Newport’s Mike Coffey is one of Southern New England’s premier veteran drummers. He was born in New London, Connecticut, and grew up in nearby Niantic, Connecticut. His father, Louis Coffey, was a noted percussion teacher and Mike became one of his students.
For 22 years, Mike played in the US Navy Performing Band. After ending his military career and returning to Newport, he became a substitute school teacher in the Middletown school system. He continues teaching today, and teaches students private drum lessons to complement his professional gigs.
Mike has completed his 48th year as a performing drummer, having played with hundreds of different groups in his long career. Among his highlights are his 15-year stints with the late, popular pianist Mac Chrupcala and veteran bassist Al Bernstein. He is quick to include special work with the great international acclaimed pianist, Mike Renzi.
You can catch Mike Coffey at the drums every Sunday afternoon at the Atlantic Resort in Middletown from 4 – 7pm (reservations are recommended).
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