Mississippi Artist Roster (July 2026 – June 2029) 
Folk: Music
World Music Percussion
Available to travel up to 500 miles 

AVAILABLE FOR HIRE 

• Live Performances: Steel Drums, World Music, American popular music (Solo, Ensemble, Band) 

• Workshops: African and Caribbean Drumming, Latin American Percussion, Steel Pan, World Music Rhythm & Culture, American Popular Music 

• Master Classes: Percussion, Steel Pan Performance, World Music Styles for Percussionists, Interpreting Rhythm in R&B and Urban Music 

Ricky Burkhead (Professor of Music & Director of Percussion Studies, University of Mississippi) is a percussionist with expertise across many world music styles and instruments. The house drummer for Thacker Mountain Radio and a founding member of The Soul Tones, Burkhead’s most recent work includes a feature on “Oh Freedom,” a 2025 release from fellow Mississippi musician Damien Wash. He serves on Yoknapatawpha Arts Council’s Board of Directors (Oxford, MS) and as an advisor for the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists.