Shenson Faculty Concert Series, Deszon X. Claiborne, percussion

This performance—a collaboration of poetry/spoken word and the improvised music of Deszon X. Claiborne—harkens back to the legendary legacy of The Last Poets and explores contemporary realities of Black life in the San Francisco Bay Area. In particular, the work will reflect the deep experiences that Deszon has had with Black youth in his recent teaching practice centered on the histories of the drum as resistance from slavery to today.

Featured Musicians:

Deszon X. Claiborne, percussion

Additional performers TBA

Thursday, August 15 at 7pm

CMC Concert Hall

FREE - RSVP for this performance will be available soon!

The Shenson Faculty Concert Series returns this summer with free concerts spotlighting CMC’s talented faculty members. Each year, the Shenson Foundation sponsors free community concerts for musical projects to support CMC faculty as performing artists and ensure their work on stage is shared and celebrated in our community.

This year’s accomplished presenters will highlight a wide variety of musical styles, techniques, and creative inspirations—from jazz to classical to folk traditions, original compositions, and music as a tool for social justice and historical and cultural reflection.

Meet this summer's talented faculty performers:

• June 20 - Scott O’Day, guitar
• July 25 - Clif Payne, voice
• August 8 - Ava Gehlen-Williams, violin
• August 15 - Deszon X. Claiborne, percussion

A native of the Bay Area, began his musical career at the early age of ten. Virtually self taught in the beginning, he went on to study with world-renowned drummers such as Richard Peterson, Rick Quintinel (Chuck Brown school of Drumming), James Levi, Billy Cobham and Kenneth Nash , an experience which provided him with a strong foundation in jazz, rhythm & blues and world music. He has had the pleasure to perform or record with the following artists: Peter Apfelbaum, Don Cherry, Charles brown, Angela Bofill, Les McCann, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Robin Ford, Boz Scaggs, Greg Howe, Henry Butler, Giovani Hildalgo, Kai Eckhardt, John Handy, Taj Mahal, Donald Harrison, Rodney Franklin, and may others.

In addition to his performing and recording credits, Deszon is also an educator. He has taught both private and group lessons to students of all ages and levels, youth to adult, and beginning to advanced. Deszon has also participated in music education programs in the Bay Area over the last 20 years, including Berkeley Jazz School, Jazz Camp West, Stanford Jazz Camp, Lafayette Summer Music camp, Moody’s Jazz Camp, Just Say Jazz, and Adventures in Music.

Host or Publisher Community Music Center