Additional Information on Melissa

Melissa Lovaglio is an exceptionally talented percussionist, flautist and music educator. In addition to Tumbao Blue she currently performs with Iabas, an all female Brazillian group, Outskirts of the Blues, Gretchen Langheld's Jazz Sextet, and the rock group Rip Van Ren, with Rennie Cantine. Lovaglio has performed at Birdland, the Knitting Factory, Cleopatra's needle and countless other venues. She has studied with master drummer of Haitian and Cuban traditions, John Amira, Cyro Baptista of Paul Simon's "Rhythm of the Saints" album and world tour. Melissa has also studied and played with the Escola De Samba Dida, in Bahia Brazil. Further studies included Paulinho, in Salvador Bahia. Lovaglio studied with and assisted Olatunji with his dance classes as a percussionist. Melissa specializes in African, Cuban, Haitian, and Brazilian traditional rhythms. Melissa presently runs a drum studio and shares the wealth of her experiences with students of all levels.

Ms. Lovaglio is an ordained Reverend, a spiritual counselor in the Ifa tradition, and a Reiki master. (additional information)