Channing Cook Holmes
An Inglewood, California native, has been blessed with colorful drumming abilities,
a syncopated rhythmic tap dance style, smooth vocals,
and natural audience appeal which have taken him around the world.
A product of a talented family and grounded in gospel roots,
his interest in the arts was initiated at the age of 5; playing drums at California Harvest Worship Center where his Uncle is presiding pastor. Channing's gregarious nature landed him his first gigs; television commercials for the
Ford '83 Mustang, Little Debbie Snack Cakes (1983), McDonalds (1984) Summer Olympics spot
and a Disney Apparel print ad.
He began his formal tap dance training with mentor and inventor of "Zapped Taps" technology featured in the movie Tap, Alfred Desio at the Colburn School of Performing Arts. In addition to his technical trainning, he was blessed with life lessons from Fayard Nicholas of the famed Nicholas Brothers, Max Roach and several shared moments with the great Gregory Hines. Channing worked with Mr. Hines on his television show The Gregory Hines Show, live performances and many other big screen opportunities; such as A Showtime Original: Bojangles and a even a personal call to bypass casting into a role for Martin Scorsesse’s Gangs of New York.
Professionally, Channing has also been featured in Office Beat, Imagine Tap, Jazz Tap Ensemble, Riverdance (international, domestic and broadway casts), India Jazz Suite staring Pandit Chitresh Das and Jason Samuels Smith and the Duke Ellington Sacred Suite of David Danced Before the Lord with the Luckman Orchestra at the Disney Concert Hall. Likewise, he has been the music director and feature performer for the Los Angeles, Bay Area and Santa Fe Springs, New Mexico tap festivals for the past 7 years.
Respectively, Channing has added directing and producing to his repertoire with the production of his children’s show Got Rhythm!: A Walk Through Tap History (deemed highest booked show by the Los Angeles Music Center and the Orange County Performing Arts Center). This interactive production features an intimate cast of talented musicians and dancers engaging young audiences in rhythm making, music, history, new inventions and impressions;
all rooted in the American art form of tap dancing, with an full evening version on the way.
Curently, Channing has been featured in Modern Drummer magizine July issue gearing up article for his work with Grammy nominated and VMA award winning music group, Capital Cities. Coming off the heels of the Bright Futures Tour co-headlining with Fitz and the Tantrums and the Campus Conscieness Tour was just the begining leading to Capital Cities 2014 summer takeover. Openning for Katy Perry on the PRIZMATIC TOUR and Fall headline tour
SKY IS FALLING DOWN tour, brought down clubs and arenas world wide.
On an individual note, Channing is reinventing his sound and develop new drum products sonically and artistically with company endorsers Masters of Maple(custom drum company) and Paiste Cymbals in collaboration with his own brand C. Holmes Collection.
As a performer, Channing Cook Holmes brings the versatility of Sammy Davis Jr., a remenisent classic style of the 50's, along with a contemporary mix of Sean “Diddy” Combs and Michael Buble. With a solo vocal album in the works, tap instructional DVD available, concert performance/interview series from his production company and debut trio record all scheduled to launch and release soon, Mr. Holmes plans to showcase the full spectrum of talents and prove that he is a true 21st century renaissance entertainer.