Josh Birkhimer has enjoyed a career as an in-demand drummer/percussionist nationally and internationally for over 30 years. His versatility to play Jazz, Rock, Country, Latin, and everything in-between has kept him working on the biggest stages with some of the biggest names in the business. From brushes to double bass drums, Josh has all the skill sets needed to keep the customer satisfied!
Growing up in Columbus, Ohio, Josh developed a love for percussion and music at an early age. His father, a professional trumpet player, was his first musical influence (besides Animal the Muppet). Josh’s Dad introduced him to the artists he was playing with such as Sammy Davis Jr, Mel Torme, Louie Bellson, Dave Weckl, Tom Scott, and Maynard Ferguson. Studying privately with Bob Briethaupt (Capital University) enabled Josh to develop the skills to begin working professionally by age 13. Josh attended college as a music major at both The Ohio State University and The University of Kentucky, soaking up experiences around Guest Artists like Henry Mancini, Gregg Bissonette, Jon Faddis, Jon Bergamo and Casey Scheuerell.
A summer college job playing in the Country Show at Busch Gardens prompted Josh’s decision to move to Nashville. He set his sights on Music City, and within a few months, started touring with major artists. He has had the pleasure of working with artists such as Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow, Jim Lauderdale, Ward Davis, Tim Watson, Jo-El Sonnier, Andy Griggs, Earl Thomas Conley, and Eddy Raven. Some Nashville highlights include performing on the Grand Ol' Opry and in front of tens of thousands of people at the CMA Festival. He has also enjoyed working with Record Producers Tony Brown and Paul Worley, Recording Engineer Chuck Ainlay, and Music Video Producers Deaton/Flanigan.
2023 will mark 30 years that Josh has been working and living in Nashville. It was recently announced that he will be out touring with Ms. Sunny Sweeney this next year. He is also collaborating on a project called 'Conversations with a Drummer'; which will present Josh each week in a short interview where everyone gets the opportunity to see what's gong on inside the brain of the grateful drummer. Please come follow that project on Instagram and be sure to follow Josh on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Josh is a proud endorser of Pro-Mark Drum Sticks and Accessories, Evans Drum Heads, and Puresound Snare Wires. You can find out more information about all of these great companies at www.daddario.com.
For more information about private lessons or performances please contact jabirkhimer@gmail.com. Also, please take a moment and join the mailing list!