321 – Dena Tauriello: From Rock Touring to Broadway, and What They Have in Common

A Grammy-nominated and studied musician of several decades, Dena’s versatility has afforded her opportunities to play in a variety of settings – from arenas to rock clubs and Broadway to recording studios. She has been highlighted in several drum publications, including the September 2018 issue of Modern Drummer Magazine. Dena has held the drum chair for several Broadway and Off-Broadway productions including Little Shop of Horrors, Kristin Chenoweth: For the Girls, and Head Over Heels. In addition to her 20 years with Antigone Rising (Lava/Atlantic), she has performed with Rob Thomas, Bernie Worrell (Parliament Funkadelic, Talking Heads), The Go-Go’s, Anita Cochran and Williams Honor. Other past projects have included studio sessions with Lisa Loeb and Robert Randolph.

In this episode, Dena talks about:

* Developing a virtual clinic during the pandemic* The years she spent doing bus and van tours with Antigone Rising* The show that brought her to Broadway, and why her pedigree was the perfect fit for it* The increasing inclusivity in the Broadway community, especially among musicians* How rock touring skills translate to musical theatre* Her brief but meaningful brush with Leland Sklar

Dena endorses Pearl Drums and hardware, Zildjian cymbals, Evans drumheads, Promark sticks, SKB cases, Big Fast Snare Drum, Sledgepad and Ultimate Ears.