John Basa Jr. passed peacefully from this life on March 25, 2026.   He was 73 years old – a talented musician, veteran, father, grandfather, teacher, hang glider, friend, mentor, and cancer survivor.

John was born March 23, 1953, to John and Evelyn Basa in Binghamton, NY.   The youngest of his siblings Bonnie, Karen, and Michael.

John’s life was forever changed on August 15, 1965, when his mother took him, Mike, and a friend to see (but not hear) The Beatles at Shea Stadium in New York City.  In 1966, John started drum lessons at The Tony Monforte Modern Drum School, where he found his lifelong passion for drumming.  He quickly became an accomplished performer and played his first gig later that year with The Livin’ End at the Junior High Graduation Dance.  In 1968, John joined The Castlemen Drum and Bugle Corps, traveling to many competitions and shows.  In 1970, his group Priapus won the Battle of the Bands in Binghamton, NY.

John graduated from Susquehanna Valley High School in 1971 where he played in the Junior and Senior High School marching band drum line.

In 1972, John enlisted in The United States Army.   He auditioned and was accepted into the Army Band program.   He attended the United States Element School of Music in Norfolk, VA.   He played in the marching and concert bands, as well as many small combos, where he received a vast wealth of experience.  He was honored to play for President Gerald Ford in Germany in 1975, and President Ronald Reagan in1983 in the DMZ in Korea.  John was also stationed in many places across the United States.

While stationed at Fort Story, Virginia, John discovered a love for flying.  He learned to fly hang gliders and ultralights.  A passion he transferred to the West coast to his last duty station at Fort Ord near Monterey, California.

Following his military service, John stayed in Monterey.  He played and sang in rock and country bands and played for Monterey Theater Group’s  Jesus Christ Superstar.  John then joined Mad Dash and eventually moved north with its members to Auburn, and then to Grass Valley in 1999.  John was a working musician, playing for Mad Dash, Cool Heat (the smooth jazz/soft rock side of Mad Dash), Spirit Rising, Inner Outlook, and Ocean’s 3.   But John wanted more, and he found another calling in teaching.  Starting in a local music store, then opening John’s Drum Studio in 2004 with a few students, he quickly increased to more than 30 students, ages 5-75.  John held an annual Drummers’ Showcase for his students, as his drum teacher had done.  This was often the first time his students had performed before an audience.  John shared his love of drumming, instilling confidence and the skills to succeed, as both a mentor and a friend.   John worked with the drum lines in Lyman Gilmore Middle School, Union Hill, and Nevada Union High School bands. He held workshops at several schools in Nevada City and volunteered as mentor for The 13, a group of middle school students. His passion for teaching produced mutual respect and admiration between John and his students.

In 2007, John was diagnosed with throat cancer.  His treatment was exceedingly difficult, including chemotherapy, radiation, and 3 surgeries.   John kept a positive attitude during his treatment; he had more to give to this community.   In 2008, he was pronounced cancer free, but the side effects from his cancer treatment lingered throughout his life.

John returned to drumming, of course.  He was teaching and performing with Cool Heat, the Jay Lacy Trio, and Dave and the Cool Beans.  He worked with LeGacy Productions on their annual Happy Birthday Janis Joplin tribute, Dave and the Cool Beans concerts, and musical theater including From the Cavern and On, Revolution, Fireballs, and I Can Hear Music.  He played percussion for the CATS production of The King and I, The Music Man for Sierra Stages, and 70 Girls 70 for Lake Wildwood Theater.    He also played percussion in the Nevada County Concert Band.   He received the Nevada County Grassie Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2008.  John attended local jam sessions and played many private parties with his fellow musicians.

John dearly loved his family.  Although they were spread across the country, he maintained contact with them often.  He was known for his positive outlook on life and making silly faces whenever there was a camera nearby.  John has beautiful twin daughters, Dawn and Danielle. John will be greatly missed by Donna, his partner of over 25 years, his brother, sisters, daughters, grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, students, fellow musicians, and an amazing number of friends across the nation.

Join us for a casual Celebration of Life on July 11,2026 at 1pm at the Nevada City Elks Lodge, located at 518 Highway 49, Nevada City, CA.   Plenty of parking is available. For catering purposes, please RSVP by July 1^st, call or text  530-913-6078.