Jay Smith Group

Jonathan Weinmann
Jonathan Weinmann is a professional musician specializing in Drums and Percussion. He owns and operates Weinmann Entertainment a live musical entertainment business located in Bakersfield, CA.Jonathan instructed at Valley Academy of the Arts and Bakersfield Music and Recording Studios, worked with the Arts Council of Kern providing seminars and workshops, and performed and recorded on a daily basis. At that point in time Jonathan could be found performing with Valley Baptist’s orchestra on worldwide television or online (valleybaptist.org) every Sunday showing off a number of his skills.
At an early age Jonathan began drumming under the instruction of Johnny Snider Jr., which lead to playing in churches throughout Bakersfield and Los Angeles, while also obtaining experience with bands as a teen. Jonathan has had the opportunity to play with and for artists such as: Sarah Kelly, Chuck Denny (By The Tree), Lindell Cooley, Camp Kirkland, the Nashville Praise Symphony, and Denver and the Mile High Orchestra; record with producers such as Tedd T and Lynn Nichols, tour the Philippines and Brazil, and is continuing to break ground.
While attending Los Angeles Music Academy, Jonathan studied drums and percussion under and with: Joe Porcaro, Mike Shapiro (Sergio Mendes), Aaron Serfaty, Tony Inzalaco, Michael Packer, Dave Beyer, and the late Sherman Ferguson, attending workshops with the likes of Clayton Cameron, Peter Erskine and Vinnie Colauita. At only 25, Jonathan has studied and played with some of the greatest musicians to date, from the highly technical Ralph Humphrey of Frank Zappa’s Band to playing with Jazz masters such as Russell Ferrante of the Yellow Jackets and funk artist Al McKay of Earth Wind and Fire and the Al McKay All Stars.
Ever-evolving is just what Jonathan is. His natural ability, cumulative knowledge, education, and experience in music and the arts make his sound distinctive. His unique ability to excel in virtually any musical setting or genre set him apart as a brilliant individual and musician. Jonathan’s energetic performances, organic sound, solid feel, responsiveness, professionalism and determination demonstrate his passion for the percussive arts and will continue to keep this young musician moving forward.