Dean Thurston

In the late 70's, Dean Thurston, already an accomplished drummer, studied Latin percussion privately with Poncho Sanchez. The Cal Tjader Band, featuring Poncho on congas, performed regularly at Concerts by the Sea, a remarkable jazz club in Redondo Beach. It was a small venue where one could sit just a few feet away from some of the world's best jazz musicians. That's just what Dean did, night after night. Playing and studying in L.A. gave Dean a strong foundation for the future.

In the mid 90's, Dean relocated to Portland, Oregon, where he joined Voxanova, a successful band playing Latin influenced world music. www.Voxanova.com

Dean also manages a very busy teaching schedule with numerous drum set students, as well as hand percussion students.