Kcc Productions Presents Leon Foster Thomas at Moca at Friday Jazz at MOCA, North Miami at Moca

Having performed for audiences worldwide, Leon Foster Thomas is a unique force in modern jazz. The New York Amsterdam News has described his playing as “riveting, his artistry as unrivaled and his stage personality as dominant.” His virtuosic playing of the Steel Pan has enabled him to connect emotionally with the listener on every level. This World Steelband Music Festival Soloist and Duet Champion of 2002 and 2004 has worked with artists such as: Melton Mustafa, Nathan Davis, James Moody, Richard Smallwood, Hugh Masekela, Kevin Mahogany, Nicole Henry, Abraham Laboriel, Sammy Figueroa, Igor Butman, Len Boogsie Sharpe, Ken Professor Philmore, Ray Holman, Dolly Parton, Cyril Neville, Slinger Francisco Mighty Sparrow, 3 Canal, Etienne Charles, Winston Bailey Mighty Shadow, David Rudder, Richard Bailey, and James Polk, to name a few. In 2010, Leon released his first solo album titled What You Don’t Know, which perfectly illustrates his versatility and prowess of the various music genres. His latest release Brand New Mischief, which is inspired by the birth of his daughter, is receiving rave reviews from prominent publications such as ...

read more

Having performed for audiences worldwide, Leon Foster Thomas is a unique force in modern jazz. The New York Amsterdam News has described his playing as “riveting, his artistry as unrivaled and his stage personality as dominant.” His virtuosic playing of the Steel Pan has enabled him to connect emotionally with the listener on every level. This World Steelband Music Festival Soloist and Duet Champion of 2002 and 2004 has worked with artists such as: Melton Mustafa, Nathan Davis, James Moody, Richard Smallwood, Hugh Masekela, Kevin Mahogany, Nicole Henry, Abraham Laboriel, Sammy Figueroa, Igor Butman, Len Boogsie Sharpe, Ken Professor Philmore, Ray Holman, Dolly Parton, Cyril Neville, Slinger Francisco Mighty Sparrow, 3 Canal, Etienne Charles, Winston Bailey Mighty Shadow, David Rudder, Richard Bailey, and James Polk, to name a few. In 2010, Leon released his first solo album titled What You Don’t Know, which perfectly illustrates his versatility and prowess of the various music genres. His latest release Brand New Mischief, which is inspired by the birth of his daughter, is receiving rave reviews from prominent publications such as
All About Jazz, Jazz Weekly, Trinidad Guardian and Caribbean Beat among others.

Apart from his playing, Leon is also recognized as a composer, arranger, and drummer. As the arranger for Miami Pan Symphony Steel Orchestra, he has won the Bomb Competitions of both the 2005 and 2006 Miami Carnival, as well as Miami’s 2009 Panorama Competition. As the Arranger for Crossfire Steel Orchestra, Leon took the band to its highest-ever placing of 2nd in New York’s West Indian American Day Association Panorama Competition. Leon continues to perform at various festivals and concerts around the world, as well as conducting clinics at various educational institutions on Jazz, Caribbean music and the Steel Pan art form.

show less