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 Damon
Grant performs original and traditional jazz compositions on a variety
of percussion instruments with Afro-Caribbean flair. He has been recognized
for his work with the University of Massachusetts Jazz Ensemble by
Downbeat Magazine and has received four awards.
Damon, a native of Norwalk, Connecticut, has played with many ensembles,
including some of the top Salsa, orchestral, dance, jazz and funk groups
in the United States. He has performed on stage with many world-class
musicians including John Benitez, Robby Ameen, The Original Parliament
Funkadelic, Fred Wesley, George Porter, Jr., and Stefon Harris.
Currently Damon is a member of the funk/rock group, The Bomb Squad,
which won an American Music Award in 2003. Grant also was an original
member of the Broadway show, Blast!, which won both a Tony and an Emmy
Award. Damon has performed in world-class venues and festivals such
as The Kennedy Center, The Berkshire Jazz Festival, The Hammersmith
Apollo in London, The Iridium Jazz Club and The Percussive Arts Society
International Jazz Conference to name just a few.
Damon received a Bachelor of Music degree in jazz performance from
the University of Massachusetts in 2001. He has studied with musical
legend Yusef Lateef, as well as master percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo.
Damon has just as much teaching experience as he has playing experience.
He began his teaching career at the high school in graduated from Norwalk
High School in Norwalk, CT. He taught their award-winning marching
and jazz ensembles in addition to being a guest performer and clinician.
Currently he teaches at Boston College and his alma mater, the University
of Massachusetts at Amherst. Grant also enjoys teaching privately locally
and throughout the US.
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