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David Silliman

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BIO

Drummer and percussionist, David Silliman's middle name should be versatility. Whether accompanying song stylists such as Mariah Carey, Cassandra Wilson, and Blossom Dearie or playing with Colombian Harpist Edmar Castaneda, David's exciting rhythmic energies add color and mood to any musical performance. He's also comfortable playing in the pit of a Broadway show or with the New Jersey Symphony. David has over 20 years of experience. His performances have taken him to concerts and festivals in Italy, Vienna, Berlin, the North Sea, Monterey, Uruguay and Lithuania. David was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he was exposed to a wide variety of music. David's first studies were in the Classical field, studying snare drum, xylophone and timpani. Later studies exposed him to Jazz, Latin Jazz, Brazilian and Funk music. Hearing music with a drummer and a percussionist made a strong impression on his playing. Trying to recreate that sound and "feel" with just one person has become a lifetime passion. David's current setup includes a standard American Drum Set augmented with a South American Cajon. Drums from the Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean along with various other percussion and some his own creations surround him. His performances on percussion and drums at the "Umbria Jazz Festival", in Orvieto & Perugia, Italy with Columbian Harpist, Edmar Castaneda garnered praise from critics and audiences alike. "David's unique setup allowed him to move seamlessly from the Cajon, to Drum Set and all the percussive "toys" in between, creating the rhythmic sound and energy of two or three percussionists. Years of playing with Blossom Dearie's trio, showed another side of David's musical talents. Dearie's soft and understated musical styling is matched perfectly with David's softer, highly sensitive drumming. Highlights of David's past work include concert tours with Al DiMeola, Cassandra Wilson, and Leslie Uggams. He also has performed with Aretha Franklin in New York, and is featured on the VH1 Divas 2001 concert.

News


Interview: Sue Matsuki's Show at The Cutting Room Is a "Love Letter to NYC"
by Rebecca Kaplan - Jul 9, 2025

This 8/7 show with the Gregory Toroian trio doubles as a bon voyage party for Matsuki. We spoke with the Bistro, multi-MAC and Julie Wilson Award-winner about the show, her upcoming move to the Caribbean and more.
Interview: Maria Corsaro & Leslie Vincent Bring JAZZ À DEUX to Chelsea Table + Stage
by Rebecca Kaplan - Jun 6, 2025

The accomplished pair team up for a night of superb jazz on 6/20 at the Midtown hotspot. The show, comprised of a wide range of jazz styles, is their first collaboration together.
Michael Rider Returns to Don't Tell Mama with THIS ‘OL HOUSE: STORIES OF A CITY BEAR, COUNTRY QUEEN
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 5, 2025

Michael Rider will bring an encore performance of This ‘Ol House: Stories of a City Bear, Country Queen to Don't Tell Mama on Saturday, June 28 at 1:00 PM. The autobiographical cabaret chronicles Rider’s journey from growing up on a family farm in Central Pennsylvania to finding his voice and identity in New York City—told through stories and songs spanning country/rock of the ‘70s and ‘80s, Broadway, and the American Songbook.
Tracie Thoms, Jenn Colella and More to Perform at 54 Below in June
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 30, 2025

Next month, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Tracie Thoms, Jenn Colella and more. See the full lineup here!
Photos: Diane D'Angelo Brings CLOSING CREDITS To The Laurie Beechman
by Stephen Mosher - May 29, 2025

Popular chanteuse Diane D'Angelo encores her movie music show at the freshened-up cabaret room in the basement of the West Bank Cafe.
Stephanie Pope Will Bring LIVIN' IT UP! to 54 Below
by Emmy Rice - May 25, 2025

54 BELOW, Broadway’s Supper Club, will present Stephanie Pope: Livin’ It Up! on Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 at 7pm EST. See here for more information.
Maria Corsaro and Leslie Vincent to Debut JAZZ à DEUX Tour at Chelsea Table + Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 14, 2025

New York-based vocalist Maria Corsaro and Minneapolis-based vocalist Leslie Vincent will premiere their Jazz à Deux Tour at Chelsea Table + Stage. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Diane D'Angelo to Return to the Laurie Beechman Theatre With CLOSING CREDITS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 18, 2025

