In May, American jazz drummer Ari Hoenig received the German BMW WELT Award in Munich. His quartet performed, leading Ari to take home the award for the band-leading drummer theme. His foursome, the Ari Hoenig Quartet, plays in various venues in America, as well. Though his musical beginnings lie in the violin and piano, Chestnut Hill Local reports that Ari took up the drums at a young age as a way of attaining some freedom. Although his parents are also musicians, the drums were something they were not familiar with, which gave him more room to grow. Jazz appeals to him because it offers innovation. Read more here:

Mt. Airy jazz drummer wins international competition