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FREDONIA, N.Y. — Feb. 11, 2009 — SUNY Fredonia’s School of Music Percussion Guild will host guest artist Shawn Pelton, the drummer of Saturday Night Live (SNL) on Monday, Feb. 23 for an event they’re calling “Monday Night Live.”

Students will have the opportunity to learn from Pelton in a clinic and master class at 4 p.m. followed by the artist’s solo performance at 8 p.m. Both events will be held at the Juliet J. Rosch Recital Hall and are open to the public. The events are funded in part by the Student Activities Fee.

Pelton studied with Kenny Aronoff for seven years and attended Indiana University where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree and a Performer's Certificate in jazz studies. He is now one of the most talented and in-demand drummers on the New York session scene and has held the drum position for SNL since 1992, longer than any other player. Every week, he is able to prove his capabilities as a live performer and sideman by covering an extensive range of music and backing several visiting performers.

As a first call session player in New York City, he has worked with artists including: Bob Dylan, Rod Stewart, Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, House of Diablo, Edie Brickell, The Brecker Brothers, Buddy Guy, Joan Osborne, Hall & Oates, Peter Wolf, Shawn Colvin, Marc Cohn, Patty Larkin, Kim Richey, Celine Dion, Billy Joel, Luciano Pavarotti, Spice Girls, Loudon Wainwright, Peter Frampton, Robert Palmer, Bruce Hornsby, Adam Sandler and Vanessa Williams.

“Shawn’s creativity has placed him where he is today with SNL and as one of the most in-demand session drummers of his time,” said Kay Stonefelt, the faculty advisor of the Percussion Guild and professor of percussion at the School of Music. “It is his drive and will to succeed, in combination with the creative flow, that make him so unique.”

Pelton will bring some of his creativity to his solo show on Monday night, talking about song approach for the set drummer and the use of multi-media resources in his presentation.

“His discography list and the artists with whom he has worked are very impressive,” said Stonefelt. “Anyone, vocalist or instrumentalist, who wants to succeed in the current world of music will benefit from this residency.”