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Arts & Entertainment

Nabe Inspires Local Drummer

Ronnie Roc, who plays with Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, along with his own group AFRAZZ, finds inspiration in the neighborhood.

Percussionist and Prospect Heights resident Ronnie Roc, who plays with Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, along with his own group AFRAZZ, found his love for music early on. Roc studied classical piano with a private teacher, with support from his musician family.

His parents, who migrated to the U.S. from Haiti in 1959, influenced his style of music, “playing everything from classical to country on the record player,” Roc said.

“I knew at the age of five that I had a calling to be a percussionist,” said Roc. “I would beg my grandmother to ship me a drum from Haiti, which never came.”

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Roc bought his first conga drum from a cousin when he was 18 years old. He went on to study with many accomplished New York percussionists, “and continue to do so, it's a never ending study,” he said.

Roc went on to work with many jazz musicians such as Steve Coleman, Steve Turre, and Victor Jones, to name a few. Today, he works with the famed Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. He met with the troupe four years ago, auditioned, and found he was a perfect fit within the theater.

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Roc grew up in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, but moved to Prospect Heights about two years ago because he loved the “community, friends and just the great vibe.” He was the resident drummer at for their African dance class taught by Melvin Blak for years. Roc has also held many percussions workshops at the studio.

Roc recently recorded his first album with his band AFRAZZ, called “Dedication.” The band, with Roc on piano, Hailejaa Euma on congas and Richie Robles on bass, has a residency a few times a month at . Their next show is on October 5, from 8-11 p.m.

“The culture [in Prospect Heights] is just right for the creativity that lies in me, and just laid back enough to get my work done,” he said.

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