Ric Craig-Drums

Ric, originally from Tampa Florida (via Cleveland Ohio) is known for his supportive, yet uplifting approach to drumming. He has toured and played with the following artists: Modern Gentlemen (2019), Diane Schuur (2013), New York Tenors (2013), Michael Crawford (1998 U.S. tour), Barry Manilow (1999), Alvoro Torres (Latin American international tour), Selena (Buenos Amigos video), Grammy nominated David Arkenstone and Ben Vereen, to name a few. Ric feels that his style of drumming is quite eclectic, and has had many influences throughout his drumming career. One of them is Peter Erskine, whom Ric studied with in New York City between semesters in college. Ric was also the recipient of the prestigious Shelley Mann Scholarship, awarded through Modern Drummer Magazine in 1981. After receiving his bachelors in Percussion from University of South Florida, Ric attended the University of Miami for his Masters in Studio Music and jazz. Ric subsequently went on to teach drum set as an Adjunct Professor at University of Redlands, as well as at University of South Florida. Ric's professionalism and powerful groove in a wide array of styles have led to work in almost every musical situation imaginable: from playing with such jazz artists as Grammy Nominated Jazz vocal group, "Rare Silk" and Doc Severinsen, to various national acts, including the prestigious Ringling Bros & Barnum Bailey Circus. Here Ric learned the art of spitting llama sweater knitting. For his last few years in Los Angeles, Ric performed throughout the area with a Steely Dan tribute band ("Pretzel Logic") and various Los Angeles based artists. Ric now resides back in the Tampa Bay area, where he quickly established himself as one of the area's premier and most highly sought-after drummers. Ric is currently on the USF Jazz faculty teaching drum set and performs in the Tampa Bay area as well as the US.