Born January 30, 1976, in San Antonio, Texas, I was very fortunate to grow up in a musical family. My dad and uncle toured the U.S. and Europe back in the late 60’s and early 70’s with country music’s biggest stars. I was lucky to grow up in the dancehalls during a prosperous time of country music.
In junior and senior high school, I was section leader of the jazz band, concert band, and marching band. I competed in several UIL solo and ensemble contests and brought home many awards in the local, regional, and state levels. I started playing music full time in 1988. Playing in honky tonks and dancehalls at age eleven was a blessing in disguise. Since then I’ve been playing constantly while continuing to educate myself both musically and professionally. I also had the privilege of taking private instruction from some of Texas’ finest percussionists. For a couple of years (’96-’98), I was able to pass on some of that knowledge by teaching a handful of students from the local high school.
Living in La Vernia, Texas, where I graduated from La Vernia High in 1994, I played locally around San Antonio until 1999. I then joined Shawn Allen & the ‘Bout Time Band and began to tour regionally. We recorded two albums, one in ’01 & the other in ’03. In 2001 I started to look for places to “hang” and check out more of the scene. After attending a jam session in San Marcos with members of the 9-time Grammy winning band, Asleep at the Wheel, I was offered the position of being their host drummer. For 1 ½ years I was fortunate to play with some of the greatest musicians in the country.
In early 2004 I got a call from good friend John Michael Whitby to record an album with Ricky Calmbach. After the session I was asked to go on the road with Ricky in support of the new album “A Step in the Right Direction.” The album yielded two singles that did very well for him. At the end of the summer of ’05 I was offered the position for Jason Allen’s new road band. In late October I agreed to take the gig and am having a blast traveling and playing with Jason and his great band. To learn more about Jason be sure to check his site out. Jason has had great chart success landing him two #1 singles and several other “chart toppers.” The band’s stellar line-up includes Jason on vocals and lead/rhythm guitar, Alex Adinolfi (from Rome, Italy) on lead/rhythm guitar, Al Quaid on bass & vocals, and myself on drums. Hope to see you soon down the road!!
Caleb
What people are saying about Caleb.....
“He’s tastier than Mama’s home cookin’!”—David Sanger, 6-time Grammy winning drummer with Asleep at the Wheel
“In the studio or on the stage, Caleb is an excellent drummer with an excellent attitude.”— John Michael Whitby, 2-time Grammy nominee piano player with Asleep at the Wheel, Producer, also member of the Ace in the Hole Band
“Caleb is a groove machine! His professional attitude and genuine desire to give a flawless performance makes him my first choice for live shows and all sessions I produce.”— Haydn Vitera, Artist, Producer, Fiddle player from Asleep at the Wheel
“Caleb is a pleasure to work with. He is always prepared and knows his stuff. He is as solid as they come.”— Rondal Huckaby, Piano player with the Ace in the Hole Band
“As far as I’m concerned, Caleb Bierstedt is the best drummer in our generation of country music bar none. Not only is his time solid as a rock, but also his taste, diversity, and professionalism are second to none. On the road; in the studio; he can’t be touched! I am very lucky that he was a part of our organization.”— Ricky Calmbach, Artist, Singer/Songwriter
“My good friend Caleb has been drumming up a name for himself in the San Antonio/Austin area.”— Bobby Jarzombek, World renown drummer with Iced Earth, Rob Halford, Sebastian Bach, Riot, Painmuseum, Spastic Ink, also Clinician, Artist, & Author