Ed Shea - Moving to New York When You're Young
Holiday Inn, Newsies, Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me, Peter Pan, Dream and so much more!
In the next episode of Broadway Drumming 101, I sit down with drummer Ed Shea, whose journey is a masterclass in perseverance, adaptability, and versatility. Ed's career reads like a roadmap for aspiring musicians, from his early days in Philadelphia under the mentorship of Nick D'Amico to his breakout in the Atlantic City music scene.
With over 500 Broadway-type shows and 1,000 nightclub acts under his belt, Ed has worked on smash hits like NEWSIES and HOLIDAY INN, toured the globe from Croatia to Korea, and even shared stages with legends like Johnny Mathis. His recording career includes jingles, movie dates, and unforgettable Broadway productions such as Peter Pan, Dream, and Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me. This is a musician who indeed does it all.
In our interview, Ed shares how he transitioned to New York City in 1993, where his skills as a sub became the foundation of his Broadway career. He opens up about what it takes to navigate the demanding world of theater drumming, offers practical freelancer advice, and reflects on how his eclectic background has kept his career thriving.
This conversation is packed with golden nuggets for anyone looking to break into Broadway or sustain a long and fulfilling career in music. Don't miss this deep dive with a true pro who has seen and done it all.
In this clip, he discusses the possibility of moving to New York when one is young, the promising careers of great musicians like Joe Nero, Sean McDaniel, and Dan Berkery, and the success of another great young musician - Taylor Simpson.
🎧 Stay tuned to Broadway Drumming 101 for the entire episode — you won't want to miss it!