MEET THE ARTIST

Tom Dante

Tom Dante is a Southern California drummer, bandleader and educator whose musical work spans jazz ensembles, big bands, gospel, singer-led shows, studio sessions and original rock. He leads the Tom Dante Quartet, Tom Dante Trio and fusion-focused Dante Set while also anchoring groups led by Matt Mauser and other regional artists. On October 15, 2026, he joins guitarist Dave Murdy and bassist Baba Elefante for an intimate JAX Hideaway trio set at Campus JAX.

A drummer can make an ensemble sound larger, but the strongest players also know when to leave space. Tom Dante's work covers rhythm-driven dance music and subtle jazz conversation; both ask him to understand what the band needs before deciding what to play. In the Dave Murdy Trio, his role is an equal part of a three-way exchange: pacing the music, answering the guitar and bass and making room for the next idea.

Official artist site →

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Tom Dante · live at JAX

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WHY YOU SHOULD KNOW THEM

Five sides of Tom Dante.

01 · ORIGINS

From the piano bench to the drum kit

Tom began piano at six, switched his focus to drums in junior high and played a first paid gig at sixteen.

02 · LEADERSHIP

The Quartet, Trio and Dante Set

His own groups span traditional jazz, open sit-in opportunities and fusion.

03 · THE BIG BAND

Musical partner to Matt Mauser

Tom performs in Mauser's large and small-band projects and other working ensembles.

04 · TEACHING

The skills behind the sound

His educational background includes Dick Grove drumset studies and four years teaching at Orange County School of the Arts.

05 · THE BANDSTAND

Dave Murdy Trio · October 15

The JAX Hideaway trio pairs Tom's drums with Baba Elefante's bass and Dave Murdy's guitar and vocals.

THE STORY

A musical life with the rhythm at its center.

Tom Dante's music started at the piano when he was six. He moved his focus to drums during junior high and took his first paid gig at sixteen, performing the drum solo from “Sing, Sing, Sing” for a locally produced television commercial. He later studied drumset at the Dick Grove School of Music and participated in music programs at Fullerton College and Cal State Fullerton. Since then, his professional life has never fit neatly into one genre. He has led jazz and fusion ensembles, played in Matt Mauser's Big and Small Bands, recorded with original rock/punk band Human Haggis, and worked with collaborators including Pete Jacobs, Tony Guerrero and David Pack. He has also taught music, including four years in the Orange County School of the Arts Popular Music Conservatory. At Campus JAX the many chapters meet in a small setting. A trio with Dave Murdy and Baba Elefante is as much about reaction and touch as power, placing the drummer's musical choices close enough for everyone to hear.

CAREER & COLLABORATIONS

Many rooms. One musical center.

Tom's career reflects the kind of musician who can create his own bandstand and make somebody else's work better. His leadership projects, pop and big-band credits and original recordings all inform the same musical sensitivity heard in a small jazz trio.

BANDLEADER

Tom Dante Quartet · Trio · Dante Set

His own jazz and fusion projects, including a recurring sit-in night and featured-artist performances.

VOCAL & BIG-BAND STAGES

Matt Mauser · Pete Jacobs

Longstanding ensemble work in large and small-band formats.

JAZZ & STUDIO

Tony Guerrero · David Pack

Selected collaborations documented on Tom's official biography.

ORIGINAL ROCK

Human Haggis

His original rock/punk recording band.

RECORDINGS & MEDIA

The rhythm lives in the performance.

Tom's own jazz ensembles and recordings offer many ways to hear him, but tonight's JAX Hideaway trio is the clearest snapshot of what happens when musicians can respond to one another in real time. Dave Murdy provides guitar and vocals; Baba Elefante anchors the bass; Tom Dante brings the drums. JAXblast preserves that performance for the room and the community beyond it.

LIVE AT CAMPUS JAX · OCTOBER 15, 2026

Dave Murdy Trio with Baba Elefante and Tom Dante

Watch live or on replay: https://youtube.com/live/7X1Txna4gHw

THE COLLECTOR EXPERIENCE

JAX Momento No. 008-A — Dave Murdy

A free archival collectible featuring Dave's June 25, 2026 performance. Qualifying claims during tonight's window establish eligibility for the separate 008-B companion. https://www.jaxblast.com/momentos/dave-murdy-008-a

LIVE AT JAX

The Room Comes Alive.

START HERE · LIVE PERFORMANCE · CAMPUS JAX APPEARANCE · Oct 15, 2026

Dave Murdy Trio — Live from Campus JAX

JAX HISTORY

Tom Dante at Campus JAX

A selective history of live performances and appearances, preserved across visits to the room.

FROM THE ARCHIVE

Previous JAX moments

REPLAY · Oct 15, 6:30 PM

Dave Murdy Trio

Jazz Guitar, Bass & Drums · JAX Hideaway

REPLAY · Sep 12, 8:00 PM

Tijuana Dogs

Resident artists since 2019 · Newport Beach’s monthly ultimate dance party.