Jon Karel was born May 25, 1983 in Rockland County, NY, an eclectic suburb of New York City bordering the Hudson River. Surrounded by art and music, his drumming obsession began almost at infancy. Ave Karel, Jon's father, spent his professional music career as a drummer and band leader for Avenue K. Orchestras from 1975 to 1998 and exposed Jon to the joy and inspiration that is drumming. Jon spent most of his early childhood tinkering in his father's drum room trying to stick all the wire brush pairs into each other, and of course, making quite a racket behind the kit.

Under the instruction of Ed Zacko in 1992, Jon began studying music/rhythmic theory, and drumming fundamentals at the age of nine. Since then, Jon has advanced his studies independently and with the volunteered guidance and advice of several wonderful teachers including: Frank Marino (co-founder of the Long Island Drum Center), Seth Mutal (renowned up and coming NYC session musician), Frank Colinato (veteran teacher and published author), Bob W. Minton (rhythmic mastermind, and master educator), and more.

At age 14, Jon started writing and performing compositions with a wide variety of local musicians. Most were centered around the up and coming heavy metal scene emerging in the New York area during the 90's. This included performing and composing with bands such as Close My Eyes, The Sawtooth Grin, Negativehate, and The Heatherton Heatwave.

Shortly after being accepted into Berklee College of Music in 2004, Jon got the offer to join national touring act The Number 12 Looks Like You. This troupe is known for their incredibly diverse and technical sound. Even with Berklee as an option, Jon decided to go pro as a drummer. Since joining #12, Jon has performed countless showcases and toured with dozens of wonderful and diverse bands. Some tours include: "Shirts For a Cure" Tour 06' with Thursday and Minus The Bear, Sounds Of The Underground '07, and many national runs with respected, successful bands like From Autumn To Ashes, The Fall of Troy and Drop Dead, Gorgeous.

Jon can also add songwriting credits to his resume. He co-wrote The Number 12's second full length album, Mongel, which was released in June of 2007 through New Jersey-based independent label, Eyeball Records.

In winter of 2008, Jon was hired by Los Angeles heavy music pioneers "HORSE The Band" for their independently booked Earth Tour'08. The band played 90 shows over 100 days in 45 different countries throughout Asia and Europe. The tour also hit places like Australia, Russia and Japan.

Jon is now touring and writing full time with The Number 12 Looks Like You in preparation for their upcoming full length album. He's also teaching several students in his spare time. You can still catch him performing at the local bars when he's home from tour, sitting in with the local funk, R&B, soul, blues, rock and jazz acts that make the Hudson Valley so rich with culture and expression.

Jon Karel would like to gratefully thank Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth Drum Sticks, Tama Drums and Hardware, and Evans Drum Heads for their endorsements and support.