African American, Folk, Blues, Ragtime, and Jazz: Jerron Paxton and Dennis Lichtman
A joyous evening of African American folk and blues of the 1920s, including ragtime, jazz, popular songs from New York City’s Tin Pan Alley, and original music inspired by the era. Although in his early 30’s, Jerron Paxton has earned a reputation for transporting audiences back to the 1920’s and making them wish they could stay there for good. He may be one of the greatest multi-instrumentalists that you haven’t heard of. Yet.
Paxton is a skilled interpreter of the diverse roots of Black folk music in America and highlighting its continued importance and influence. He is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, playing guitar, banjo, piano, fiddle and other instruments with deep histories and ties to Black American music — each with a master’s touch. With a strong interest in blues and jazz music before World War II, Paxton’s sound is influenced by the likes of Fats Waller and “Blind” Lemon Jefferson and beyond.
Born in South Central Los Angeles into a family steeped in Southern music and culture, he has been based in New York City for nearly his entire adult life. He has appeared on the covers of The Village Voice and Living Blues and has earned praise from numerous other publications.
“He is not merely a preservationist mining bygone decades for esoteric material or works that fit a certain aesthetic or brand. He simply takes music that is significant to his identity, his culture, and his experience and showcases it for a broader audience.”
Dennis Lichtman is a multi-instrumentalist on clarinet, fiddle, and mandolin who is deeply entrenched in early- to mid-1900’s American music, from traditional jazz and swing to bluegrass and western swing. His elegant voice carries through on all his instruments, lending a thread that weaves together the various genres he navigates. He has performed and recorded as a regular member of Ghost Train Orchestra, Pokey LaFarge Band, Nation Beat, Jim Kweskin Band, and many more.
