History of FUSION
Fusion was founded in 1985 by 5 students at Howard University in Washington, DC. Fusion offers a blend of music of the African diaspora to the Howard community and beyond. The original band members consisted of the leader, Lennard Jack, Jr., steel pans, from Trinidad and Tobago, Kenneth Joseph, drums, born in England of Trinidadian parentage, Chris Toussaint, percussion, from Trinidad and Tobago, Gath Hewlitt, guitar, from Tortola, and June Charles, bass guitar, from Trinidad and Tobago.
Over the years, due to migration, two members of the band , Gath Hewlitt and June Charles were replaced by David Boothman, keyboards, from Trinidad and Tobago, and Donovan Marks from Jamaica, on bass guitar. Joseph Louis from Haiti on vocals/guitar and Greg Smith on keyboards/drums are the newest members of the band.
The band features the steelpan as the lead instrument. The steelpan is the only acoustic musical instrument invented in the 20th century; and was invented by musicians in the twin island Republic of Trinidad & Tobago during the 1940s.
The instrumentation of the band consists of the steelpan, drums, keyboards, bass, percussion and guitar/vocals. The band is very flexible and can fill the needs of the clientele whether they are looking to hire a steelpan soloist or a sextet. We invite you to enjoy the sweet sounds of Lennard Jack & Fusion, and see why this band is one of the most requested bands. Our motto: Music with an Accent!
âAs long as I have known Lennard he has always been about contribution, love and harmony. He exhibits tremendous love for mankind through his music. He is constantly looking for a way to bring people together which is evident in the name of the band Fusion and the music they play.â
John Blake (Host of The Caribbean Experience), WHURâFM, 96.3, Washington, DC.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES OR AWARDS :
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Lennard Jack, Jr. & Fusion performed at the Washington, DC PanJazz Festival, 1991 and 1992; sharing the stage with Len âBoogsieâ Sharpe, Ken âProfessorâ Philmore, Robert Greenidge and Andy Narell
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Holiday celebrations at the National Museum of American History, 1991â1994
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Lennard has been featured in the Trinidad Express, The Washington Post (Washington, DC, USA), and the Prince Georgeâs Gazette (Maryland, USA)
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Played at both inaugural celebrations of former President Bill Clinton in 1993 and 1997
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
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Pan Masters has been recognized as the best steelband by the Washington, DC Carnival Committee for 10 consecutive years, 1999â2008
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Bluemont Summer Concert Series in Virginia, Pan Masters Steel Orchestra has performed there for the last 23 consecutive years
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Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington, DC for over ten years
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