Kevin E - $750/month

Kevin “Hot Pocket” Ellis is a professional drummer from Baltimore, MD who is known for a deep pocket, incredible feel, and impeccable placement. He started playing the drums at the age of seven at the Full Gospel True Mission Church under the leadership of Stellar Award Nominee, Professor Wilbur Belton Jr.

In 1995, Kevin began studying at Baltimore’s Frederick Douglass Sr. High School, an institution with a reputation for grooming professional musicians and recording artists, such as Paula Campbell, Maysa Leak, Jazz and Nokio of Dru Hill, Chester Thompson (Phil Collins), producer Curtis “Mr Bud” Gorham (Blk Mttr Mzk Group) and Jarod Barnes (Isley Brothers, Dru Hill) to name a few. While in the Music Careers program, he would study with William Goffigan, and be exposed to a wide range of music that would expand his playing beyond his gospel foundation. He would test what he learned at Larry Stewart’s Place, a local jazz “hotspot” frequented legends such as Dennis Chambers, the Grainger Brothers, and bass legend, Vince Loving.

To date, “Hot Pocket” has traveled nationally and internationally performing and sharing the stage with artists and musicians such as Groove Stu (neo soul/r&b), International Star Marc Evans and Soul Centered (soul/r&b/ adult contemporary), Joe Keyes & The Late Bloomers Band(P Funk, Fishbone), Russell Simmons (Hip Hop icon), Ray Lewis (Baltimore Ravens), “Super Producer” Kenneth Shelton (Gospel/R&B), Chocolate (R&B/Soul), Ab Rock (Hip Hop), Tye Tribbett (Gospel), and currently he holds down the drum chair for The Kelly Bell Band (Phat Blues).