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Dion Parson & The 21st Century Band

Audiences and critics around the globe are raging about the talents of Dion Parson & the 21st Century Band.

Parson has assembled a powerhouse ensemble featuring some of the world’s finest musicians. Many of the band members hail from the Virgin Islands. So, the 21st Century Band has Caribbean music in its veins, along with a mastery of American jazz.

Their innovative music is infused with elements of quelbe - the cultural music of the Virgin Islands - along with funk, reggae, calypso, mento, ska, Brazilian and even chitlin' circuit B3. The combo creates an entirely unique sound with a prominent, authentic island feel and high energy show that audiences love.

Their latest release, Dion Parson & 21st Centry Band; Live At Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola -Jazz At Lincoln Center NYC, Volume One was co- produced by Branford Marsalis, director of Jazz at the Lincoln Center. The group plans to release a new CD at Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola in June 2012 in celebration of Caribbean Heritage Month. Their sold-out performances at Lincoln Center last June garnered tons of rave reviews from fans and critics.

The 21st Century Band includes these amazingly talented musicians:

Grammy Winner, Band Leader & Educator Dion Parson is truly one of this generation’s greatest drummers. A Virgin Islands native based in New York City, Dion has toured and recorded with Milt Jackson, Monty Alexander, Diane Reeves, Gary Bartz, Lee Konitz, Ernestine Anderson, Donald Harrison, Terrance Blanchard, Geri Allen, Don Byron, Wycliffe Gordon, Steve Turre, Jon Faddis, Cyrus Chestnut, Ernest Ranglin, Nat Adderley Jr., Nicholas Payton and John Hicks, to name just a few.

Saxophonist Ron Blake is a current member of NBC’s legendary Saturday Night Live Band and has collaborated with some of the top names in jazz and world music including Grammy nominated Yerba Buena, Art Farmer, Christian McBride, Roy Hargrove, Meshell N’Degeocello and many others. Ron also hails from the Virgin Islands and resides in New York.

Bassist Rueben Rodgers has worked with Wynton Marsalis, Jackie McLean, Diane Reeves, Roy Hargrove, Joshua Redman, Mulgrew Miller, Marcus Roberts, Nicholas Payton, Charles Lloyd and other top musicians. Reuben was also born in the Virgin Islands.

Steel Drummer Victor Provost, one of the most widely sought after Pan Drummers in history, is widely considered a virtuoso of his instrument. In addition to playing with 21st Century Band, Victor has shared stages and recording studios with Hugh Masakela, Dwayne Dolphin, Roger Humphries and many more. Victor is a native of beautiful St. John USVI.

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Performance / Tour

Dion Parson & 21st Century Band - Returns To Ginny's Supper Club - September 11-12

Dion Parson & 21st Century Band - Returns To Ginny's Supper Club - September 11-12

Source: Scott Thompson Public Relations

DION PARSON & 21st CENTURY BAND Returns to Ginny's Supper Club Back By Popular Demand! September 11-12 Featuring Their New CD St. Thomas St. Thomas—the exciting new CD by Dion Parson & 21st Century Band hit the streets this summer and has since gained international airplay and critical acclaim. This explosive, rhythmic ensemble returns to Ginny's Supper Club by popular demand on September 11-12! Ginny's Supper Club 310 Lenox Ave. New York, ...

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Performance / Tour

Dion Parson & 21st Century Band - New CD & Dizzy's Club - June 23

Dion Parson & 21st Century Band - New CD & Dizzy's Club - June 23

Source: Scott Thompson Public Relations

June is Caribbean American Heritage Month St. Thomas - the exciting new CD by Dion Parson & 21st Century Band hits the streets on June 23! This explosive, rhythmic ensemble will raise the roof that week at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola (June 23-25), as they make their annual return celebrating Caribbean American Heritage Month! Dion Parson & 21st Century Band Dion Parson - Drums/Percussion Ron Blake - Tenor/Soprano/Baritone Saxophone Rashawn Ross - Trumpet Victor Provost ...

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Performance / Tour

Dion Parson & 21st Century Band at Ginny's (NYC) on January 10

Dion Parson & 21st Century Band at Ginny's  (NYC) on January 10

Source: Scott Thompson Public Relations

World Premiere Preview of New CD - St. Thomas January 10, 2015 7:30pm & 9:30pm / $15 Dion Parson - drums Ron Blake - saxophone Rashawn Ross - trumpet Carlton Holmes - piano Victor Provost - steel pan Alioune Faye - percussion/ sabar drums Ginny's Supper Club 310 Lenox Avenue New York, NY 10027 phone: 212-421-3821 This January 10th, Dion Parson & ...

“Experienced through the band's bright rhythms and vivid tonal palette, the 21st century looks and sounds like the best time to live.” –The Wall Street Journal

“Parson has surrounded himself with inventive jazz musicians who also continue to maintain a healthy respect for their music's cultural roots and rhythms.” – Allaboutjazz.com

Primary Instrument

Band / ensemble / orchestra

Credentials/Background

Dion has created an Mentoring/Teaching program, "Mentoring Through The Arts Of Music", which he has been running in the Virgin Islands since 2009. With the sponsorship of the Virgin Islands Lottery, Dion exposes kids and talented students to the instruments and musical styles of The Caribbean and Jazz through classes, Clinics and performances. This program will soon be coming to The Bronx, Brooklyn and Harlem in collaboration with Wynton Marsalis and Jazz At Lincoln Center.

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

St. Thomas

Self Produced
2015

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People Music

Tahmun Records
2006

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Dion Parson & Ron...

Tahmun Records
2000

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St. Thomas

From: St. Thomas
By Dion Parson & The 21st Century Band

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