Javier Saume-Mazzei

A percussionist from Caracas, Venezuela, has been dedicated to his craft since the age of eight. His musical journey began with "EL SISTEMA," Venezuela’s Youth Symphony Orchestras, where he performed and taught percussion under Maestro Edgar Saume. Javier earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music from Roosevelt University’s College of Performing Arts and has collaborated with notable artists including Rhonda Richmond, Reginald Veal, Herlin Riley, Cassandra Wilson, and Badi Assad.

Javier’s international career features performances at Beijing’s concert halls, The Kennedy Center, and Carnegie Hall, as part of the Grammy and Latin Grammy-nominated Sones de Mexico Ensemble and instructed percussion at the People's Music School for over a decade.

During his time in Albuquerque from 2018 to 2024, Javier performed with The American Flamenco Repertory Company "Yjastros," participating in six editions of the Albuquerque Flamenco Festival. He had the pleasure of working with international artists such as Daniel Doña, Cristian Martín, and Estévez y Paños, and performed at the International "Festival de Flamenco de Jerez" in Spain in 2023. Additionally, he shared the stage with other local flamenco artists and taught at the National Institute of Flamenco and TANAM, a flamenco charter school, while contributing to the Dance Department at the University of New Mexico. Javier also collaborated with Rahim Alhaj.

Now back in Chicago, Javier is passionate about mentoring the next generation of musicians, helping them achieve their full potential as drummers, and expanding his expertise to serve the diverse musical community.