Akron Roundtable: Theron Brown

Date and Time for this Past Event

• Thursday, Dec 14, 2023  12pm

Location

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Details

About our Speaker: Theron Brown was born December 31, 1986, in Zanesville, Ohio, the middle child of Terrence and Denise Brown, Pastor and First Lady of Greater Apostolic Church of Christ located in Zanesville, Ohio. Theron’s first musical influence was discovered at church, under the former pastor, Bishop James W. Gaiters, Sr.¸ while listening to Marcia H. Gaiters (former first lady) play the organ. He began playing the drums under his father’s pastorate at age five, followed by the piano at eight years of age, as well as the viola at Grover Cleveland Middle School and Zanesville High School from age ten to eighteen. As his knowledge, curiosity, and passion for music increased, Theron played piano and organ for the Southeast region of The Ohio District Council, traveling to his father’s preaching engagements. Theron loved embracing the opportunities to learn from, and play with other musicians that he met through the church’s gatherings. >His talent flourished as he experienced more diversity.

Theron’s musical studies include the University of Akron, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in jazz studies and master’s degree in piano performance between performing and traveling. During his time at the University of Akron, he served as a student ambassador.

Theron came across an amazing opportunity, when he was encouraged by the producer, family, and friends; he auditioned for and was cast as young Herbie Hancock in the 2016 film, Miles Ahead, directed by and starring Don Cheadle. This movie is an intimate look into the life of jazz artist, Miles Davis. Working with Don Cheadle inspired Theron to give more consideration to acting.

Theron currently resides in Akron, Ohio, where he is Professor of Practice at The University of Akron teaching jazz piano and artist coordinator for I Promise School through Curated Storefront and he is immensely involved in promoting the music scene and the arts. He takes pride in teaching musicians of all ages the fundamentals/advanced techniques of music, and volunteering his musical talent at community activities, while uplifting the Northeastern Ohio region with his sound. Theron is the founder of the Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival, which takes place in Akron, Ohio’s downtown historic district. Theron stringently continues to dedicate his life to the infinite pursuit of musical knowledge. Theron frequently tours and plays in northeast Ohio with his trio including Zaire Darden on drums and Jordan McBride on bass.

In 2019, Theron released his first album entitled “No Concepts”. Keep an eye out for Theron’s second project.