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WHO IS SHE?
DC-based award-winning artist, composer and educator Josanne Francis began playing steelpan at age 9 in her native Trinidad & Tobago. She delivers unmatched technical mastery and an energetic and emotional complexity that enchants listeners across the world. Josanne approaches steelpan with great reverence for its versatility, a perspective through which she promotes cultural exchange on and off the bandstand.
She has appeared at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Strathmore Music Center, Times Square and Port-au-Prince International Jazz Festival. She has performed with David Rudder, Etienne Charles, Negah Santos, John Batiste, Kes, Andy Narell, and Liam Teague; appeared with the Michigan Philharmonic and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; and recorded on projects for Charles, Victor Provost, The Mawasi Experience, and Afro Bop Alliance. In 2022, Josanne received the Vanguard Award presented at Caribbean American Heritage (CARAH) Gala & Awards, and the Rising Leader Award, presented by his excellency Anthony Phillips-Spencer, Trinidad & Tobago Ambassador to the United States. She has garnered grants from U.S. Artists International, Maryland State Arts Council and Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council; delivered a TEDx presentation; and recently received a commission from the San Jacinto College Central Steelband to complete a multi-movement gesture for steelband.
Josanne received her bachelor of music education from the University of Southern Mississippi, and her master of music in steelpan performance from Northern Illinois University, and is pursuing her doctorate in music education from the University of Maryland. She has taught at venues and institutions across the nation, including the University of Delaware, the University of Maryland and the Cultural Academy for Excellence. She has held artistic residencies at University of Michigan, Strathmore Music Center and Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute, and served on a number of prestigious panels. In 2022, Josanne co-created the thriving performance outfit Elite Pan Consortium and, in 2019, launched Steel on Wheels LLC, an all-inclusive educational program that eliminates barriers for the creation and development of steelbands, and varied percussion ensembles.
To keep up with Josanne’s performance and teaching schedule, visit her website josannefrancis.com and follow her on social media @josannefrancis.
Photographer: Jonathan Timmes
“Josanne Francis steelpan artist, a first at PAPJAZZ!”
The Josanne Francis Septet:
Josanne Francis, steelpan
Elijah Jamal Balbed, saxophone
Mark G. Meadows, piano
Herman Burney Jr., bass
Atesh Indarjit, tabla
Francisco Vielma, percussion
Joey Antico, drumset
The sounds of the tropical steelpan elegantly punctuates the bold, ethereal lilt of the Chinese dulcimer, creating an absolutely transcendent soundscape. Parallel Intersections goes beyond the boundaries of each instrument, engaging in musical creations that are based on the exploration of commonness and differences. The duo comprises of Josanne Francis on the steelpan and Chao Tian on the Chinese dulcimer who first met as members of Strathmore’s Artist in Residence Class of 2018. Both are masters of their respective instruments: Francis made history as the first classical steelpan soloist to perform a concerto at Carnegie Hall, and Tian has been presented with the Wen Hua award—the highest honor given to a Chinese musician. Francis and Tian share a similar background in classical music and are able to merge their unmistakably different cultural backgrounds in Parallel Intersections. One patron described the duo as a “spellbinding and joy-bring combo!”, while another expressed that it was one of the best musical experiences he has had in his life.
Get lost in a flurry of pansticks and mallets and witness a transglobal collaboration that is out of this world.
The familiar sound of the piano blends with the magical sounds of the steelpan in this melodious duo.
This is a MEMBERS ONLY club. Click here for info.
This year, Trinidad & Tobago celebrates 57 years of independence. the embassy of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is hosting this celebration at the OAS and Josanne will be part of the featured entertainment.
