Bio Intro
Bio Full
Credentials
Performances
Compositions
Experiments
Conducting
Awards

McDowell, like all musically gifted teenagers in the 1970's formed many bands.

After receiving a B.A. in music from DePaul University in Chicago, and an M.A. in composition from Northwestern University, he lived in Europe and Africa, ever extending his aural and harmonic sensibilities. Just as a tree's roots beneath the ground mirror the branch structure above reaching for the light, so McDowell's early musical career continues to shape his efforts.

His recent collaboration with the Eurthymy-trained dancer Alexandra echoes back to his 5 years in the Netherlands where he composed music for Dutch dance companies and his current role as percussionist for the re-formed Rusted Root conjures up the teenage enthusiasm of McDowell's first bands in Illinois.

Like all curious musicians, he continues to explore unknown and experimental terrains, performing regularly with groups as diverse as 127.0.0.1 and Krishna Das.

His commitment to teaching and community outreach, forged in the fires of 1970's social activism, shines forth in a wide array of efforts including his Diversity and Tolerance Drumming Workshops, his Inner Body Rhythm Workshops, and performance work promoting yoga, self-actualization and human rights.