KRIS JOHNSON

Kris Johnson is an award-winning trumpeter, composer, arranger, filmscorer and educator based in Detroit, Michigan. Kris will be the featured performer in The Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings performance in the acoustically beautiful Carr Center Performance Studio on Sunday April 30th.

Johnson’s  professional career is expansive for an artist so young, including playing in and arranging for the renowned Count Basie Orchestra; directing the University of Utah Jazz Studies program; comprising several musicals, including, “Jim Crow’s Tears” and Hastings Street: The Musical”; scoring films such as the Emmy-nominated web series “King Ester”; producing successful professional projects such as his #looptherapy album and his Kris Johnson Big Band Youtube series.

Drawing from jazz, classical, hip-hop, and neo-soul, Kris’s writing creates diverse textures that represent his unique musical identity. His arrangements have been performed and/or recorded by Karen Clark Sheard, Yolanda Adams, the Clark Sisters, the Motor City Brass Band,and many others. 

Currently Kris works as the Director of the Michigan State University Community Music School District, and continues his freelance work as a composer and a performer. Kris also teaches through his online platform, Office Hours with Kris.

Learn more about  the DCW&S Series, Structurally Sound and ger your tickets to this Kris Johnson concert here.