Brad Billmaier is a Toledo, Ohio based jazz percussionist, composer, and educator. He has performed extensively throughout the Midwest, honing a style that could be considered post-bop and “modern mainstream” oriented, while frequently incorporating funk, fusion, Americana, Afro-Cuban, and avant-garde elements.

      Brad holds a Bachelor’s Degree in jazz from the University of Toledo and a Master’s Degree in jazz from Bowling Green State University where he is now employed as an instructor of jazz drumset and large jazz ensembles/small groups.

       During his many years performing professionally, Brad has collaborated/shared the stage with local, regional, and national jazz luminaries including: Gene and Ray Parker; RJ Spangler; Edward Gooch; Ellen Rowe; Ramona Collins; Jeff Halsey; David Bixler; Jose Gobbo; Mark Tonelli; Zakk Jones; Ron Kischuk; Alvin Waddles; Cliff Monear; and others. He has even been called upon to play with internationally acclaimed musicians such as 2008 Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition winner Jon Irabagon Estonian guitarist Jaak Sooaar and Israeli guitarist/oudist/Avishai Cohen collaborator Amos Hoffman.

Brad’s work in both his self-titled ensemble and as a sideman has taken him across the country to cities such as New York, Chicago, Madison, Buffalo, St. Louis, Detroit, Columbus, Traverse City, and countless others. He has been a featured performer in such clubs and venues as Cliff Bell’s, The Blue Llama, Ginger Rabbit, Blu Jazz, Merriman’s Playhouse, Dick’s Den, Lucille’s Jazz Lounge, Elastic Arts, Fulton Street Collective, Columbus Jazz and Ribs Festival, The Black Swamp Arts Festival, the Elkhart Jazz Festival, The River Raisin Jazz Festival, Radio Bean, and many more.