Woodstock Turns 50 — Gerardo “Jerry” Velez of Jimi Hendrix & Spyro Gyra Bands
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Woodstock, we are pleased to share this intimate interview with Gerardo “Jerry” Velez, the conga player with Jimi Hendrix in The Gypsy Sun and Rainbows Band.
Gerardo is best known for playing the congas while performing at the original Woodstock with the infamous Jimi Hendrix in 1969.
This month marks the 50th Year Anniversary of Woodstock and Gerardo “Jerry” is here to give us a birds-eye view into life in the music scene at that time and what he’s doing to celebrate the 50th year anniversary of Woodstock as well as a few stories that will keep you in stitches.
Gerardo is a veteran percussionist and drummer who has performed on over 200 celebrity recordings and has played with musicians such as David Bowie, Sir Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Destiny’s Child, Stevie Nicks, Chaka Khan, and so many more.
He is also an original member of the Jazz Fusion Band –Spyro Gyra which combine Jazz, R&B, Funk and Pop Music.
Gerardo also has his very own special event company called Gerardo Velez Productions and has produced 100’s of shows since its inception in 1981, they create Galas, concert festivals and events for clients such as The New York Stock Exchange, Comedy Central, HB, Donna Karan, Miramax Films and Bank of America just to name a few.
He has also created concerts, choreography and has acted as the musical director and promoted several establishments in Las Vegas like The MGM Grand, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Harley Davidson Cafe, Luxor, Rio and Tao Resort.
Gerardo has 7 Grammy nominations under his belt along with 6 Gold & Platinum Records and 3 Amex Gold Reel Awards.
Today he discusses:
–How he landed his gig playing the congas with Jimi Hendrix (The Original Gypsy Sun and Rainbows band a/k/a Gypsy Sun and Rainbows band also known as A Band of Gypsies) and playing at Woodstock.
–An exclusive story he shares about one of the most outlandish stories with Mr. Jimi Hendrix that no one’s heard of before (you can say you heard it here first!)
–A story from one of Spyro Gyra’s first out-of-state tours and what a frightening experience they didn’t see coming.
–How to protect your instrument (your hands) from damage from playing the Conga & Drums
–Gerardo’s latest course: V Strong Fit (V is for Victory/Velez)
Check out the happenings coming up to celebrate the 50 Year Anniversary of Woodstock at the WE2019 – Saloon Studios Live Events with performances by Melanie, Vanilla Fudge, John Sebastian, Jefferson Starship, Family Stone and many more.
Check out some of the upcoming shows this week, next and months to follow:
WE2019.ORG
Gerardo – Jerry with Jimi at Woodstock:
Gerardo’s Solo at The Bitterend Nightclub in the West Village, NYC
Jerry with Nile Rodgers – Chic
Gerardo with Spyro Gyra