7/31 Drummer Ryan Sands 7pm (Mad Monkfish Concert Series)

The Mad Monkfish is happy to now offer live jazz concerts on select dates! For those who can't make it to the Jazz Baroness Room, Monkfish now streams live all of its performances on their Facebook page.

Drummer Ryan Sands

Mad Monkfish Concert Series

July 31, 2025

7pm

Drummer Ryan Sands brings explosive energy and global chops to the stage—don’t miss this rising star of the modern jazz scene! 

Personnel: 

Ryan Sands, drums

TBA, piano

TBA, acoustic bass

From Shanghai to New York, powerhouse drummer Ryan Sands has brought fire to stages around the world. A graduate of both NEC and Manhattan School of Music, Ryan is known for his explosive energy, rhythmic brilliance, and dynamic collaborations—including 8 years with the Christian Sands Trio. Now back in the U.S. and fresh off his debut album Standing On The Edge of Tomorrow, Ryan brings his global experience and undeniable groove to every performance. Don’t miss this electrifying artist on the rise!

NOTE:

Immerse yourself in the cozy atmosphere of the Jazz Baroness Room at The Mad Monkfish, where you can sip your favorite drink, savor sushi or Thai cuisine, and enjoy the mesmerizing sounds of a remarkable jazz ensemble. Whether you're a seasoned jazz aficionado or simply seeking a delightful night out, this event promises to be a treat for your senses. To keep this vibrant jazz scene alive, we require a minimum spend of $20 per person, since all ticket proceeds go directly to the musicians. If a guest spends less than $20, the difference will be added to the check—this small gesture helps us keep the restaurant running and the music flowing. We’re grateful for your support—it’s what keeps the spirit of live jazz alive here at The Mad Monkfish.

Our full bar and food menus are available to complement the musical experience, so indulge in our renowned cuisine while supporting live jazz at The Mad Monkfish. Together, we can keep the music playing!

BIO:

Hailing from Orange, CT, Ryan Sands is a passionate, energetic drummer on the rise. Ryan’s musical journey started at the age of 4 with Jesse Hameen II at Neighborhood Music School. Through Hameen’s 14 years of mentorship Ryan managed to go All State, summer Jazz intensives in Amherst, Massachusetts and attend both Educational Center of The Arts during the 2009-2010 school year and Manhattan School of Music Pre-College Division from 2010-2012. Ryan attended New England Conservatory and graduated with BA in Jazz Performance. For graduate school Ryan attended Manhattan School of Music and graduated with a Master’s in Jazz Arts and academic honors.

As a performer Ryan has performed domestically and internationally in Boston, New Haven, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Prague, London, Shanghai, and Italy to name a few. He’s had the pleasure of sharing the stage with the likes of Wayne Escoffrey, Jimmy Bruno, and Phil Markowitz. Ryan serves as a rotating member of the critically acclaimed Christian Sands Trio for the past 8 years. He’s also a part of the New York based music collective, Altus, where he serves as the primary drummer and composer.

As an educator, Ryan has worked as a private drum instructor for Neighborhood Music School and served as an Assistant Teacher, clinician and combo coach for Neighborhood Music School’s Summer Jazz Camp since 2011. Ryan worked as an Assistant Teacher at New England Conservatory’s Jazz Lab. Recently Ryan taught at a local music school in Shanghai at iSchool of Music and Art. Ryan currently is on the faculty of Southern Connecticut State University.

Currently, Ryan moved back to the US and is now working on his debut album, Standing On The Edge of Tomorrow, which was released on April 8, 2022.

He’s a proud endorser of Canopus Drums and Paiste Cymbals.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/drummer-ryan-sands-at-the-mad-monkfish-tickets-1417804534529