Grammy Award–winning drummer and composer Dion Parson has been leading the 21st Century Band for more than two decades. The outfit’s innovative sound bonds Virgin Islands traditions, such as Quelbe, and Caribbean expressions — reggae, calypso, soca, mento, ska, zouk, steel pan, chutney, and funk — with New Orleans and African influences. Whether you’re new to these sounds or they’re integral to your musical narrative, come hear their fresh and dynamic interpretations from Parson’s ensemble. 

Dion Parson And 21st Century Band

Jazz at Lincoln Center

The Jazz Orchestra welcomes saxophonist and alumnus Ron Blake (‘86) for their second winter concert. Previously a member of Roy Hargrove and Art Farmer’s ensembles, Blake co-founded the 21st Century Band and the Tahmun record label with drummer Dion Parson. A member of the Emmy-winning Saturday Night Live Band and the Grammy-winning Christian McBride Big Band, he has appeared on more than 60 recordings as a guest or sideman. His August 2025 release, Ron Blake Scratch Band, is a reflection on his childhood memories of local bands from his birthplace of the Virgin Islands.

Ron Blake

Events

Upcoming events

Mar 12, 2026

Northwestern University Jazz Orchestra · Northwestern Bienen School of Music

Past events

May 30 - Jun 2, 2024

Dion Parson And 21st Century Band · Jazz at Lincoln Center

About

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