Possessing an incredible command of his instrument, Alan Hertz has an open-ended creativity and propensity for musical exploration that has made him one of the most sought-after dummers in the Bay Area music scene.

Born in 1974, Alan began to experience music at the remarkably early age of two. With influence from his father, also a musician, Alan began to play the snare drum. He demonstrated such natural musical aptitude that his father soon purchased a drum kit for him. As evidenced by his early musical development, a fundamental understanding of music has been ever-present in Alan's life. It is through this very basic connection that he created his unique musical approach to drumming.

In 1998, Alan became involved in a group that became known as KVHW. With its blend of rock energy and a fiercely spirited, uplifting approach to group improvisation combined with jazz, world, and rhythm and blues, the two longtime collaborators, Steve Kimock (Zero, The Other Ones, Phil & Friends) and Bobby Vega (Zero, Jefferson Starship, Quicksilver), put together a jam for a benefit show, recruiting Frank Zappa alumnus Ray White and Alan. An enormous public outcry of support for this group soon followed. The group became popular as a nationally touring act throughout 1998-1999, and disbanded in 2000.

In addition to performing with KVHW, Alan has performed with a growing list of artists including Terry Haggerty, Ike Willis, Les Claypool, Trey Anastasio, and Henry Kaiser.

Through a mutual friend, Alan met Fareed during a series of performances at Studio E with Michael Manring and Henry Kaiser. They immediately hit it off and soon conspired to form Garaj Mahal.

Alan continues to perform with his own projects including No Parking, Alan Hertz and Friends, and most recently the reunion of old friends Bobby Vega and Ray White and new friends Eric Levy and Tal Morris in Big Elvis.