Rudy was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but his roots are in the Caribbean since both his mother and father were born on the island of Tobago in the country of Trinidad and Tobago. He came to New York in 1995, earned a master's degree in 2002 in Music Education from New York University (NYU) and went on to teach music in Brooklyn, New York for 7 years. He is the founder of Casplash Entertainment - Live Music and Disc Jockey company. He manages this company full time and serves as band leader for The Caribbean Splash Band a.k.a. Casplash and disc jockeys as well with the dj name of DJ Casplash.
During Rudy's first two years at NYU he played percussion in the university's concert band and percussion ensemble. He has also made several appearances with those ensembles as the featured soloist. His NYU career has been highlighted by a performance at Carnegie Hall when the university's percussion ensemble performed with Skitch Henderson and the New York Pops. Another highlight of his NYU career was when he was chosen during a concert band rehearsal to appear in the Whitney Houston video, 'I Believe in You and Me' as the drumset player.
Previous to his arrival in New York City Rudy attended The University of Pittsburgh where he graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in Africana studies. His time at Pitt was highlighted by his performance with the university's African Drumming Ensemble and African Dance class. In addition to playing music and dancing, Rudy also performed in several plays and musicals. In 1994, he was a featured instrumentalist and actor in Kuntu Repertory Theatre's production of "The Evolution of Jazz" at the Edinburgh Scotland Fringe Festival. Another highlight of Rudy's undergraduate education was his opportunity to participate in a study abroad program called Semester at Sea. There he was blessed with the opportunity of visiting nine countries and gaining exposure to their music and culture first hand. At that time Rudy also performed in the Semester at Sea Gamelan Angklung ensemble.
From the time Rudy was a teen-ager and throughout college he served as disc jockey at many of his mother's soirees and family events. At that time he would spin mostly calypso/soca and reggae music for the Caribbean themed events. Presently Rudy spins a wide variety of styles at weddings, parties and various other events throughout the New York City tri-state area.
Rudy's primary musical instrument is the steelpan. This instrument is the world's newest major acoustical instrument and was invented in Trinidad and Tobago in the 1940's. He played the steelpan for the first 10 years of his career with the popular Pittsburgh based band, Caribbean Vibes Steelband. During that time Rudy served as the music director of that band as well. He also produced the bands acclaimed eclectic C.D., Jammin' for 2000.
Rudy's C.D. credits also include performances on a C.D. titled Men Nou Pa Pa. This C.D. was released by a popular New York based Haitian Kompa band called Lov'. Rudy was in Lov' (wink, wink) during 1999; it was a unique musical marriage which brought two countries with different languages and distinct music styles into union.
Rudy is both proud and humbled at the opportunity and success he has as an entrepreneur, band leader, musician and disc jockey. He is thankful to the members of Casplash, Caribbean Vibes and all of his friends and family for the many years of support they've given, without which of course this dream would never have been able to come to fruition.
Contact: 917.554.1165(mobile) 877.249.9959(toll free phone/fax) djcasplash@gmail.com(email)