Gil De Los Santos - Drums/Vocals

Gilbert De Los Santos, born in Victoria, Texas, sets the beat for BootStrap, using an array of drums, chimes, and other paraphernalia.  One of the most dynamic drummers in the Austin area, Gilbert started his professional career at the age of 13 performing the Holiday Inn Circuit with Dale McBride. 

After graduating from high school, he attended college in Victoria, and began playing with several bands in central and south Texas, including WheatStraw and SouthernWind.  These bands performed at various well-known venues including:  The Golden Stallion, Randy’s Rodeo, and The Farmer’s Daughter in the San Antonio Area, and the Chisolm Pub in San Marcos, having the opportunity to meet and play with many legendary musicians.

After 30 years in the music business, Gilbert has backed up many legendary talents including:  Janie Fricke, Eddy Raven, Reba McKentyre, Dolly Parton.  He came to play in the Austin scene in the 1970s playing with local talents:  Rotel and The Hot Tomatoes, Steve Douglas, Willie Nelson, AC Gonzales, Texas Fever, Bert Rivera, Jimmy Day and Don Walser and the Pure Texas Band.  He has had the privilege to play at WolfTrap, Summer Fest in Milwaukee, Taste of Chicago, and traveled on tour in Switzerland.

Despite his many travels, or maybe because of them, Gilbert is proud to call Austin his home.  He has a unique style of playing the drums and is more of a percussionist.  His dynamics and accents enhance the music creating a full sound making you want to groove to the music.