Dr. Mesia Austin currently holds the percussion chair for the First National tour of MJ the Musical and has recently had the honor of holding the percussion chair for Tony Award winning Broadway Musical, Paradise Square; and Grammy nominated Broadway Musical, Caroline, Or Change as well as the highly anticipated musical by Adam Guetal; Days of Wine and Roses.

Mesia Austin, first developed her love for percussion through Church and through Marching Arts. A Classically trained percussionist with a particular interest in West African Drum Styles, Cuban Percussion Styles and American Popular Percussion Styles She has had the pleasure of performing across multiple Genres. As a freelancer she has professional experience in the following areas: Concert Percussion, Rock, Pop, R&B, HipHop and Jazz.

As an educator, Dr. Austin is currently presenting Clinics and Master Classes in various areas of Percussion including General, Pop and Broadway Percussion. She is currently presenting a Master Class on Broadway Percussion: focusing on Shakers and Tambourines as she travels the country with the MJ tour.

 

THE BACKSTORY

BORN IN:
Starkville, Mississippi, USA
LIVES IN:
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
 DRUMMING SINCE:
The 8th Grade
CURRENT PROJECT(S):
"MJ" The Musical; The Hustling Artist Podcast

THE INSIDE SCOOP

BIGGEST INFLUENCE(S):
Dave Matthews Band; Gospel Music; Marching Bands  
FAVORITE ALBUM YOU PLAYED ON: "Caroline, or Change" - Broadway Musical Soundtrack
FAVORITE ALBUM YOU DIDN’T PLAY ON:
“Listener Supported" - Dave Matthews Band
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:  Cindi Lauper 7
 

THE GON BOPS SKINNY

FAVORITE GON BOPS INSTRUMENTS/SETUP:  Alex Acuna Special Edition Congas, Bongos, Cajon; various Gon Bops toys
 
Website: Mesia's Instagram Page