Luther BlackwellNew Haven, CTLuther unique talents as educator, instrumentalist, conductor, vocal coach, song writer.
I'm into cool stuff like making videos, helping with school, and saving important parts of our culture. I've done a bunch of awesome things that have made a big impact in the world of arts and learning.
I work as a video person for Connecticut Schools, thanks to President Obama's idea called Arts and Humanities TurnAround Arts Initiative. Basically, I use cameras to tell stories that make learning more fun. I've captured how art can really change students' lives, making them feel more creative and powerful.
Back in 2003, a musical I put together called "Marginal Saints" won a big prize at the New York International Fringe Festival. It was a cool moment where I showed how good I am at creating interesting stories on stage. I also made a documentary about the football legend Jim Brown, called "Jim Brown UNPLUGGED," using my skills in making films and telling stories.
I'm also in charge of helping out DJ Tony Crush, who's the Founder and part of The Legendary Cold Crush Brothers. DJ Crush has been inducted into the Smithsonian African American History and Culture as one of the Pioneer of Hip-Hop Music. It's a big deal, and it shows how I care about keeping the legacy of important artists alive.
I'm a super creative songwriter and have made more than 400 songs and music for shows in Off-Broadway. I've even worked with famous conductors such as: the late and great Leonard Bernstein of the New York Philharmonic, Seji Osawa of the Boston Symphony, Laurence Gilgore Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Connecticut Grand Opera and Orchestra, and Mr. Jessie Chapman Artistic, Director and Principal Conductor of the Westhill Chamber Singers, showing I can do lots of different things in the music world.
