Geno Oceano

Location: Hollister, CA

Challenge: Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenital

Website: https://www.facebook.com/TRYMEtheband

Geno Oceano was born in South Philadelphia, PA, raised in Salinas, CA, and currently reside in Hollister, CA

Geno was born with an extremely rare birth defect called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenital. He adds "I have limited use of both arms and legs. I spent half of my childhood growing up in Shriners Hospital in San Francisco, CA. I was never supposed to walk, talk or think, let alone live past the day that I was born. By the grace of God, here I am today". To date Geno has endured 41 operations.

Music has always been Geno's first love from as far back as he can remember. It has also been the medicinal instrument which he uses to emotionally and in turn, physically, heal himself. He says "Better than any medicine prescribed by any doctor. Music has been my transport to take me on endless journeys, as far away from reality as possible, whenever needed".

Geno's musical instrument of choice has always been the drums. Even before developing any use of either hand, Geno would tap his right hand on either his casts or his leg braces in rhythm to every song he heard on the radio. He adds "When I finally developed enough strength to hold a pencil in my right hand, I used it as my drumstick".

As time went on, so did Geno's love for music. So much so that he taught himself how to use and play an actual drum set, using duct tape and or homemade velcro straps to secure the drumsticks in his hands. He says "Up until 15 years ago (due to personal and medical reasons) I played my drums nearly every day, for hours at a time. Now that my health is better than ever, I'm playing my drums again. My love for playing my drums has grown inexplicably! Soaring to immense heights"!

Geno's dear friend/brother and fellow musician Joey Meza has recently invented and manufactured "Stick Gloves" for Geno. He adds "These help me hold my drumsticks better than I have in my entire life! (No more duct tape, no more pain!)"

Geno performed with Can-Do Musos on the Arena Plaza stage at The NAMM Show 2019. He also plays with his band TRY ME.

In finishing, Geno says "I love music! I love playing my drums! This is my reality!"

Geno Oceano - Superstition (drum cover)