Meet Sammy Gonzalez | Drummer/Percussionist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sammy Gonzalez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sammy, why did you pursue a creative career?
To keep it short. Because I simply fell in love with drumming. I started drums at a later age in life at about 18 years old. Before then I played the flute in elementary, middle school, and marching band in high school. The drums always stood out to me and one day when I saw a video of Sarah Thawer (who is one of my drumming inspirations) it hit me that females can also drum and be good at it! Ever since then drumming is the only thing that really gets me going and I’ve made it my goal to do this professionally.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a female drummer/percussionist. I’ve had the opportunity to play at festivals and many famous venues out here in LA. My main gig is doing musical pit work, it’s what I enjoy doing the most and challenges me the most. What sets me apart is my drive and dedication to the craft. I’m not discrediting other musicians but I feel like I’ve had to play the role of a manager, promoter and also a musician. I’m constantly promoting myself sending my videos and information to musical directors and theatres. It’s been tough but along this process it’s taught me patience but also perseverance. Innthe way that it’s half yes and half nos but I keep moving forward. I’m most excited about the musicals I have coming up Cinderella with Tustin Arts and Lizzie with JustToBe Theatricals and currently Shh! with Pasadena College. I’m also excited about starting my music education degree program at CSUSB. I feel as if it’s still a long road ahead of where I’d like to be professionally, my main goal is to be a drummer or percussionist on Broadway. I know I have a long way to go but I believe that the connections I’ve made and work I’ve done so far is getting me one step closer to that goal. I want people to know that when you hire me your not just getting me as a drummer or percussionist but that you are also getting a team player. Your getting someone who comes prepared, ready to play, and also someone who is open to suggestions and willing to help others as well.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is a tough one because there’s a ton of great places to eat and things to do out here in LA. I would for sure take them to go see a musical over at the Pantages, visit Amoeba music, Funko Hollywood, and maybe even a show over at the Hollywood Bowl. Food wise I would take them to Pioneer Chicken, Roscoes Chicken and Waffles, any place with Chicken really haha.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s been many great people in my life that have been there since the beginning of my journey. First of all I would like to thank God for providing all the opportunities I’ve had so far. A couple people I’d love to thank is my friend Aubrey Torres (who is an incredible bassist I love playing with!) who has been there since the beginning of my career, always there to give me advice on the business side but also a friend. I’d also like to thank my family for being supportive of my career. I’d also like to thank all the people I’ve had the pleasure of working with in various musicals. (Eileen Stressling, Gabe Ruppert, Elijah Nunez, Mary Hsu, Jennifer Escovar, and many more!)

Instagram: https://instagram.com/sammygonzalez_ttb?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sammygonzalezdrumsttb

Image Credits
Leo