After many years in San Francisco, Diane D’Angelo has returned to New York — and to The Laurie Beechman Theatre with Closing Credits, her second show since her homecoming!  Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Review: Sue Matsuki & Gregory Toroian's Heartfelt RESERVATIONS FOR TWO at Don't Tell Mama
by Analisa Bell - Apr 9, 2025

In Reservations for Two, veteran chanteuse Sue Matsuki and musical director/pianist Gregory Toroian celebrate an extraordinary 31-year artistic partnership with a performance brimming with polish, playfulness, and mutual respect.
Sue Matsuki Comes to Don't Tell Mama as Part of First Fridays in Spring
by Stephi Wild - Mar 31, 2025

On the first Friday of each month this Spring, catch Sue Matsuki in two encore performances and one brand new show at Don't Tell Mama. All shows start at 7:00 PM.
Listen: Kim David Smith's MOSTLY MARLENE Album Out Now
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 21, 2025

KIM DAVID SMITH's new album Mostly Marlene, is available in streaming and digital formats now! This month, he was nominated for a 2025 MAC Award for “Major Artist.” Learn more and listen to the album.
Interview: Kim David Smith Celebrates New Album, MOSTLY MARLENE, at Joe's Pub
by Rebecca Kaplan - Mar 13, 2025

Kim David Smith, the provocative international singer and actor, will release the new album Mostly Marlene in digital and streaming platforms on 3/21. Smith will celebrate the album’s release with a special New York concert at Joe’s Pub that night.
Listen: Kim David Smith's New Single 'Illusions' With Charles Busch Out Now
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 7, 2025

KIM DAVID SMITH has released the new single from his upcoming album Mostly Marlene. “Illusions” – a studio duet with Tony-nominated playwright and performer Charles Busch. Listen now!
Kim David Smith New Album MOSTLY MARLENE to be Released in March
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 21, 2025

KIM DAVID SMITH will release the new album Mostly Marlene in digital and streaming platforms on Friday, March 21. Learn more!
Kati Neiheisel Will Perform an Encore of YESTERDAY...ONCE MORE on Karen Carpenter's 75th Birthday
by Stephi Wild - Feb 11, 2025

Kati Neiheisel will bring her love of the Carpenters to Don't Tell Mama with an encore performance of her show Yesterday...Once More, Sunday, March 2, 2025, the 75th anniversary of the birth of Karen Carpenter.
Michael Rider Returns To Don't Tell Mama In THIS ‘OL HOUSE: STORIES OF A CITY BEAR, COUNTRY QUEEN
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 23, 2025

Michael Rider is presenting an encore performance of his show This ‘Ol House: Stories of a City Bear, Country Queen, on Wednesday, February 26 at 7PM, at Don't Tell Mama.
Kati Neiheisel Hosts An Encore Of LONDON BY NIGHT at Pangea
by Stephi Wild - Jan 21, 2025

Kati Neiheisel will return to Pangea in an encore of her new show London by Night, featuring songs performed or inspired by Julie London, Billboard Magazine's Female Artist of the Year in 1955, 1956 and 1957.
Eva Steinberg Stars In ALL BLUES At Pangea NYC
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 3, 2025

Eva Steinberg is returning to Pangea on Thursday, January 30 @ 7:00 pm & Sunday, February 23 @ 6:00 pm in her new show All Blues, with the Gregory Toroian Trio, directed by Sue Matsuki.
Review: RICHARD SKIPPER CELEBRATES 'HELLO, DOLLY!' at Green Room 42 Is Full of History & Joy
by Rob Lester - Dec 31, 2024

RICHARD SKIPPER CELEBRATES 'HELLO, DOLLY!' revisits a classic musical with history and joy. See this cabaret-style song & talk show the next time it comes around.
URBAN STAGES WINTER RHYTHMS Returns In December
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 27, 2024

New York's Urban Stages has announced the 16th annual awarding-winning cabaret series, Winter Rhythms, with performances from Wednesday, December 4th through Sunday, December 15th. This celebrated series will benefit Urban Stages' Outreach, Arts in Education programs.  

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