Brad Billmaier is a Toledo-based performer, composer, and educator, and an in-demand drummer throughout the region. Brad holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance from The University of Toledo and a master’s degree in jazz studies from Bowling Green State University. As both a bandleader and sideman, Brad’s career has taken him throughout the country (NYC, Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, Columbus, Buffalo, Cleveland, Madison, etc.) and to some of the midwest’s foremost locales (Cliff Bell’s, The Blue Llama Jazz Club, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, Merriman’s Playhouse, SPACE, Elkhart Jazz Festival, Ginger Rabbit, etc.).
Brad has collaborated and shared the stage with the region’s foremost performers including: T-Bone Paxton and RJ Spangler; Tim Blackmon; Ellen Rowe; Edward Gooch; Ron Kischuk; Mark Tonelli; Ramona Collins; Olivia Van Goor; Gene Parker; Bobby Selvaggio; Zakk Jones; etc. He has also worked with international luminaries such as 2008 Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition Winner Jon Irabagon, Estonian guitarist Jack Sooaar, Israeli guitarist/oudist Ahmos Hoffman, and avant-garde afro-futurist pioneer Kimathi Asante (Brute Force, The Pyramids).
