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Drummer and Composer, George Heid III has been playing drums and writing music almost as long as he’s been alive (age 3). He has had the great privilege of studying under a number of brilliant musicians such as Roger Humphries, Kenny Washington, Rodney Green, Gene Jackson, Richie Morales and his father. Growing up in Pittsburgh PA, he had the opportunity to advance his musical skills and knowledge from a wide variety of sources. Around the age of 14 he began performing with his own groups. At the age of 15 George was accepted into Pittsburgh’s Creative and Performing Arts High School. At age 17 George became a member of the Center of Life Jazz Band alongside Brett Williams, Benny Benack III, Miles Jackson, Anton DeFade, Michael Stephenson, Jamar Cromwell and Evan Hertrick.

George has had the honor of performing and/or recording with Jazz greats such as Dwayne Dolphin, David Budway, Jimmy Ponder, Sean Jones, Neal Caine, Ralph Lalama, Essiet Essiet, Cameron Brown, Mike Tomaro, Marcus Strickland, Javon Jackson, Eric Johnson, Tony Campbell, Bill Heid, Perry Hughes, Randy Johnston, Don Aliquo Jr., James Moore, and Russ Miller. He has recently preformed at The Iridium Jazz Club and Smalls in NYC as a member of the David Budway Trio.

George is also a member of Elevations. Elevations competed in the "2012 Next Generation Monterey Jazz Festival" where they placed 1st overall. George was awarded "The Best Solo Performance Award" 2 years in a row. (2011 & 2012)

Elevations recently returned to Monterey in September to perform on "The Coffee House Stage" at the 55th Annual 2012 Monterey Jazz Festival. The group is currently planning their first tour and will be visiting: Philadelphia, Detroit, NYC, Columbus, Washington D.C. and Pittsburgh in 2013! (http://www.elevationsmusic.com/home.cfm)