The TA KA DI MI Project is comprised of percussion legend Glen Velez and rhythm voice master Lori Cotler performing original compositions derived from music of the Mid-East, Central Asia and the Mediterranean region. A multifarious array of frame drums, bird calls and exotic noisemakers blend with South Indian Konnakol drum language, soulful melodies and jazz-inflected scat, to deliver a unique program of pure rhythm and pulse. TA KA DI MI represents the primal rhythm cycle of four beats, which leads the mind from the mystical realm of numbers and into the sublime world of music and sound.

Four-time Grammy Award winner Glen Velez is at the height of his performing and composing powers, adorned with a rich international artistic legacy. Regarded as the ‘founding father’ of the modern Frame Drum movement, his plethora of sounds have inspired an eclectic list of collaborators, including Steve Reich, the Paul Winter Consort, Suzanne Vega, Tan Dun and Pat Metheny.

Velez is joined by Lori Cotler, pioneer of a new singing style and recognized as one of the most innovative and exciting musicians of our time.  Lori coined the term Rhythm Vocalist to describe her unique approach to combining Jazz scat and melismatic improvisations, with the rare vocal art form known as Konnakol, the highly sophisticated South Indian drum language.

Often performing as part of the TA KA DI MI Project are world percussionists Shane Shanahan and Yousif Sheronick.

Glen Velez TA KA DI MI Project regularly offers educational sessions ranging from in-school assembly programs to university master classes to short- and long-term residencies on campuses and at conservatories.