player and also devoted to the tabla and other forms of hand drumming.  His influence on the percussionists who came through the CalArt program is beyond words and this concert is a tribute not only to John but to the entire percussion program since CalArts started in 1970.”

Tribute performers are distinguished alumni and current faculty of The Herb Alpert School of Music at CalArts – including original members of Bergamo’s Repercussion Unit; the Hands On’Semble with esteemed faculty Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri and Houman Pourmehdi; and the latest iteration of the CalArts Percussion Ensemble.

Highlights include CalArts alumnus Jeff Brenner performing Bergamo’s vibraphone solo “Three Pieces for the Winter Solstice” and original alumni members of Bergamo’s Repercussion Unit, Larry Stein, Gregg Johnson, and Jimmy Hildebrant joined by faculty percussionists Amy Knoles and David Johnson. The Hands On’Semble with faculty members Randy Gloss, Andrew Grueschow, and Austin Wrinkle will close the show.

Click for more information about [John Bergamo] and the [Herb Alpert School of Music] at CalArts.

Date: Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 6 p.m.

Location: CalArts 24700 McBean Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355-2340The outdoor concert takes place at the Wild Beast Music Pavilion

Tickets: Admission is FREE.

For information call 661-253-7816.