Moe Staiano is an experimental composer, drummer, percussionist, songwriter and multi-instrumental performance artist who has been at the forefront of the Bay Area improvisation scene for over a decade. He plays on (or smash into pieces) just about anything he can get his hands on, and somehow make a compelling musical statement out of it.

Moe is conductor and composer for Moe!kestra! (now as Moe Staiano Ensemble, or under his name, Moe Staiano), a large-ensemble avant garde orchestra, which can feature over 30 musicians playing everything from violins, clarinets and cellos to drum kits, oscillators and electric guitars. Moe!kestra! performances are high-energy, electrifying experiences that create unique and memorable soundscapes that intrigue and beguile.

Moe’s innovative solo percussion shows feature prepared drum kit, found objects, audio looping and the inventive use of a percussion guitar woven in with performance art, which always gets the audience involved and eagerly expectant of what might happen next. He was a former member of Sleepytime Gorilla Museum and Mute Socialite, and currently fronts his latest project, Surplus 1980. Since 2018, he has dropped the “!” from his performance name and goes solely just as Moe Staiano.