River Guerguerian

River Guerguerian has been inspiring audiences with his ecstatic and versatile percussion for over 30 years. Whether collaborating with international artists, facilitating sound meditations, or creating his own dynamic explorations of rhythm, River’s devotion and attention to the vibrant life of the drum reverberate through the mind and soul of the listener.
Born in Canada to Armenian-Egyptian-Syrian parents, River’s studious journey began at an early age. In 1989, he received a Bachelor of Music degree from The Manhattan School of Music Conservatory and was granted the school’s award for Most Outstanding Percussionist.

In 1994, River decided to sell all of his possessions and step off of the grid. He resided in a wildlife sanctuary in the Himalayas. The adventure lasted for five years and led to his immersion into extensive nature-inspired research and experimentation into the physiological effects of sound upon brainwave states. He continued his investigation of trance-inducing instrumentation as he further explored the East, closely observing the distinctive techniques of several cultures.
River has performed internationally with such groups as the BBC Concert Orchestra, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Tan Dun, Tibetan Singing Bowl Ensemble, Lionel Hampton, Paul Winter, Chuck Berry, and Ziggy Marley/Gypsy Kings. He has performed in the prestigious concert halls of most major cities of the world, including Carnegie Hall, The Sydney Opera House and Lincoln Center. He has recorded on over 200 albums and film soundtracks.

River is Music Director of the Odyssey Community School. He also conducts “rhythm and sound exploration” workshops throughout the country, and enjoys teaching privately. He is the Artistic Director of Asheville Rhythm, which produces the Asheville Percussion Festival, now in it’s sixth year. Visit him at www.ShareTheDrum.com