“As you walk around this earth, you step in faith as your feet stay firmly planted on the floor or ground. Drummers provide a similar perspective in music because everyone stands firm on a drummers groove, sense of time, and emotional interpretation of the music. Sammy K is a provider of Good Earth and is a wonderful example of how one can step in faith.”

Will Kennedy -Contemporary Jazz Drumming great/Grammy winner
www.willkennedy.com

“Sammy K is a terrific educator and musician who can swing a big band like nobody’s business, and then easily turn around and instill confidence in a group of inexperienced young drummers who previously exhibited doubt and frustration. Sammy is a prime example of someone for whom dedication, perseverance and hard work has paid great dividends not only for himself but for all associated with him.”

Bruce Jacoby
Manager of Marching and Education – Remo, Inc.
www.remo.com

“Sammy K is one of the most musical players I have ever worked with. He always brings a freshness and inventiveness to every session and gig I have ever hired him for. Not only does he play his natural ass off, but the attitude and work demeanor he brings with him guarantees that it will always be a pleasurable experience, both musically and personally. I can’t say enough good things about him. Oh yeah, I almost forgot – he’s pretty good for a White guy…”

Ted Perlman
Grammy winning Producer – Arranger – Composer – Guitarist
www.tedperlman.com

“What can I say about Sammy K. Great groove, Great feel and a Great guy. I dig playing with Sammy K.”

JV Collier
Bassist with Bruce Hornsby/ The Pointer Sisters and more

With Sammy, it’s about 2 things: the MUSIC and the STUDENT. Period. He gives the impression that every day he finds himself lucky enough to wake up in the morning and spread the gospel about making great drumming happen. It doesn’t matter whether the student is a hotshot Conservatory cat or a middle schooler just starting out, Sammy approaches the deal with the same passion, the same enthusiasm, the same spirit of giving that enables students of all levels to gain maximally from being in his presence. It’s not about Sammy, it’s about the music. Not Sammy’s music, THE music. You’ll not find a finer example of sharing and caring and giving people a leg up in the whole world. Simply put, Sammy K is a delight to be around, and the compassion he shares with students gives everyone he touches the best shot at being all they can be.

Hal Melia
Northern Kentucky University

“The BWJO has rarely sounded so loose and expertly dangerous with Los Angeles Drummer Sammy K launching fireworks as well as a steady drive.”

Indianapolis Star review of Buselli/Wallarab Jazz Orchestra’s performance at the Indianapolis Jazz Festival

“Sammy K is a drum aficionado and consummate pro capable of virtually any style needed.”

John Mueller
Actor / Director
creator of nationally acclaimed “Winter Dance Party”
www.yourbuddyjohn.com

“Your enthusiasm, excellent attitude, playing and teaching insights and ability, and friendly insanity are a huge boon for our camp. I watch your students when you are around and I know they love and respect you. The quality of your work with these kids is the best I have ever seen. I expect most of them to be back, and to play much better when they do.”

Dr Monty Cole
Director of Jazz Studies at Mercer University
Jazz Coordinator at the International Music Camp

“Sam “Slammin’ Sammy K” Kestenholtz is the real deal! He is a complete , versatile and experienced drum set player and clinician. He can confidently cover all styles with authenticity and the appropriate sound and groove. AND, he is humble and a terrific communicator, so he his also great as a guest clinician/adjudicator at festivals and workshops. His passion for the drum set and drumming is contagious! I recommend you check him out!”

Dr. Stephen Zegree
School of Music – Western Michigan University
www.wmich.edu/goldcompany

“Sammy came in and sight-read the book like a real pro. His
dynamics were sensational AND he swung his a*# off!”

Mark Buselli
co founder, writer and arranger for the Buselli/Wallarab Jazz Orchestra
www.bwjo.org

“Sammy did an incredible job with the students, both in his drum clinic and his coaching sessions with several of the bands here at the festival. His enthusiasm is infectious, as he clearly has the time of his life behind the drums. The MU Jazz Band had an absolutely fabulous time – and a fabulous experience – with Sammy ‘driving the bus’. The band never swung harder.”

James Olcott, Director
Southwestern Ohio High School Jazz Festival

“Sammy K is a top notch drummer, educator and Drum Circle Facilitator. His clinics are informative and entertaining. We are honored to have him on board with REMO.”

Michelle Jacoby
REMO Inc – Artist Relations Coordinator
www.remo.com

“First rate musicianship, teaching, and groove! Sammy came in Swinging from the first downbeat! He was equally comfortable driving the big band, interacting with the faculty combo, or coaching the drum students. He connected with everyone at the gigs and at the camp. His infectious personality, energy, and tireless groove have earned him an open-ended invitation back whenever he can make it. One of the most versatile and musical drummers out there! A true pro’s pro.”

Scott Belck
Artistic Director Dayton Jazz Orchestra, Miami Valley Jazz Camp Assistant Professor of Trumpet, University of Minnesota Duluth
Assistant Professor, Trumpet University of Minnesota Duluth

“Working at REMO I encounter many artists. It is always a pleasure when a persons incredible talent and musicianship matches their character. Sammy K is a good guy and one of the hardest working drummers I know.”

Mike DeMenno
REMO inc
Manager of Remo Music Center
www.remo.com

“Sammy K is a dynamic and knowledgeable artist-teacher. He is a perfect fit with the standard of excellence associated with the INTERNATIONAL MUSIC CAMP. We are proud and pleased that he has joined our summer staff!”

Joseph T. Alme
CFO, INTERNATIONAL MUSIC CAMP
www.internationalmusiccamp.com

“The orchestra’s rhythm section is heard to great advantage behind Sammy K’s range of percussion variations that swing with an empathetic surge.”

Floyd Levin reviewing Nancy Osborne’s “Hot Swing, Cool Jazz” CD