Jeff Tortora

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Born in 1971, in Syracuse, NY. Graduated Solvay High School in 1989. Arguably one of the best drummers out of the Central New York region (he was First Chair All State Jazz his junior year in high school), Jeff's style ranged from rock, to jazz, to pop to death metal. Considered a "hired gun" for his ability to learn essentially any style of music, he filled in for dozens of bands, sometimes with only a few hours' notice. Because of this, he became well known and respected by his peers. Quote: "If I make a couple of bucks, fine, but man, I just wanna play."-Syracuse New Times, July 17, 1996.

[edit] Career

Played briefly for Joey Belladonna of Anthrax fame in the early 90's, as well as guitar virtuoso Joe Stump (he was also on most of Joe's records as well). He would often play with Dracula Jones, a popular grunge style band in the mid 90's, although he was never an official member. His style of drumming was seen by larger audiences from 1995-1999 playing with "The United Booty Foundation", a Syracuse, NY act that consisted of the best available musicians in the area, performing primarily 1970's disco/funk songs, but with the occasional modern rock song thrown in. For most of these modern songs, Jeff would get behind the microphone, and drummer/light man Kevin Dean (current drummer in Brand New Sin) would fill in on the kit. During a Thanksgiving show in 1999, Jeff was spotted by a talent scout for The Blue Man Group, in Syracuse, who was visiting relatives for the holiday. Immediately impressed with his performance, she approached him after the show, getting his contact information. The next day he received a phone call from her, asking if he would like to be flown out to Las Vegas to audition for the now forming Las Vegas troupe (which would call the Luxor hotel and casino home.) He was immediately hired, and has been with them ever since, playing with the likes of fellow Blue man drummers Tim Alexander of the band Primus and Blas Elias of the band Slaughter. Jeff has performed on the Blue Man Group CD The Complex, as well as being one of the performers to play on The Tonight Show in support of that album. He is the main drummer on the current Blue Man Group Megastar 2.0 tour. He can be seen at The War Memorial in Syracuse on March 21st. Opening acts include John Arch, Joe Lefler and Candlemass.