Bio
​A respected drummer, percussionist, journalist, and photographer, C. Andrew Hovan has been a vital presence in the Northeast Ohio music scene for over 25 years. His musical journey began at age five with piano, later expanding to clarinet before ultimately focusing on drums and percussion during high school. He continued his formal training at the Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory of Music, studying classical percussion with George Kiteley, while simultaneously developing a deep interest in Latin and Brazilian rhythms. Hovan furthered his studies at Berklee College of Music, where he studied drum set with Skip Hadden, John Ramsay, and Tommy Campbell, and later refined his big band and reading skills under the guidance of Cleveland legend Harry Damas.

A versatile and in-demand performer, Hovan has appeared at venues throughout the region alongside many of Cleveland’s top musicians, including Moises Borges, Rich Holsworth, Josh Smith, François Roland, Larry Ross, Jackie Warren, Jeremy Poparad, Bobby Selvaggio, and Mark Russo, as well as ensembles such as the DanJo Big Band and Just Jazz. He has also shared the stage with nationally and internationally recognized artists, including Arturo O’Farrill, Brian Lynch, Alex Harding, James Carter, Brian Charrette, and organ trio mainstays Organissimo. In addition to his work in jazz, Hovan performs as a percussionist with Cleveland’s premier Doobie Brothers tribute band, China Grove.

As a bandleader, Hovan leads several distinctive projects that highlight both his versatility and deep roots in the jazz tradition. His Organic Trio, featuring a rotating cast of top-tier organists and guitarists, has appeared at notable venues including The Treelawn, Cliff Bell’s, The Bop Stop, BLU Jazz, and Con Alma. His Generations Quartet brings together standout regional voices in a multigenerational ensemble, while Double Take revisits the electrifying mid-1980s collaborations of Freddie Hubbard and Woody Shaw. His latest project, The Unity Project, explores the forward-thinking music of Larry Young and debuted to a strong reception at The Bop Stop, with additional performances scheduled throughout 2026.

Contact:
[email protected]
cahovan.com
216-543-3027

Press
Hovan's groups spotlighted at the Blog Let's Call This 
and Hovan profiled by Chagrin Valley Music

Photos

Videos