I recently had a chance to sit down and grab a coffee with local phenom, drummer and producer, Natalie Depergola. I’ve been hearing her name around town with nothing but friends and colleagues singing her praises, a clear sign that this is a creative we needed to highlight on the music blog. Her gentle nature, mountain of talent, and her passion for the local scene is nothing short of inspiring. Protect Natalie Depergola AT ALL COSTS.
We spoke of her newest music venture:
“I have a project called ‘The Katara Trio’.  We are a harp, bass, and drum trio that creates a blend of different musics cultures to inspire peace and prosperity. If you are interested in having us apart of your team I would love to grab coffee sometime and or chat on the phone to give you some more insight on myself and this project. Our sweet spot is Hip-hop and r&b, but we love to play jazz, funk, & pop as well. Our audience range is wide. We perform with rappers and vocalists, and also feature saxophone and cellists.”

Natalie Depergola started playing drums at just 6 years old. As a seasoned drummer with experience both on stage and in the studio her knowledge reaches many areas within the music industry.  With deep roots in funk, jazz fusion and hip hop her strengths include a magnetic approach towards working/collaborating with other musicians and artists. Natalie promotes music education and is passionate about inspiring and teaching women in music. Growing up on the west coast of Florida ,she caught the attention of John Blackwell who was known widely as the drummer for Prince, Justin Timberlake, & Pattie LaBelle. Natalie studied with John from the age of 11-17 years old. John’s influence has had a profound effect on how Nat plays today! Drum Magazine published an article sighting her as his final and last prodigy student before he passed. Natalie endorses Ddrum , Zildjian cymbals, & Vic Firth.

Seth Lynn, is a multi-instrumentalist performing on the Harp, Piano, Guitar, and Bass. Studying classical music since the age of eight performing around the country with various orchestras and ensembles Seth has since studied and ventured into other realms of music including Jazz, Indian Classical, Neo-Soul and more. A Tampa native he is very involved in the community as a performer and an educator.

Bassist Jon Shea comes from University of South Florida’s jazz program. At USF Jon made it to the top jazz ensembles, small groups, and big band. He toured Europe twice with the jazz program playing Montreux Jazz Festival (Switzerland), Umbria Jazz Festival (Italy), Jazz A Vién (France),  Antibes Jazz Festival (France), The North Sea Jazz Festival (Amsterdam) and several other festivals. Jon graduated from USF with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Jazz Bass Performance. He has performed with such musicians as John Blackwell (Prince, Justin Timberlake), Bobby Lee Rodgers, John Clayton, John Fedchock, John Allred, Eric Alexander, and countless others. He has opened for bands such as Guns N Roses, Queensryche, Cracker, Herbie Hancock, Airto Moreira, Sam Rivers, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstafunk, Galactic, Trombone Shorty, Sister Hazel, Social Distortion, and countless others. Jon continues to perform, compose, teach, record, and produce residing on Davis Islands in Downtown Tampa, Florida.

Here is a link to a session of 3 original compositions from The Katara Trio performed in the beautiful garden at Pulp Arts studio In Gainesville. >>