Dion Parson & 21st Century Band to Celebrate ST. THOMAS CD Release at Dizzy's, 6/23-25

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 this week at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola on June 23-25, as they make their annual return celebrating Caribbean American Heritage Month!

As the next generation of emerging U.S.V.I. artists, Dion Parson & 21st Century Band is fast becoming the model for musicians from the Virgin Islands. St. Thomas - an amalgam of flavors ranging from soulful melodies to hard-hitting rhythms - demonstrates the technical skills and creativity cultivated from such a lush musical and cultural heritage.

"Ultimately, St. Thomas is the musical expression of the journey through the diverse history and musical diaspora of the U.S. Virgin Islands, presented in a jazz format with the freedom of interpretation through various improvisational styles." - Dion Parson

Dion Parson & 21st Century Band: Dion Parson - Drums/Percussion Ron Blake - Tenor/Soprano/Baritone Saxophone Rashawn Ross - Trumpet Victor Provost -Steel Pan Reuben Rogers - Bass Carlton Holmes - Piano/Keyboards Alioune Faye Saber - Drums/Percussion Special Guest - Boo Reiners on Banjo.

In 21st Century Band, GRAMMY award-winning drummer and composer Dion Parson has put together a powerhouse ensemble. Comprised of seven of the world's finest musicians, the band features a fresh innovative sound that boasts a superb mix of US Virgin Islands traditions such as Quelbe, and other Caribbean infusions like reggae, calypso, soca, mento, ska, zouk, steel pan, chutney, and funk with New Orleans and African overtones. Together, these supremely talented artists deliver their special brand of Caribbean Jazz with down-home sophistication and a high energy level that has audiences-young and old- soaring to their feet time and time again. Their sold-out performances at prestigious venues like Jazz at Lincoln Center's Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola in New York City have garnered such rave reviews from fans and critics alike that the club has hosted the ensemble for week-long performances every year since June 2008.

One of New York's finest, GRAMMY award-winning drummers, Dion Parson is founder and leader of 21st Century Band, an educator, and a composer. Born on June 11, 1967 on St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, Dion's musical foundation includes classical, reggae, calypso, jazz, African, and pop music. He received a BA in Music Education in 1990 and his Masters in Jazz Performance in 2012 and has been an Artist-In-Residence at the University of the Virgin Islands for the past few years. An educator committed to giving back to his community, Dion is President of United Jazz Foundation and founder of "Mentoring Through the Arts of Music," a music education and mentoring program that helps young musicians discover, hone, and showcase their talent while preparing them for professional careers in music.Dion has performed globally and has successfully recorded as both a sideman and a leader for several major music labels. In 2007, together with Nicole Koerts-Parson, he started United Jazz International which produces events in the USVI and around the world. Dion Parson & 21st Century Band and its music were recently annexed as a permanent part of USVI musical history. Visit: dionparson.com.

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