Keith Brooks II
Keith Brooks II is a Chicago based drummer, keyboardist, and organist who strives to push music into new territory. As a performer and educator, he is dedicated to spreading his passion and love for music through all genres of music.
Born into a musical family, he gained an interest in drums and music at the age of two. Keith formally began taking drums lessons at the age of 5 and began playing gospel music at his church led by his grandfather the late Pastor Earnest Powell Sr.
While increasing his knowledge in music, he began to study other styles of music which includes Jazz and Latin Music. Through guidance he received from his teachers in elementary, junior high, and high school, he ended up with a Bachelor’s of Music in Music Business from Elmhurst University (’10) and a Master’s Degree in Jazz Performance from DePaul University (’12). This has made him one of the most sought out musician and educator in Chicago.
Keith has done clinics throughout Illinois and performed in Czech Republic (’08,’10) and Canada (’09) as a member of the Elmhurst University Jazz Ensemble. Keith has worked and shared the stage with a number of great musicians and composers such as Phil Woods, Benny Goldson, Steve Weist, Bill Holman, Doug Lawrence, Gary Smulyan, Jeff Hamilton, Mark Colby, Travis Douglas and Determined and Zeshan B.
He is also currently a Minister and organist/worship leader at his family church Chicago Salem M.B.H. Church in Chicago and organist at St. Joseph M.B.Church.Keith is the adjunct Jazz Drum Instructor at Elmhurst University and also teach combo, he is also the Assistant Music Director at the Chicago Jesuit Academy instructing Percussion Ensemble, Music Technology, Choir. Also serving as a mentor and advisor to some students as well.
He performs regularly with the Chicago Soul Jazz Collective as the drummer and NastySnacks which is a funk/soul band as the keyboardist and organist. As well as numerous wedding entertainment companies here in Chicago.