Kei Bland

Kei Bland was Born in Sarasota, Florida, January 21, 2000 and started playing drums at a very early age. At the age of 3, influenced by Liberty DeVitto (Billy Joel's drummer), he asked for a drum set for his birthday in which his parents obliged. By age 4, Kei was able to duplicate the drum beats he heard on music dvds. In particular, Billy Joel's Greatest Hits. Moving on to Phil Collins, Rush, Inxxs, AC/DC, Def Leppard and pretty much any band he could listen to. In September, 2004, Kei attended his 1st concert which was none other than Phil Collins. The 2 1/2 hour concert mesmerized Kei and only made his passion for music greater. At the age of 6, Kei made his first public appearance on stage playing for a charity event - Giving Hunger the Blues which supports children. Kei continued playing at this event for the next 3 years while honing his skills on the drums and becoming multi instrumental: the guitar at age 6, age 8 - the bass and keyboards and age 9 saxophone. At the age of 9, Kei, yearning to gain experience, started playing jams in the area. Mark Skey Andrew Lacroix, and Mack Black took him under their wings and invited Kei to his 1st jam. September, 2011, Kei became the youngest professional member (adult status) with the American Federation of Musicians. Kei was featured in DRUM! May 2012 as SuperNatural Cymbals artist and is currently being featured for SuperNaturals I'm a Natural campaign. Kei has had the opportunity to play with many professional musicians -Chris Anderson, Outlaws, Mike Kach, Dickey Betts and Great Southern and Molly Hatchett, Tracey Austin, Bad Company, Paul Duffy, Commitments, Michael Allman, son of Greg Allman (Allman Brothers), Jeff Carlise of 38 Special, Steve Arvey, international blues artist, Jim Peterick, March of Ides and Survivor, Rick Derringer, Bert Englesman, Allman Brothers, Frankie Lombardi, Dickey Betts and Great Southern, Tony Tyler, Angelo Jannotti, Dave Flett, Thin Lizzy and Manfried Man, Dave Kury, Steppenwolf, Paul Brennan, Julia Larsen, Phill Stokes, Pure Prairie League, Rhino Reinhardt, Iron Butterfly and Captain Beyond, Desiree Bassett, Lead guitarist for Michael Jackson tour, Regi Wooten, Leroy "Bluesdog" Falconi, Angelo Jannotti and many other incredible musicians. Kei has opened for National Bands: Saving Abel NonPoint Eye Empire Trapt Anvil Wayland Kei has studied under the direction of Frankie Lombardi, drummer for Dickey Betts and Great Southern and John Blackwell. drummer for Prince, Justin Timberlake, D'Angelo, Brittney Spears, Bootsy Collins and Patti Labelle. Master classes with Vinny Appice, Shawn Drover, Pat Petrillo, and Derrick Roddy. Achieving a career as a professional musician, as well as the ability to help others through the power music, is Kei's main goal in life. Kei plays for many charitable organizations that include Ride for Dime, Kids Charities, United Way, Fast Friends Greyhound Adoption, Day of Giving to name a few or at a preschool teaching the letter D for drums. Kei enjoys life at its fullest. He always has professional respect for all drummers, yet confident in creating his own style. "Every drummer has something to teach and I want to learn from everyone of them" Kei is the drummer for: Avenging Benji 4 Ever Endeavour South Bad Influence session drummer former member: North American Misfits Kei proudly endorses and is endorsed by: Pearl Drums Sabian Cymbals Drumstatic Cympad Xcel Drumsticks Dixon Bass Lifts Crash N Flash Evans Drumheads Maxonix RimRiser Seminole Music & Sound Kickass Cables Cymbal Shield Rock-n-Roll Gangstar Apparel Marley Custom Guitars Dream Earz - in-ear monitors Rooster Thrones Rimshot Locs Randall May International Sponsors include: Secure Access John and Gina Silver Theneverending Stage.com Ace High Printing Go Tonight Sarasota Medieval Fair Thank you for all the support. Peace and love always!