#496 Manolito Rodriguez- Percussionist, Educator, Bandleader, and More!
This week’s guest is Manolito Rodriguez. Manolito is an outstanding professional percussionist originally from Caguas, Puerto Rico. A graduate of the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music, his musical career began at an early age, when he joined the group Haciendo Punto en Otro Son. At the age of 12, he was recognized at the 1998 National Salsa Day with the Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound Orchestra. His first significant achievement came at the age of 14, when he participated in the recording of the song “Paz para Vieques” with flutist Néstor Torres, which was nominated for a Latin Grammy.
Throughout his career, Manolito has worked and recorded with a variety of renowned artists in the salsa genre, including Víctor Manuelle, Ismael Miranda, Richie Ray, Bobby Cruz, Sonora Ponceña, Oscar de León, La India, José Alberto “El Canario”, Ng2, Tito Nieves, Andy Montañez, Bobby Valentín, and Roberto Roena, among others. In 2015, he joined the Puerto Rico Philharmonic Orchestra Arturo Somohano, participating in popular music concerts.
In 2017, Manolito released his first solo production titled “El Comienzo”, followed by his second album “Pasado y Presente” in 2021. Currently, he is the director of his own orchestra, where he performs as a singer and timbalero. His group has participated in various international events, such as Palo en Vivo, the Texas World Congress, the Chimpum Callao Festival in Peru, and the San Sebastian Street Festival in Puerto Rico
In addition to his musical career, Manolito has been a music educator for six years, impacting young people with the knowledge of percussion and the rich Puerto Rican musical history.
In 2025, the renowned percussion company Meinl made him their Signature Timbales Series, making him the second Puerto Rican to have a musical instrument named after him, a significant accomplishment at 38 years of age that highlights his influence in the musical arena for both professional and amateur musicians.
Throughout his career, Manolito Rodriguez continues to reap success and important achievements, consolidating himself as an emblematic figure in salsa music and percussion.
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday to Pete Antunes! Pete currently plays with the Tower of Power. Before that he has toured, recorded and/or worked with: Macy Gray, Chali 2na, Matthew Morrison, House of Pain and Everlast, Cassie Steele, El Debarge and more. He has subbed on the Michael Jackson Immortal Cirque du Soleil show and started his own wedding convention band that he musical directs. Before all that he was a member of the 10 time DCI world champion drum corps, The Cadets.
Happy Birthday to Tommy Diehl! Tommy is a Fairfield County, Connecticut-based drummer who has worked in many genres including jazz, classical, theater, singer-songwriter, folk, rock, country, blues, hard rock, ska. He has toured, performed or recorded with Ryan Montbleau, Yes Darling, InAshton, Spookie Daly Pride, Acoustic Junction (Fool’s Progress), Jamie McLean Band, Chad Hollister Band, Stephanie Ryann, Helmet, Moriah Formica, Queen V, Jamey Aebersold, David Baker, Andrew Jones & SpiritHouse, Frank Migliorelli & The Dirt Nappers, Kim Fox, Skamikaze, Vinny Nobile & The Trummytones, The Cherry Bluestorms, Frank Manzi, Barry Kingston, Todd Thibaud, Jeffrey Mitchell-Ross, Zo Tobi, Jeff Tuohy, and many others.
Drumming has taken Tommy on a journey that began in the elementary school band in Ohio and continued on to venues and festivals across the country and overseas. These experiences landed him in recording studios from Boston to NYC to Nashville to LA and many others. While out traveling with his drums, Tommy has made lasting friendships, seen long-distance family members, and even met his wife! He learned self-discipline, how to listen with his whole body, how to let go and let the music happen, and so much more. Music is his passion.
Happy Birthday to Neil Grover! Neil W. Grover is a renowned percussionist who has been pursuing his passion for creating world-class percussion accessories for over four decades. He has also achieved success as a top musician, playing with world-class orchestras and performing on soundtracks of blockbuster movies.
“Neil has had an incredible impact and forward-thinking influence on so many,” states Sherry Rubins, Professor of Percussion at the University of Texas–San Antonio. “Current musicians have benefited, and future musicians will benefit from his wonderful insight both as a professional performer and a successful industry leader.”
When asked to describe himself, Grover grins and says, “A schizophrenic! But seriously, I consider myself equally a performer and music entrepreneur — mainly performing while trying to juggle the aspects of designing, making, and selling instruments! Having my life’s work recognized by my peers is incredibly fulfilling.
“I took the study of percussion accessories seriously,” he adds, “and I hope that my musical legacy will be elevating the art form of playing tambourine, triangle, and other small auxiliary percussion items.” -Read More
Happy Birthday to Jamey Haddad! Born in Cleveland Ohio, percussionist/drummer Jamey Haddad holds a unique position in the world of Jazz and Contemporary Music. Haddad's musical voice transcends styles and trends, and the universal quality of his playing has attracted many international collaborations. Regarded as one of the foremost world-music and jazz percussionists, Jamey has been the percussionist for Paul Simon for more than 20 years. Mr. Haddad also collaborates with Sting, with Michael League (Snarky Puppy)Bokante, Osvaldo Golijov, Yo Yo Ma, Dawn Upshaw, Esperanza Spalding, Joe Lovano, Billy Drewes, Dave Liebman, Elliot Goldenthal, Francis Ford Coppola, Brazil's Assad Brothers, Simon Shaheen, and The Paul Winter Consort. His own group “Under One Sun” had a 2017 release and was featured in Downbeat Magazine See: jameyhaddad.com
Haddad is a recipient of the Cleveland Arts Prize and was recognized as a Legend of Jazz by the Cleveland Jazz Society. Haddad is a Fulbright Scholar and has been awarded multiple NEA grants for performance. In 2012 Haddad was voted The Top World Percussionist in "DRUM Magazine" and one of the top 4 world-percussionists by the Percussion Periodical "Modern Drummer” (July 2007). Drumhead Magazine featured an in-depth 16 page cover article about Jamey Haddad in 2019.
