Levine Presents: Rage Against the Machine

 

Saturday, July 9th, 2022

Rage Against the Machine was a political activist rock/hip-hop group of the 90s, speaking out against the injustices of racism, wealth inequality, police brutality, colonialism, and many more issues that are, unfortunately, still present today. Not to be satisfied with writing provocative and challenging lyrics, Rage took it to another level by being activists in their performances including a music video shoot that shut down the New York Stock Exchange for the day.

Please note: this concert will contain explicit lyrics.

Musicians 

John Vitullo, drums
At Youngstown State University, John served as section leader and principle percussion of the Wind Ensemble and performed at Carnegie Hall in 2015. He was drum set player for the YSU Pep Band and Vibraphonist in various jazz combos. During his time at YSU, he had experience teaching various ensembles including the Marching Pride Drumline, Percussion Ensemble, Liberty High School Drumline, and Youth Orchestra Percussion Section. Following graduation, John continued teaching at Liberty High School as Assistant Band Director. He was also a teacher for Students Motivated by the Arts, a nonprofit community arts school. There he facilitated drum circles for after school programs.

John is a founding member of the fusion band Cosmic Lemons, with whom he recorded an album of original music and performed a mid-west regional tour. In addition, he has recorded tracks for the indie/alternative band Northern Whale and singer/songwriter Sarah Donkin.

Miles Brown, vocal
Miles is an Event Producer, drummer, and recording artist in the DMV area. He worked currently as a Campus Coordinator at Levine Music. 

Darrien Day, bass
Darrien Day is a DMV-based musician with a passion for DIY and alternative venues across the area. He believes music has the power to bring people together in unique ways.

Josh Walker, guitar
As an experienced musician, Josh has had the privilege of sharing the stage with the likes of Jason Mraz, McCoy Tyner, Richie Cole, Chuck Redd, Warren Wolf, Jon Irabagon, Sheryl Bailey and Gary Thomas. Josh has performed as an opening act for Randy Brecker, Charlie Byrd and the Washington Guitar Quintet, Pat LaBarbara and Donny McCaslin. Notable performances include at The Montreal International Jazz Fecstival, Toronto International Jazz Festival, International Association of Jazz Educators Conference, The John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Blues Alley, Bohemian Cavern and numerous cities in Japan, the U.S. and Canada.

Josh has held several teaching positions including as Private and Group Guitar Instructor at the University of Virginia and Harmonia School of Music and Art, Group Guitar Instructor in Falls Church City Public Schools and as the Teacher’s Assistant at Broadduas Wood Elementary in Albemarle County Public Schools

An acclaimed performer and teacher, Josh was named Winner of Downbeat Magazine’s annual award for “Best solo by an instrumentalist at the college graduate level” (2011), was recipient of “The Charlie Byrd Endowment in Guitar” from the Peabody Institute (2001) and was guitarist, mandolinist and Band Captain at Busch Gardens Williamsburg (2001-2004).

James Weiss, guitar
James Weiss is a musician, guitarist, performer, composer, vocalist, and educator from the Northern Virginia area. His playing and teaching experience span Jazz, Blues, Rock, Folk, and Heavy-Metal music. He graduated from Northern Virginia Community College with an associate’s degree in Music in May 2018. He graduated from George Mason University with a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies in December 2021. While at Mason he had the honor of taking guitar and arranging lessons with Dr. Shawn Purcell and voice lessons with Dr. Darden Purcell. He performs locally throughout the Nova area with blues, jazz, and rock groups. He has also performed locally with music theatre companies and worked as a session musician.