I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, where Papa Joe Irpino was also a drummer and had a high appreciation for Big Band greats such as Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa. At the ripe age of 10, I had the opportunity to see the Junior High School Band perform at my elementary school. I knew from that point on I was destined to play drums and percussion, for which my parents graciously agreed to provide me with private lessons through the 12th grade. My parents and two siblings endured a lot of musical noise in those early days.

As a drummer and music enthusiast, I was heavily influenced by such talents as John Bonham, Phil Collins, Ian Paice, Alan White, Billy Cobham, Steve Gadd, and Dennis Chambers. These drummers instilled my foundation of an eclectic rock/jazz/blues/fusion music styling. (I refuse to be pigeon-holed in any genre). More recently, I have been influenced by Todd Sucherman (Styx) whom I credit with, among many other insights, curing my “tennis elbow” which seriously threatened my longevity as a drummer. 

Educating and Mentoring has always been a passion I want to pursue after achieving my performance goals, desiring to pass on what I have learned in terms of my complete life experiences that go well beyond drumming, per se. By sharing the knowledge and experience acquired during my 50-year musical journey I want to pass on invaluable lessons learned. I either want to teach drums, or start a mentoring program, in which aspiring local musicians can learn firsthand the requisite knowledge, skill sets, techniques, and behind-the-scenes understanding of the music industry.

Currently residing in the Dallas area, I have been spoiled playing alongside amazing musicians at well-known venues in Texas and beyond, with the Zeppelin Project, Run to You (Bryan Adams tribute band), Back N Time (Huey Lewis Experience), Mike @ the Mic (a three-piece acoustic combo), and C4 (original music by Chris Manning). I am also a first call sub for various bands, and volunteer on a committee for “Breast Cancer Can Stick It!”, a local not-for profit run by April Samuels, a local drumming celebrity and breast cancer survivor.

I choose not to rest on Sundays, instead playing drums on our worship team at a contemporary service for Christ United Methodist Church. Whether on stage, studio, or sanctuary, the challenge to play authentically continues to develop my versatility as a musician. Like many part-time musicians, I work full time, thus I can relate to the need to balance work, family, and musical pursuits, while, in my case, enjoying a wonderful relationship with a lovely lady named Trish.

As for family, I am a proud father of three beautiful children who share my deep love for music. I truly desire to instill that same passion in others!