Dion Parson is one of New York’s finest young drummers. Born in St. Thomas, Parson’s musical foundation ranges from Reggae, Calypso and African to classical, jazz and pop music. Though his first musical instrument was the trombone, Parson began playing drums at the age of 15, and was selected to be the VI representative in the McDonald’s All-American High School Band. Parson later received his BM in Music Education from Rutgers University.
After graduation, Parson quickly joined the New York jazz scene, playing with world-renowned greats and eventually touring in Japan, Europe, Canada, the West Indies, Africa and the Middle East. In 2007, Parson started Dion Parson’s Unity, a program uniting musicians, people, influences and cultures through his music. Parson has played in The Color Purple on Broadway, led sessions at Jazz at Lincoln Center, and currently teaches at both Rutgers University and Juilliard.
The April Jazz Weekend was great success! Click here to view a summary.