During the month of June, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tampa hosted the second annual TBJAMS (Tampa Bay June Acoustic Music Showcase), where local artists had the opportunity to rock out on the Hard Rock Cafe Tampa stage. Five talented performers were chosen as Hard Rock Cafe ambassadors and we sat down to chat with Natalie DePergola, one of the acclaimed ambassadors.

Natalie is no rookie when it comes to rocking the drums, as she began playing at the age of 6. A drummer, guitarist and bassist, this 17 year old is a member of several local bands that play funk, jazz and alternative-indie style music. Inspired by eclectic music genres, Natalie’s favorite bands include Paramore, Hiatus Kaiyote and Frank Ocean.

Natalie began taking drumming lessons from a young age and for the past three years has been mentored by John Blackwell, who was Prince’s drummer for thirteen years. Her hard work and training has been well-rewarded, as Natalie performed in New York’s oldest Rock and Roll club, The Bitter End, where renown artists such as Stevie Wonder, Lady Gaga, Norah Jones and thousands of others have performed.

More recently, Natalie had the opportunity to open for rock band Young the Giant at the 97X BBQ alternative-rock music festival in the Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg, where artists such as Never Shout Never, The Strumbellas and The Wombats performed.

Natalie is also an experienced performer at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa, where she performs weekly as a guitarist in Council Oak Lounge. Sponsored by Zildjian, a cymbal manufacturer and ddrum, Natalie is a dedicated and passionate instrumentalist with a bright music career.

Seminole Hard Rock Tampa is thrilled to have her on board as a Hard Rock café ambassador! Be sure to check-out Natalie this Friday in the Hard Rock Cafe Tampa as she takes the stage for the Go Gold Benefit Concert.