Joe Lizama was the principal percussionist with the Symphony Orchestra of Brazil in Rio de Janeiro from 1976 – 1978, toured with a Las Vegas show band from 1979 – 1981, was the drummer for singer, Johnny Mathis, from 1981 – 2025 and taught percussion at Fresno City College from 2006 – 2024. He continues to work as a performing professional musician.
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