Meet the Musos

Wesley Rast originates from Durham, NC.  He studied orchestral percussion throughout high school and college at The University of North Carolina School of the Performing Arts.  Upon completing his training, he began working as a musician for dance at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Wake Forest University and The University of North Carolina School of the Performing Arts.  

 

Along with being a teaching artist for The Philadelphia Orchestra, Wesley is currently an artist in residence at The University of the Arts, Temple University, Swarthmore College, Drexel University, West Chester University, and Princeton University as a teaching artist and as an accompanist of Modern Dance and African Dance.  

 

Wesley resides in the Philadelphia area, where he enjoys performing contemporary folkloric music with Jeannine Osayande and Dunya Performing Arts Company, as well as Shawn Hennessey and Leana Song.  Wesley is also a performer and a teacher of the classical music of the Anlo-Ewe speaking people (Southern Ghana, Togo, Benin) at Swarthmore College.  

 

Wesley has collaborated with and performed alongside notable artists such as Bashiri Johnson (Michael Jackson, Madonna, Mission Impossible), Junior Marvin (Bob Marley and the Wailers), Francis Mbappe (Manu Dibango), Ron Butler (Israel Vibration, Slightly Stoopid), and HR (Bad Brains, Human Rights).  Some of his other performance projects include Olivier Tarpaga (Princeton University African Music Ensembles), Kariamu & Company: Traditions, The Madison Rast Quartet, Aaron Parnell Brown, Hennessey Bonfire, Deb Callahan Blues Band, The Rit Mo Collective, and Trombo.  In addition to his work with Trinidad North Steel Drum Band, 

 

Wesley can currently be found performing with Jah People, Reggae Thunder, Ear Me Now, Island Vibes, as well as San Noche, the roots reggae ensemble Wesley founded in 2017, who performs regularly in Philadelphia, New Jersey and throughout the Northeast.  

 

In addition to performing, Wesley is co-founder and co-owner of Fireside Studios in Media, PA where he works as a producer and a recording engineer.

Beejay Morgan grew up in Oklahoma, where he developed a passion for music at a young age. Around the age of 11, Beejay began his musical journey as a classically trained percussionist. In high school, he transitioned to playing drum set and shortly after picked up the guitar.

 

Throughout his college years, Beejay regularly played in the Christian music scene, and performed with various bands as a drummer, guitarist, or bassist, in genres ranging from country to metal, jazz to worship music.

 

Beejay's love for music extends beyond just playing instruments. He has a keen interest in music production and enjoys learning about the technology used to record and mix music. He can talk endlessly about microphones, preamps, compressors, and all other types of recording equipment. He loves learning and experimenting with various recording techniques, constantly striving to improve his skills and knowledge.

 

After years of playing and recording music, Beejay is excited to finally realize the dream of opening a recording studio, where he can help other musicians achieve their creative visions and produce high-quality recordings. Despite his passion for music, Beejay pursued a career in the tech industry and currently works as a Software Engineering Manager. When he's not working, Beejay spends his free time with his wife and two sons, and of course, playing and recording music.

 

Beejay's dedication to music and his versatility as a musician have earned him a reputation as a talented and creative contributor. His love for music production has also led him to explore new ways to create and share music. Beejay's passion for music and technology continues to inspire those around him.