Melissa Lovaglio

Location: Woodstock, NY

Challenge: Below Knee Amputee

Website: facebook.com/pages/Zumbi-Zumbi

Melissa Lovaglio started out on flute at 7 but switched to percussion while in high school.

Melissa has been a BK amputee since the age of two as the result of an unsuccessful blood test.

Inspired by Brazilian music, she traveled to Salvador da Bahia to experience the heart of Brazil's Afro- Latin culture. While in Brazil, she studied with Paulinho and sat in with the all-female, Escola Da Samba Dida. Back in the United States, Melissa studied with John Amira (master of Cuban and Haitian percussion), Brazilian percussionist, Cyro Baptista, Al Miller, Eric Parker (Steve Winwood), and jazz musician Bob Emry (Tiny Grimes).

Melissa played congas with the Good Groove Band and drums and flute with the all female Brazilian band IABAS. She also leads her own ensemble Zumbi Zumbi where she alternates between congas and drum set.

Melissa’s latest project is playing percussion with Brazilian group Abacaxi. Melissa has also played drum set and congas as a freelance musician, playing styles ranging from country, jazz, blues, rock, and cajun. She also teaches private lessons to people of all ages in Woodstock, NY.

In addition to her work as a percussionist, Melissa works as a hotline crisis counselor, reiki master, and hand reflexologist.

Melissa Lovagilo performing with Zumbi Zumbi - "Clean Up Woman"