My Story

Aaron Zev Katz's life in music began at the age of three when his father, a professional drummer, gave him his first drum set. Aaron's mother was the cantor at Temple Sinai in Worcester, MA and filled Aaron's early life with spirituality, music and Jewish identity. Aaron would accompany his mother at services and at nursing homes and care facilities on drums and piano, spreading the joy and healing powers of Jewish music and prayer.

While attending Worcester Academy prep school, Aaron was recruited to play drums for Worcester Polytechnic Institute's big band and small ensembles. After his graduation, Aaron entered The University of New Hampshire on a music scholarship. He quickly earned the position of first seat drummer in the Jazz Department Big Band, a feat rarely attained by an incoming freshman. In Aaron's sophomore year, he founded the funk ensemble, Vitamin C. The band would go on to become the one of the most popular attractions on campus as well as in local clubs and theaters.

While at UNH, Aaron became the singer/songwriter and drummer for the nationally touring band, Percy Hill, and also began working as a producer. For the next decade, Aaron toured the country with Percy Hill and his original band, The Aaron Katz Band. In 2001, Percy Hill won album of the year for their album, Color In Bloom, at the Jammy Awards held at Irving Plaza in New York City.

In 2009, Aaron moved to Salem, MA and began working for the non-profit organization, The Plummer Home For Boys (now Plummer Youth Promise) offering music for the at-risk youth living in the group home. Aaron went on to create and run the music program at Plummer for the next 12 years. While at Plummer, the music program performed for thousands of people at youth-at-risk conferences and events. The program also released seven albums of music, all created and produced by participants of the program.

While living in Salem, Aaron met his wife, singer/songwriter, Sarah Blacker. He became a key member in her band and the duo they would form together. Performing, writing and recording is their shared passion.

In 2021, Aaron and Sarah brought their music to Aaron's childhood summer camp, Camp Avoda, and it proved to be a life-changing experience. Aaron deeply felt a re-connection to his Jewish roots and community. After returning home to Judaism, Aaron became the Music Director and Cantorial Soloist at Temple B'Nai Abraham, in Beverly, MA as well as the songleader at Epstein Hillel School in Marblehead, MA.

In 2024, Aaron was hired as Cantorial Soloist at Temple Emanu-El in Marblehead, MA and remains in that position today. In addition to offering music for all occasions at the temple, he continues to teach music and production to aspiring community members of all ages. Aaron has never felt more alive as he does now, being immersed in the traditions he grew up with, and sharing the wisdom he has acquired through his uniquely travelled path.

He lives with his wife, Sarah Blacker, a professional musician, music therapist and psychotherapist, and their chocolate lab, Bruce, in Salem. You can often find them playing together in one of their professional bands, in the recording studio or walking Bruce around their city.

Aaron has had original compositions placed with various television and film networks including CBS, NBC, The CW Network, TNT, MTV and VH1.