Biography
As a Percussionist, mick laBriola has dedicated his life work to Cultural Music that has encompassed Dance, Theater, Ensembles, Workshops and Residencies.
His formal musical studies began at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. Global Studies include Arabic Music @ the National Conservatory of Music in Amman, Jordan (1994); Tabla @ The Rhythm Riders Institute in Ahmedabad, Gujarat-India (2007), and Flamenco Guitar with Jose Cortez Pansequito in Puerto Santa Maria, Andalucia Spain (2008).
Additional International instructors include Pandit Veja Shakar, Gopal Mishra, Alexander Georgiev, Haba Boula and Nasser Abido.
mick’s most recent excursion was to Port of Spain, Trinidad during Panorama, a Steel Drum competition in 2010.
mick laBriola is both a Performance Artist and Music Educator. He is a Roster Artist with the Minnesota State Arts Board, WAITS, Compas, Young Audiences of Minnesota, and The Nevada Arts Council.
Mr. LaBriola has created three assembly school programs which focus on music and education; these ensembles include:
- The Maroons - a Caribbean trio with music of Trinidad and Jamaica. Including Reggae, Calyspo, Soca, Mento, Rock-Steady and Ska.
- Karibuni - African music quartet featuring two musicians from Africa. Siama Matuzungidi from Zaire.
- MAQAM – Music of the Arabic World. Featuring Tarik Ibrahim from Egypt and Khalil Lulu from Palistine.
Additional Ensembles include:
- Ancestor Energy - Poetry and Jazz.
- Mojo Roots - Blues, R&B and Reggae trio.
- Beau Koo Jacks - New Orleans.
- Zion Tribe - Jam Reggae.
- World Cafe International - Instrumental Trio. Arabic, Persian, Armenian, East/North European, North/South American, Central Africa.
- Voices of Sepharad - Ladino/Spanish/Arabic/Hebrew music of the Jewish Diaspora originating in medieval Spain.
