My Story

Aaron’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, Massachusetts, and she filled his early years with spirituality, music, and Jewish identity. As a teen he often accompanied his mother on drums and piano during services and visits to nursing homes and care facilities, helping to spread the joy and healing power of Jewish music and prayer.

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

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

In 2009, Aaron moved to Salem, Massachusetts and began working for the non-profit organization the Plummer Home for Boys (now Plummer Youth Promise). He created and ran the music program for residents for the next twelve years. Participants in the program performed for thousands of people at youth-at-risk conferences and events. They also produced and released seven albums of original music.

While living in Salem, Aaron met his wife, singer/songwriter Sarah Blacker. Performing, writing, and recording music is their shared passion. They formed a musical duo, and Aaron also became a key member of her larger band. Aaron devoted time to composing as well, and his original pieces were featured on various network and cable television channels, including CBS, NBC, the CW, TNT, MTV, and VH1.

In 2021, Sarah and Aaron brought their music to Aaron’s childhood summer camp, Camp Avoda, in Middleborough, Massachusetts. It proved to be a life-changing experience. Aaron felt a deep reconnection to his Jewish roots and community. After returning home to Judaism, he became the music director and cantorial soloist at Temple B'Nai Abraham in Beverly, as well as the songleader at Epstein Hillel School in Marblehead.

In 2024, Aaron was hired to be the cantorial soloist at Temple Emanu-El in Marblehead, and he remains in that position today. In addition to offering music for all occasions at the Temple, he continues to teach music and production to community members of all ages. He says, “I have never felt more alive than I do now, being immersed in the traditions I grew up with and sharing the wisdom I’ve acquired through my unique traveled path.”

Aaron currently lives with his wife, Sarah Blacker, who is a professional musician, music therapist, and psychotherapist. When they’re not working at their separate jobs, they can be found playing together in one of their professional bands, creating music in the recording studio, or walking their chocolate lab, Bruce, around the city of Salem.