It’s undeniable—as classical music fans, we love to know what our favorite artists love. To us, they’re the pinnacle of celebrities, the apples of our eye, the people we admire the most. Why wouldn’t we want to know what they love, enjoy, and can’t live without? 

Luckily for you, we’re right there on the same page. That’s why we crafted this clever little feature on our Classical Post website to help you (and us too, we admit it) get to know our favorite classical music artists just a little bit better. How? By diving deep into some of their favorite things! 

In other words, we’re making it easy to learn all you can about the musicians you love to admire—and this week, we’re chatting with David Skidmore from Third Coast Percussion about a few of his favorite things (and why they’re his favorites, of course!). 

If you don’t know David’s name off the top of your head, it’s more than likely you’ve heard his ensemble. David is a member and the executive director of the Grammy-award-winning, artist-run quartet known as Third Coast Percussion. An ensemble known for its dazzling energy, wildly entertaining stage presence, and performative depth; David is a key piece of the Third Coast Percussion Puzzle.

But that’s not all David is known for. In fact, he’s a well-known composer (his works are performed regularly in halls and universities across the country), he’s an accomplished soloist who’s traveled and performed around the world, and he’s a gifted educator (he taught for four years on the percussion faculty at the Peabody Conservatory). 

And now, get to know a little bit more about David from his first-hand account of what he loves, his favorite things, and what he can’t live without. To find out more information about David, Third Coast Percussion, and where you can see them perform, check out their schedule here!

WHERE DO YOU LOVE TO EAT WHEN YOU’RE TRAVELING? 

We’ve (Third Coast Percussion) found that 9/10 times when on tour, the best food is always the simplest and least pretentious. Whether it’s arepas from a street vendor in Colombia, simple pasta and table wine in Italy, savory pies at a pub in the UK, or East Asian or Southeast Asian food in a strip mall pretty much anywhere in America, you’re pretty much certain to find something just as tasty or more tasty in a simple setting than you are in the most expensive and rarified setting. 

IF YOU HAD A DREAM PLACE TO LIVE, WHERE WOULD IT BE? 

Venice—if I had a ton of money. Because it’s just ridiculous and feels like a fairy tale! 

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO VISIT OR VACATION?

First, Ireland, because the people are so friendly, the food is so good, and the music is a living, breathing part of the culture and social gatherings. Italy, for the food and wine and old buildings. Japan, because it’s beautiful and thoughtful care has been poured into just about everything—and the trains are fast and reliable. New Orleans—my favorite American city. Again, largely because of the music, but also the food, the history, and the improbably and ephemeral nature of the place. (I also like to visit) smaller towns in just about (any) country. Paris, London, and New York are great—but I’ve always had a better time in smaller cities and towns when traveling. Probably because, in my experience, they tend to feel less homogenized and global, and more like a new experience to take in and learn from. 

ON A NON-PERFORMING NIGHT, WHAT DO YOU LOVE TO DO? 

See another show! 

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