30 countries, 25 years, 1 Passion Featured in New Book, ONWARD AND UPWARD

Professional percussionist Jim Neglia has worked with top names in the performing arts industry, from Placido Domingo and Yo-Yo-Ma to Johnny Mathis, Spike Lee and Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Now a musician and personnel manager with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Neglia shares stories of passion, determination and success in Onward and Upward, a fusion of memoir and autobiography written for aspiring artists, entrepreneurs and dreamers.

The book combines candid journal entries and behind-the-scenes stories from Neglia's 25-year career in the arts, during which he realized unimaginable goals and performed in exotic locations including the Slovak and Czech Republic's formerly Czechoslovakia, Bulgari and Austria.

Neglia, who performs on stage about 200 days each year, encourages future generations of artists to pursue their dreams, and sheds light on the complexities of a career in the arts.

"Society scoffs at the working artist," Neglia says. "Creativity is often viewed as a hobby, rather than a legitimate vocation. My story dispels these myths and offers hope to aspiring artists."

Already making a splash on Amazon as the #7 ranked artist biography, Onward and Upward shares Neglia's stories of culture, family, laughter, wisdom and heartache, with a generous helping of Strauss, motorcycle chases and Hollywood glamor.

"For years, I have wanted to write about the relentless determination it takes to succeed in the arts," Neglia says. "My hope is that it will help those starting out in the field by demonstrating they are not alone in their thoughts."

For more information, visit http://www.jimneglia.com.

Onward and Upward
By Jim Neglia
ISBN: 978-1-4472-9897-8
Approx. 230 pages
Retail price: $27.99 (hc), $16.95 (sc)
Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble

About the author
Jim Neglia is a veteran force in the performing arts. He has traveled the world as a percussionist, music contractor, personnel manger and music coordinator for more than 25 years. Neglia has worked closely with the likes of Placido Domingo, Yo-Yo-Ma, Johnny Mathis, Spike Lee and former New York City Mayor Rudy Guiliani. Now a performer and manager at the New Jersey Symphnoy Orchestra, Neglia lives in East Hanover, N.J. with his wife Alexandra, and sons Phillip and Daniel.