We had the good fortune of connecting with Brandon Cruz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brandon, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
The most important lesson I have learned through this experience is that you must be patient and persistent in your core beliefs, while at the same time being flexible as situations come up unexpectedly.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Over nearly 30 years, I have been a professional musician and educator. Over the previous 8, I also have run the South Florida Center for Percussive Arts, a non-profit music center that I founded from a simple idea that began a few years earlier. That idea blossomed into a facility and programs that have impacted thousands of lives in our local community. Through educational and community initiatives along with live events, we have brought the power of music and, specifically, the joy of drumming to all ages at schools, libraries, parks, festivals, museums, and more. This journey has taken place while I have personally dealt with health issues from MS (Multiple Sclerosis). As my disease has progressed, I have had to make adjustments throughout and thanks to the support of incredible staff, the SFCPA continues to grow and further cement itself as a pillar of the Arts in our area of West Kendall, furthering our belief that Drumming Is Universal!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Generally, I like to support local and find things off the beaten path. Most likely it would be smaller, local restaurants along with music venues.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Everything that I have accomplished in this endeavor is due to the support of my family and staff through the years, especially my wife.

Website: www.drummingisuniversal.org

Instagram: the_sfcpa

Twitter: thesfcpa

Facebook: facebook.com/SFCPA

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