Nick Jenkins: drummer, artist, Renaissance man

Nick Jenkins is arguably the most sought after drummer in town. He plays with experimental rock organ trio Morimoto, alternative country quintet Lindsay Holler's Western Polaroids, indie rock trio Run Dan Run, jazz and Brazilian folk singer Leah Suarez, a trip-hop duo and recently began playing with Asphalt Orchestra, a New York-based twelve-piece marching band.

Jenkins has been a staple in the local music scene since 2001, when he moved to the Lowcountry to study jazz performance and drum kit at the College of Charleston. In addition to his multiple musical pursuits, Jenkins somehow finds time to also pursue his passion for art. He designs calendars and posters, and even created the latest tour poster for New York electroacoustic band Ensemble Pamplemousse.

Preview caught up with Jenkins over coffee and danishes at Kudu, and asked a few questions.

Q: What's going on with Asphalt Orchestra?

A: We're playing at the Lincoln Center next month. There is an outdoor festival happening for two weeks called Out of Doors Festival. I've been going up to New York every other month or so, rehearsing with that group. Our music is all over the place. There are different composers who have been commissioned to write for us. There's a Balkan wedding music composer named Goran Bregovic whose music sounds a lot like polka, but we also do some rock, punk, Bjork ...

Q: How did you get your start in music and art?

A: I started drawing in class in third grade, and I was always tapping on desks simultaneously. Nowadays teachers and parents would probably classify that as ADHD, but I think I was just creative. College was actually the first time I sat down and decided that I really wanted to focus on music as a career, not just a hobby.

Q: What record are you listening to now?

A: I'm listening to the new Dirty Projectors album, "Bitte Orca." I also have been listening to "The Legendary Marvin Pontiac," which is an album that the saxophone player John Lurie put out a few years ago.

Q: Say you're on "American Gladiators" and all your bands are the contestants. Which band would win?

A: I think Morimoto would come out on top because we've got Gerald Gregory, who is sort of a wild card. He also has a background in backyard wrestling. Back when the WWE was at its peak in the early '90s, a lot of kids would construct rings in their backyard and put on all out wrestling shows. Gerald used to do that. Here's a question, though: would I be fighting with all these bands?"

Q: No, you would be the television announcer.

A: Okay, well, Run Dan Run is currently made up of myself, Dan McCurry and Ash Hopkins. Ash is pretty tall and Dan is very clever, but I don't know if they could win in a fight against Gerald.