Musicians hire nationally touring, Melanie Howe, when they want more than accompaniment. Attitude and expression are important factors to be considered in the entertainment industry. Melanie's experience in music performance, dance performance, and artistic expression gives her an upper hand in promoting an exciting and memorable performance for the musicians she accompanies and the audience in attendance. Her unique and innovative style of playing and performance has put her in demand with musicians and venues alike. Howe has played in music genres from R&B to country, from tropical rock to bluegrass, from pop to electronica and is trained classically. Her wide range and appealing taste have boomed across the United States. With over 10 years of live performance experience, Melanie Howe continues to draw curious crowds. Her fit, feminine flair draws all ages to her percussion playing night after night. She offers more than most in her energetic and exciting performance. With knowledge in music performance, both in professional percussion playing and competitive dance, as well as acting and modeling; Howe offers an unforgettable show every single time.

From a young age, Melanie has been an expressive artist. On merely a competitive basis she started her music career as a pianist at the age of 9. That passion floated between instruments including clarinet, french horn, trumpet, guitar, ukulele until it finally landed in percussion. She developed a love for percussion towards the end of high school and went on to study at the University of Tennessee as a Percussion Performance major. She used her vast range of instrumental experience to her advantage in understanding musicality in bands.

Melanie built her first live performing band in 2003 and began touring nationally in 2011. She since has experienced a range of music business. Everything from hired gun to band leader, from composer to first chair; she enjoys experiencing every angle.

Melanie is able to fill the percussive needs for artists and entertainers across the nation. She brings a unique flair to the stage as a stylish and sensible woman who understands the basis of her wide repertoire of musical style. Melanie is typically hired as a conguero, drum set player, hand drummer, multi-percussionist, and back up singer.

..In short, she looks the part, plays the part, acts the part and most importantly is the part.

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She is currently studying regularly with Grammy Award Winning conguero, Giovanni Hidalgo as well as Grammy Award Winning percussionist, Daniel de los Reyes [Zac Brown Band].
Melanie Howe "The Djembabe" is a student of the University of Tennessee Percussion department.

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Studios The Djembabe works with..

Lakeside Studios
http://www.wyrickmusic.com/

Famous London Recording Studio
http://famouslondonrecording.com/

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The Djembabe is sponsored by..

Vater Drumsticks
http://www.vater.com

1964 Ears
http://1964ears.com

Living Like a Pirate Clothing
http://www.LivingLikeAPirate.com

Belleza Salon & Spa
http://www.blza.com/

Roar Clothing
http://www.roarusa.com


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Melanie currently works as a freelance and touring acts "Howe Jellis","MelaGrass", Southern Drawl Band, Kitty Steadman

Melanie Howe (aka the Djembabe) is a well-known percussionist in the Southeast United States. Melanie offers more than most in her energetic and exciting performance. With knowledge in music performance, both in professional percussion playing and competitive dance, as well as acting and modeling.



Melanie Howe offers an unforgettable show every single time. Miss Howe, currently in her final year of her percussion performance major at the University of Tennessee, has studied with powerhouse musicians such as Giovanni Hidalgo, Akie Takada, Zakir Hussain, Keith Brown, Mark Douglass, and Andrew Bliss. Her unique and innovative style of playing and performance has put her in demand with musicians and venues alike. Howe has played in music genres from R&B to country, from tropical rock to bluegrass, from pop to electronica.



Melanie Howe's wide range and appealing taste have boomed everywhere from Key West to New York. With over 9 years of live performance experience, Melanie Howe continues to draw curious crowds. Her fit, feminine flair draws all ages to her percussion playing night after night. Howe currently works with 6 different bands as well as individual artists on a local and touring level. Her performances are regularly aired on programs like PBS and local news. Melanie Howe's weekly exposure in live venues, television broadcast, radio play, and social media is unmatched by artists on her level.