Dave Clarke
Drums, Percussion, Vocals

David Clarke’s career in drums and percussion spans more than 40 years. He started in his grandmother’s kitchen being fascinated with the sound of an empty coffee can and has been hooked ever since. Also known as “Conga Dave”, he has played professionally with The Dick Judson Orchestra, orchestras for Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormet and The Ken Arlen Orchestra. His early carrier developed at Lane Technical High School where he played drums and directed music. Along the way he also marched percussion for the Nisei Ambassadors Drum & Bugle Corp. and played in a variety of concert bands, wind ensembles, orchestras and percussion ensembles at Malcolm X College, the U. of I., N. I. U. and Indiana University.

He later performed with the Chicago Latin Ensemble and A Circle of Friends folk ensemble. Dave has played orchestral percussion for “Man of La Mancha”, “Annie”, “The Magic Flute”, “Fiddler on the Roof” and the Wizard of Oz. Other collaborations include Sound Barrier and his regular visits to The Cabaret in Naperville. His appearances with Roots 101 marks his return to the traps and his first professional performances on that instrument.