Vibraphonist-composer Stefon Harris is heralded as "one of the most important young artists in jazz (The Los Angeles Times)." He is unquestionably developing what will be a long and extraordinary career. Stefon Harris' passionate artistry, energetic stage presence, and astonishing virtuosity have propelled him into the forefront of the current jazz scene. Widely recognized and lauded by both his peers and jazz critics alike, Stefon is committed to both exploring the rich potential of jazz composition and blazing new trails on the vibraphone.
A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, he received a B.A. in Classical Music and an M.A. in Jazz Performance. Stefon is a recipient of the prestigious Martin E. Segal Award from Lincoln Center and earned a Grammy nomination for his 1999 release of Black Action Figure. He has been voted "Best Mallet Player" by the Jazz Journalist Association, "Debut Artist of the Year" by JazzTimes, Downbeat's Critics Poll Winner ("Talent Deserving Wider Recognition"), Newsweek's "Best Jazz CD," "Best New Talent" and "Readers Poll Best Vibraphonist" by JazzIz Magazine and Chicago Tribune's "Debut of the Year."
Mr. Harris has performed at many of the world's most distinguished concert halls, including Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall, The Kennedy Center, San Francisco's Davies Hall and Herbst Theater, UCLA's Royce Hall, Chicago's Symphony Center, Detroit's Orchestra Hall, and the Sydney Opera House. He has toured and recorded with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and performed his original compositions with the Dutch Metropole Orchestra in Den Hague. He has also performed at the world-renowned Village Vanguard and at Troy Music Hall.
Stefon Harris has led his Quartet at several music festivals and performance centers throughout the world. He toured Europe performing at the North Sea Jazz Festival, Istanbul Jazz Festival, and the Umbria Jazz Festival. He premiered "The Grand Unification Theory" a full-length concert piece commissioned by the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. Mr. Harris also appeared at the legendary Playboy Jazz Festival, the Kennedy Center and the Orange County Performing Arts Center.
