Biography

Born in 1985, in Southern France, Stéphane Avellaneda started drumming at the age of 5 in a music school and then went on to study classical percussion at a classical conservatory specializing in keyboard percussion,(vibraphone, xylophone) classical snares and timpani. He has also studied independently with several European teachers in various styles such as blues, rock and jazz. During his studies he was afforded many opportunities to perform with various rock, blues and classical groups.

    At 18, Stéphane started his professional career with a French band called MERCY; they toured for three years in France at many blues festivals, opening for the Imperial Crowns, Jimmy Cliff, Arthur Neilson, and many others.

Stéphane Avellaneda has been the official drummer for the Ana Popovic band since 2009.

Stéphane joined the band for the European tour and became the band’s official drummer at the end of the year. The band plays 100 shows every year all around the world and shares the stage with music greats like B.B. KING, Buddy GUY, TEDESCHI TRUCKS band, Robert RANDOLPH, Sonny LANDRETH, Jonny LANG, Joe BONAMASSA and many more.



For the last five years Stéphane has been recording albums, with several artists, giving drum clinics and touring with the ANA POPOVIC band all around the globe.