Member Profile

Kyra Curenton—Drummer

Nashville-based drummer Kyra Curenton brings a blend of energy, technique and

positivity to her playing that’s rapidly making her one of Music City’s busiest and sought-

after players. Her unique language on the kit compliments all the styles of music she’s

been called upon to play since relocating to Nashville from Columbus, Ohio, just a few

years ago—whether it’s country sessions, driving rock ‘n’ roll, soul, blues, gospel, funk,

folk, psychedelia or jazz.

Upon emerging in the Columbus music scene, she quickly became an established

drummer in the jazz, blues, gospel and soul/R&B community there. Today she can be

found on major-label country tours, cruise ships, festival stages, studios from Nashville

to Muscle Shoals, and her current hometown’s world-famous Lower Broadway

entertainment district.

Kyra has been described as a younger version of her musical heroes: Dennis

Chambers and Sheila E. Like them, her playing is always deep in the pocket and she

has a profound understanding and belief in the power of the groove. That was apparent

from when she starting performing as a child with her musical family and in church as a

keyboardist, bassist, vocalist, and even playing the harmonica. But drums quickly

became her first love. Before leaving Columbus, she performed in gospel stage plays

and concerts with Tony Cobbs and served as the touring drummer for C.A.P.A

(Columbus Association for the Performing Arts). Kyra also believes in giving the gift of

music to newcomers, and taught drums at the Overcomers Institution in Columbus,

Ohio.

Kyra has played with numerous musical giants. These include jazz greats Bobby Floyd,

Gene Walker, Christian Howe, and Pamela Williams; gospel musicians Tonex,

Jonathon Alvarado; and soul and R&B artists Jimmy McGee, Shaun Booker, Danyel

Morgan (of Robert Randolph and the Family Band), MoJoFlo and Soul Derivative.

Currently she plays with a wide variety of Nashville-based artists, including the

psychedelic roots band Coyote Motel and jazz-rock guitar virtuoso Stan Lassiter.