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Mark Merella

Mark Merella is a drummer/percussionist currently working in the Baltimore/Washington area.

About Me

Mark Merella is a versatile percussionist adept at both drum set and hand percussion. He has worked with a variety of artists in the Jazz and Latin fields including Fred Foss, Rene McLean, Steve Turre, Ray Vega, vocalists Imani and Eva Cassidy and percussionist Steve Berrios co-founder of the Fort Apache Band. Mark has also worked with the groups Rumba Club, Mambo Combo, Ala Carte Brass & Percussion and as part of Havana Select he played for Celia Cruz's induction into the Smithsonian and 1997's Black Music Conference in Chicago. On the R&B circuit Mark has worked with The Flamingos, Bo Diddley and Mary Wilson of The Supremes. As a freelance musician Mark has played at many embassies, the White House and the Kennedy Center and also appears in the critically acclaimed film “Syriana”. Mark was also commissioned by the American Composers Forum to compose a piece for Jane Franklin Dance, which premiered March 1st, 2003. In February 2007 Mark toured with Duende Quartet as part of Jazz At Lincoln Center's Rhythm Road Project performing concerts in Turkey, Cyprus and Eastern Europe. Mark currently co-leads the group Mosaic, works with Duende Quartet, and is active as a ritual drummer (Omo Anya) in the Ifa'Orisha community. Mark also teaches and freelances throughout the Washington/Baltimore area.

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