Haddad is currently a professor at The Oberlin Conservatory where is heads up the PI(Performance and Improv.) program, where Classical and Jazz students collaborate in performance ensembles. Haddad also teaches at the Cleveland Institute of Music and previously taught for 19 years at Boston's Berklee School of Music and New England Conservatory.
Happy Birthday to Akbar Moghaddam! Akbar is an innovator and master craftsman with a relentless passion for percussion. Working for the most celebrated brands in the industry, the man simply known as Akbar, has built a highly respected reputation for designing instruments that put the needs of
the player first. From his earliest days with the famed Valje brand in the late 80s, to his more
mainstream work with Latin Percussion and Gon Bops, the award-winning inventor has been
the architect of numerous design advancements, all while maintaining a healthy respect for the
traditions that percussion purists hold dear. Having worked in concert with legendary artists
such as Giovani Hidalgo, Alex Acuna, Karl Perazzo, Jesus Diaz, Orestes Vilato, Walfredo Reyes Sr.
and a host of other notable luminaries, Akbar’s talents have been immortalized on countess
recordings and played on the most prestigious stages throughout the world.
The blueprint for Akbar’s own brand, Sol Percussion, has been decades in the making. The ever-evolving
company he started in the Bay Area more than 30 years ago has recently been reborn as the
visionary re imagines a new line of premium, California-made boutique creations that will be in
keeping with the maker’s standards and attention to detail. With a new generation seeking
distinctiveness and uncompromising quality, this artisan will be answering the call—armed with
unmatched experience, an obsession for the art form and Sol.
Gig Alerts
Friend of the show, Jeffrey Barudin, has a tab on his website with job openings. Sign up for his newsletter if you’re looking for work.
The Calgary Stampede is happening from July 3rd-12th in Calgary, Canada.
The Umbria Jazz Festival is happening from July 3rd-12th in Perugia, Italy.
The Windy City Smokeout is happening from July 8th-12th in Chicago, Il.
The Music City Drum Show is happening in Nashville, TN July 18th and 19th.
The FIFA halftime show will happen on Sunday July 19th at the Met Life Stadium in NJ.
Educational Spotlight
The Percussive Arts Society has upcoming day of percussion events throughout various chapters.
The SoCal day of percussion has been announced for October 4th at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). #SaveTheDate.
Vic Firth has released the first “Learn The Music” video series with the Boston Crusaders. Shout-out to friends of the show, Colin McNutt and Iain Moyer for writing great material.
Iconic Recording
Manolito chose the iconic recordings for this week. The first one is, “Tumba La Caña Jibarito” by Sonora Ponceña.
The second recording is “Sonerito” by Gilberto Santa Rosa from the album, ‘Colegas.’
Music News
The Guitar Center Drumoff is happening at La Fonda Theater on August 20th in Los Angeles. There are still tickets available.
Drummer Ilan Rubin is accused of orchestrating a scheme to seize control of the drum company he co-owned following his late business partner’s death. -Article
Friend of the show, Brad Dutz has released a new duo album with Chris Wabich called “Likely Man, Likely”. You can grab this album on Bandcamp.
Metallica’s All Within My Hands foundation is granting $100,000 to earthquake relief efforts in Venezuela following back-to-back devastating earthquakes. -Article
Manolito Rodriguez Interview
The song leading into the interview is the new single by Manolito called, “Se Pega”
Manolito talks about the upcoming event for Puerto Rico tourism with his group Manolito y la Zonika.
Manolito talks about the new orchestration he has been taking with his band.
He talks about the writing process with the band and with lyrics.
Damon and Manolito met at NAMM this passed January thanks to friend of the show, Marcos Lopez.
Manolito talks about some of the instruments he helped develop for his signature line.
Manolito talks about his upbringing and meeting Marcos and growing up with his mom and grandmother.
Manolito attended the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music.
Manolito talks about teaching privately.
Damon mentions that there is always a need to expand Percussive Arts Society chapters worldwide. The last chair of the Puerto Rico chapter was José Alicea.
Manolito and Damon talk a little about the origins of Reggaton.
Manolito talks a little about the impact of Ralph Mercado (RMM) Known as the "Berry Gordy of Salsa.”
Damon brings up evolution in your career and straddling with “imposter syndrome”
Shout-out to Luisito Quintero and (friend of the show) Bobby Allende.
Manolito talks about getting his first calls with some of his idols.
Damon brings up “Paz para Vieques” with flutist Néstor Torres which was nominated for a Grammy.
Manolito picks the iconic recording(s) for the week.
Shout-out to Sergio George for the opportunities.
Manolito uses Meinl Percussion.
Shout-out to Andrew Lázaro, Jose "Pepe" Torres, and Sirven García.
