A dear friend, a stellar musician, and one of the most humble and uplifting individuals I have ever known, Alex Wasily is someone I am blessed to have been connected with for over 20 years. We first met in our second grade teacher, Ms. Israel's class, in our hometown of Savannah, GA, and became fast friends. Alex and I continued to go to school together throughout middle school and high school, staying friends through the way. After high school, Alex went to school in Chicago at DuPaul University to study trombone and music, and I joined the Army after some time in college. Five years ago, we came back into each other's lives, some time after he'd joined one of the most grooving bands around, Dumpstaphunk, and I went to see their show at Gypsy Sally's. I was so blown away by the performance that I went to another show of theirs the very next night at Baltimore's 8x10. But that's just the kind of show Dumpstaphunk provides anyone who attends...they always leave you wanting more. With Dumpstaphunk, Alex has shared the stage with the likes of Yes, Carlos Santana, Tower of Power, and even the Dave Matthews Band, in addition to opening for none other than The Rolling Stones. He has also played with groups like The Main Squeeze, performed DJ sets as part of his Very Good Party and Very good DJ Sets series, given master classes in music performance to schools all over the country, and most of all, is a genuine and kind human being. In our time together for Unlocking the Keys, Alex shared some beautiful nuggets of musical wisdom, gave insights, and was just an all around wonderful hang as always.
A dear friend, a stellar musician, and one of the most humble and uplifting individuals I have ever known, Alex Wasily is someone I am blessed to have been connected with for over 20 years. We first met in our second grade teacher, Ms. Israel's class, in our hometown of Savannah, GA, and became fast friends. Alex and I continued to go to school together throughout middle school and high school, staying friends through the way. After high school, Alex went to school in Chicago at DuPaul University to study trombone and music, and I joined the Army after some time in college. Five years ago, we came back into each other's lives, some time after he'd joined one of the most grooving bands around, Dumpstaphunk, and I went to see their show at Gypsy Sally's. I was so blown away by the performance that I went to another show of theirs the very next night at Baltimore's 8x10. But that's just the kind of show Dumpstaphunk provides anyone who attends...they always leave you wanting more. With Dumpstaphunk, Alex has shared the stage with the likes of Yes, Carlos Santana, Tower of Power, and even the Dave Matthews Band, in addition to opening for none other than The Rolling Stones. He has also played with groups like The Main Squeeze, performed DJ sets as part of his Very Good Party and Very good DJ Sets series, given master classes in music performance to schools all over the country, and most of all, is a genuine and kind human being. In our time together for Unlocking the Keys, Alex shared some beautiful nuggets of musical wisdom, gave insights, and was just an all around wonderful hang as always.