About Kelli Rae Tubbs
Drummer, Percussionist & Vocalist
A working drummer and percussionist for more than three decades, Kelli’s resume spans the musical spectrum, covering jazz, pop, country, bluegrass, drum corps, brass band, and children's music. Since 2017, she has served as the house percussionist at the Smoky Mountain Opry in Pigeon Forge, TN.
Historian, Writer & Educator
Over the last decade, Kelli has established a formidable “second” career as a collector, researcher and clinician. She has presented on the preservation and restoration of antique drums as well as historical drumming methods at the Chicago Drum Show, the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, the Delaware Drum Show, and the National Women's Music Festival.
Always Something Going On
Kelli is writing a book with noted drummer, author, and educator Daniel Glass, entitled "The Postcard Project: A Snapshot of Drumming Life, 1900-1930".
She is the 2020 recipient of the Paul Charosh Independent Scholar Fellowship and has received six grants from the East Central Regional Arts Council.