Cora Coleman-Dunham: news

So we had a ball out in the rain jamming with the Maestro!
Being out there on the field and seeing FAMU's marching band reminded me of my experience at Howard University marching in TMX!! Awww those were great times!!!

This weekend was great not just because of the NBA All Star game but it also brought a lot of noteworthy celebrities to the show. We had a ball jamming with Queen Latifah, Will I Am and Natalie Cole on stage and at the after jam in the 3121 resturaunt but we also got the opportunity to see Michael Jackson after the show! Talk about a treat!

The party has just begun!
3121 club
live at the Rio with Prince
3121.com for more details
Fri and Sat nite!

SO hello everyone! I know ya'll are waiting to find out what happened and my apologies for spilling the beans way way to soon!! All I can say is....."OFF THE HOOK" FUN and a major honor this week to be a musician! That is all I WILL say...Thanks again for checking out the site!

So hello everyone!!! It has been a little busy so I have not been able to keep you posted on the latest, my apologies.
So we had a great time with Prince and Tamar on Saturday Night Live last weekend. NY wasn't too cold!

Today we are leaving for the UK to play the Grammy Brits! Wendy and Lisa and my girl Sheila E are going to rock it with us!
More to come when we return!!

If you have not gotten a chance to check it out yet, you can catch me on Prince's latest single, Te Amo Corazon.

So check it out, my godparents Elijah and Mamie Johnson will be releasing their Chrsitmas in Christ album Dec 1st! They are out of Houston, Texas. I am looking forward to my debut album as a producer...I will keep ya'll posted-Texas style...
Cora

Man I had one of the greatest shows last night with bassist Andre Manga in Studio City at LaVe Lee. Karen Briggs on violin...that is always a treat, Nick Smith on Keys, Aziz on percussion and

So check it out everyone...this has been a great week over at Faithful Central Bible Church. The Women's conference is slammin''!! Cassandra O'Neal and Noriko Olling on keys, Christa Smith on organ, Cynthia "KK" Ross on bass, Darlene Moreno on guitar and I am holding down the drum chair!! Tonight is the last night and TD Jakes will be closing things off on Sunday over at the Forum!! Later

Have ya'll heard of Carnell Pickett? This kat is an incredible producer, writer and pianist.

Mys.Chelle? Talk about incredible vocalist and writer. MysChelle can sing her tail off. They both just moved to LA from Chicago and they are both doing there thing.

Mannnnn the show at the Temple Bar was slamming!! Terrell Carter killed it.

Gouche on bass, Daryl Crooks on guitar and Dave Nate just moved out here from Boston representing on the keys. Tracy and the crew had the incredibly tight harmonies on the right side of me. It was fun!! Wish yo could have been there if you missed. The house was packed. Chaz opened the show and slammed it West Angeles style. His drummer, Jerohn Garnett was sweet, too. Of course my Cassandra O on keys.

Hey everyone! I guess it is about 3:19 am in Italy and we just got in from an incredible show with Rick Fantè. We opened for Giorgia in beautiful Taormina - Teatro Antico di Taormina!! Michael Baker on drums and Bashiri Bash Johnson on percussion...wow...what an incredible evening !!

GC: What inspired you to sign up for Drum Off?

CC: I had signed up before in DC, and I was encouraged by the store manager in Hollywood to go ahead and enter. So I was familiar with it, but I hadn't considered entering.

GC: How was the regional competition for you?

CC: There were a lot more experienced players at the regional competition. Like in the Green Room, we did a lot of talking and the guys were either going on tour or doing a lot of spot dates and doing a lot of professional gigs.

GC: Tell us about the grand finals in Hollywood?

CC: Talk about exciting! The grand finals was everybody throughout the country ¬- people of all different ages. There was a little kid there and there were older guys and all of them were really good! And then you are performing in front of a larger crowd and all these drummers that are experienced and professional.

GC:How much impact do you think winning Drum Off has had on your career so far?

CC: It's propelled my career, especially in terms of the drum companies and the endorsements. I've gotten quite a few gigs, quite a few connections, and a lot of networking opportunities through the competition, especially on the national level!

GC: Did participating in Drum Off allow you to meet new business partners?

CC: Yeah, and eliminated a lot of auditions.

GC: Do you have any advice for this year's contestants?

CC: Definitely be creative. There are so many great drummers out there. There just has to be a little something that gives you an edge. Definitely practice, focus and just have fun.

GC: Tell us about your gear. What are you using and why do you use it?

CC: Right now I'm between Zildjian and Sabian. I like both of them. As far as kits, I have a variety of kits. I have a Mapex and now I have a set of Roland V-drums thanks to the competition. I have a Slingerland and I have a Ludwig. So, I'm kind of using everything because each kit has it's own kind of character.

GC: Do you have any of your own projects that you are working on now?

CC: I'm actually working with Foley. He used to play bass with Miles Davis and we started this group called "The Different". It's kind of a challenge. Right now that's my latest project. I'm doing 5 dates with Frank McComb, who is a keyboard player.

GC: Are you still playing with the church?

CC: Yeah, I'm still playing at the church weekly and I have transitioned to playing with some other cats. I'm also working with Tom Schuman from Spyrogyra.

GC: What do you see yourself doing in a year or two?

CC: Probably more production. I want to travel and tour a lot. I've been doing some writing and I'm kind of big into ProTools and Reason and getting my studio together.

GC: Do you shop at Guitar Center

CC: Yeah! Guitar Center is the best! I always shop a Guitar Center. They have the gear!