NEWS
2021
Bujo Kevin Jones joins the Faculty at Michigan State University
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Starting in September 2021, Kevin joined the faculty at MSU as an adjunct professor in the Percussion and Jazz Studies Areas. In 2019 and into 2020, Bujo started to work as an Artist In Residence at MSU. Students overwhelmingly responded positively to workshops in African Diaspora Percussion workshops there. Due to the pandemic in 2020 he continued to teach studio classes over Zoom. He was finally able to teach those workshops in person at the end of the 2021 Spring Semester which led to his appointment as faculty in the fall semester of 2021.
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2020
In the summer of 2020 Kevin accepted the position of Artistic Director and Curator of music at West Michigan's only Jazz Club, GRNoir Wine & Jazz. Planning started in August of 2020 and GRNoir opened in November of 2020 for take out only. GRNoir is a wine and jazz bar that exists to celebrate the Global and American cultures of wine and jazz. They finally were able to open their doors to in person dining and live music on February 1st, 2021. Since they've opened, Kevin has been able to book both local, regional and national Jazz artists. They currently have Jazz 3 days a week as well as Spoken Word Artists and DJs spinning Jazz once a month.
2019
Exciting News! Tenth World started the year with a gig at Cliff Bell's in Detroit on January 12th. Joining Kevin was John Gist, Zen Zadravec, Damon Warmack and Zach Adleman.
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January brought in Kevin's first African Diaspora Drumming Class at the Jazz and Creative Institute it will run until April 27th before another series of classes starts up in May. There will be a beginners class and advanced class. For more information go to the Jazz and Creative Institute Website.
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On March 10th Kevin presented his Faculty Performance at Jazz and Creative Institute in Kalamazoo. Joining him were faculty members Benje Daneman, Seth Ebersole, Rufus Ferguson, Madison George, Henry Rensch and special guest John Gist. Listen to a clip here.
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Teaching drums at Jazz and Creative - Instagram
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Kevin is also planning a short midwest tour with his group Tenth World for August and September. This will also include a new recording with some of the original members. Stay tuned!!!!
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2018
Tenth World played 2 Saturdays back to back at a new restaurant in Grand Rapids called Danzon Cubano.
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Kevin just returned from Detroit where he played with Winard Harper and the Jeli Posse; a fundraiser for the Cass Tech Music Program.
Kevin just returned from New York where he recorded with The Big Apple Blues Band for 4 days straight at the legendary Sear Sound Studios. The last day in New York they played a culminating gig at Connelly's on 45th St.
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On April 14th Kevin was able to reunite with his long time teacher and drum mentor, Titos Sompa along with Master drummer Armel Mampouya and Rootead Inc. for Peace Jam at Western Michigan University.
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On February 1st Kevin joined Kenyan Nyatiti artist Daniel Onyango at One Trick Pony in Grand Rapids, MI along with fellow Percussionist Carolyn Koebel, Bassist Dave Sharp and fellow Nyatiti Artist Peter Larson. African rhythms and melodies filled the room with joy. They repeated their performance at Martini's in Kalamazoo, MI. The audience danced and sang along with the very accessible music created by this fantastic artist.
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In a series of concerts Kevin also backed up Soul/Jazz vocalist Kathy Lamar both at One Trick Pony and at the SpeakEZ Lounge in Grand Rapids, Michigan where they did a tribute to Sade. With Ms. Lamar Kevin is able to branch out and use a hybrid drum kit where he plays both conga and drum set during the performances.
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Also in Februaury, Kevin formed a trio with playing Classic Jazz with legendary Bassist Elgin Vines and young phenom pianist Gerand McDowell at the JW Marriott, one of the finest hotels in Grand Rapids, MI
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Kevin also is continuing his regular African Drum classes at "Rootead" in Kalamazoo.
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March will prove to be just as busy. His band Tenth World is busy again playing a private party for the Susan Mast Foundation on March 2nd and then the next day, March 3rd they hit at One Trick Pony with special guest, drummer Keith Hall. It's sure to be on fire!
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Kevin then brings his band into Creston Brewery on March 16th with special guest, Saxophonist John Gist. It's going to be a great night of music.
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On April 11th, Kevin and an expanded band will be doing a "Tribute To Mongo Santamaria"
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Summer is coming and Kevin is looking forward to participating in the 2nd annual Congolese Drum and Dance Conference in July.
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There is also plans for a reunion with some of the original members of his group iconic group Tenth World for a recording project.
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