Amikaeyla Gaston
Amikaeyla is an amazing vocalist and percussionist who comes from the Washington DC area. She has studied, recorded with, and shared the stage with many… Read More »Amikaeyla Gaston
Born To Drum 2014 Faculty Bios
Nydia ‘Liberty’ Mata
NYDIA ‘LIBERTY’ MATA — Rooted in the rhythms of her native Cuba. Nydia “Liberty†Mata is a dynamic percussionist and electrifying performer. Composer, arranger, and… Read More »Nydia ‘Liberty’ Mata
Michaelle Goerlitz
Michaelle Goerlitz has been playing drums and percussion since she was eight years old. After attending college in the Midwest, she moved to San Francisco… Read More »Michaelle Goerlitz
Luisah Teish
Luisah Teish is a WomanChief in the Ifa/Orisha tradition. She is a priestess of Oshun, the Yoruba Goddess of Love, Art, and Sensuality, and the… Read More »Luisah Teish
Janet Koike
Janet Koike’s passion for taiko has inspired original compositions, combining rhythm and movement into an exciting performance style. As a vital part of San Jose… Read More »Janet Koike
Lali Mejia
A native of Maracaibo, Venezuela, Lali Mejia started her musical training at an early age at the Colegio Bellas Artes in Maracaibo. As a 5th… Read More »Lali Mejia
Judy Graboyes
Judy Graboyes began studying timbales and other latin percussion instruments in 1977 with Carlos Federico, a Bay Area treasure. She played with Orchesta Sabrocita, an… Read More »Judy Graboyes
Odilia Galván RodrÃguez
Odilia Galván RodrÃguez is an internationally recognized poet, writer, journalist, editor, teacher, and activist who has traveled extensively. She has three books of poetry and… Read More »Odilia Galván RodrÃguez
Nina Maza (Mami)
Nina Maza, also known as ‘Mami,’ is a beloved member of our Born To Drum Community. Mami is the biological mother of Nydia Liberty Mata,… Read More »Nina Maza (Mami)