John Gavin (b.1990) is an active drummer and percussionist based in New York City. His versatile musicianship has led him to perform at a variety of venues in the metropolitan area as diverse as Radio City Music Hall, the Apollo Theatre and Madison Square Garden. John was recently a closing cast member in the long running off-Broadway show, STOMP. Completing its 29th year at the Orpheum Theatre in New York City, the high energy show incorporates found percussion sounds played in a non-traditional setting using movement and comedy. His television appearances with STOMP include Showtime at the Apollo on FOX, the Today Show on NBC, Good Morning America and Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC.
An engaging performer, John also works with Blue Devils Entertainment, an entertainment percussion ensemble that stages compelling musical performances at corporate events in and around New York City. During New Years Eve of 2022, John, alongside Blue Devils performers, joined jam band Phish for a special performance at Madison Square Garden ringing in 2023. Other notable past clients have included the New York Giants and Samsung Electronics. Recently, the ska-rock outfit Streetlight Manifesto invited John to join the orchestral component of the group, the Bandits of the Acoustic Revolution. They collectively performed a unique show at Radio City Music Hall in 2019. Working with film composer Gavin Brivik, John’s percussion playing can be heard on the indie-horror film CAM, currently streaming on Netflix. In the summer of 2013, John was selected to perform with the All-American College Band at Disneyland Resort, an intensive 10-week program of full-time park performances as well as workshops with Los Angeles jazz musicians. John has also performed as a musician at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando and at other theme parks around the country. He holds a Master’s of Music Performance from New York University and a Bachelor’s of Music Education from the University of Central Florida.
John also is a thoughtful and tireless educator as a faculty member at Talent Unlimited High School and Conservatory teacher at The Dwight School. He is currently accepting students for his private studio in Brooklyn. All ages and experience levels considered.