Artist Biography

Multi-ethnic percussionist, artist/ educator

As a percussionist, Mick LaBriola has mastered the percussion instruments and musical styles of many world cultures. His formal musical studies began at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago, and continued with global artists such as Pandit Veja Shakar, Gopal Mishra, Alexander Georgiev, Haba Boula, Nasser Abido, and Joko Sutrisno. Since 1991 he has been music director for the international children's project Songs of Hope, based in St. Paul.

Mick LaBriola is both a Performance Artist and Music Educator. He is a Roster Artist with the Minnesota State Arts Board, WAITS, Compas and Young Audiences of Minnesota. Mr. LaBriola is also resident percussionist with "Ensemble Espanol" (a flamenco dance company based at NEIU in Chicago) and co-founder of "Voices of Sepharad" (ladino/judeo ensemble). 

Mr. LaBriola has created three assembly school programs which focus on music and education; these ensembles include:

 1) "The Maroons"-a Caribbean trio with music of Trinidad and Jamaica. Including Reggae, Calyspo, Soca, Mento, Rock-Steady and Ska. 

2) "Karibuni"-African music quartet featuring two musicians from Africa. Siama Matuzungidi from Zaire and Yusuf Shalita from Uganda. 

3) "Maquam"-Music of the Arabic World. Featuring Tarik Ibrahim from Egypt and Khalil Lulu from Palistine. 

Additional Ensembles include:

1) "Ancestor Energy"-Poetry and Jazz. 

2) "Mojo Roots"-Blues, R&B and Reggae trio.

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