Fred Bement

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Ok, here's my story:

In the 1970's, I was one of the top nightclub DJs in Boston. I was one of the guys who refined the concept of "blending". Most DJs were using more of a "quick cut" technique. As a result, I was the only straight DJ in the entire city to be asked to headline at a new gay club.

I spent time on the air at WBOS, was the music director for a couple of local TV shows, and did an apprenticeship at Downtown Studios. At the same time, all of us were slicing up the (then current) dance hits and were putting them down on acetate. It was about the only way to have a unique mix in hand.

All the time I was having this fun, I was putting myself through Northeastern University. Took me 6 years to get an Electrical Engineering degree, but when you're having that much fun, who cares?

Took a hiatus for about 20 years, as I worked in high technology, and helped bring computing & internet technologies to market.

About 15 years ago, I nearly lost my leg in an accident in Geneva, Switzerland. When that happened, I was laid up for nearly a year, and took up the harmonica (again). I messed around for a decade, and then decided to get serious.

I now play in 5 bands, have played the Viper Room in LA, the Bitter End in NYC, and have sat in with musicians in just about every major city in North America.

My son turned me on to Indaba, and the first time out, I was fortunate enough to place 3rd in the voting (not judges selection) in Derek Trucks' remix contest:

http://www.indabamusic.com/contests/show/dtb

I see Indaba as a tremendous opportunity to make some new, talented friends; a way to collaborate as I'd dreamed of in the 1990s when the Internet browser was first introduced (I worked at Netscape); as a way to hone my skills; and as a path back home.

My avatar is a picture of my grandfather (Leroy Johnston) and Louis Armstrong. My grandfather was a professional trumpet player from 1920 to the 1950s. My playing is a tribute to him.

I hope you enjoy.