What do the musical Hamilton and Beyonce’s Lemonade have in common? Both are works of blistering genius defying definition, exploding boundaries, and emancipating their storytellers to build new narratives through music. Music is a unique expression of human creativity and a powerful medium for change. We’re partnering with Don’t Miss A Beat (DMAB) to host “Music Unites Us,” a TEDxJacksonville Salon exploring music’s ability to convey stories about equity, access and social justice. This will be an exciting evening, with dance and spoken word performances by DMAB students, TED talks, audience discussions, and an expert panel featuring three extraordinary musicians who will reflect on the unsung power of Jacksonville’s own musical voice. “Music Unites Us” will be held June 16th at Don’t Miss A Beat, 2839 West Beaver Street, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets to the event are $10 each. [This event has concluded.]

Our Panelists:

Josué A. Cruz: A lifelong advocate of the arts, Josué is a Jacksonville-based writer and musician who has released six albums with several outfits throughout his career. His talents and passions have afforded him the opportunity to work in arts education for a number of years. He still wakes up every morning with the desire to write and play music.

Ulysses Owens Jr.: Described by The New York Times as an artist “who takes a backseat to no one,” Ulysses Owens Jr.’s remarkable ascent as one of today’s premier drummers is matched only by his evolution as a producer, composer, educator, and entrepreneur. Owens has established himself as a leader in his generation of jazz artists, admired for his sensitive, fiery and complex playing, vivid display of textural nuance, and gift for propelling a band with charisma and integrity. Both humble in person and imposing behind a kit, he is a graduate of the inaugural Jazz Studies Program at The Juilliard School, and a two-time Grammy® Award winner.

Terrance Patterson: A Jacksonville native, Terrance Patterson has performed in Paris, London, Milan, Brussels, Belgrade, Munich, Amsterdam, Moscow, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Miami, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and New York. An internationally recognized clarinetist, Patterson attended the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University where he studied with Lorin Kitt, principal clarinetist of the National Symphony Orchestra. He also is the founder and Executive Director of the Ritz Chamber Players, which has been hailed by The Baltimore Sun as “one of the most interesting and dynamic ensembles to emerge in recent years.” Boasting some of the world’s preeminent musicians spanning the African diaspora, it brings a fresh, new energy to the classical music genre. Through its concert series in Jacksonville and performances across the United States, the Ritz Chamber Players continues to build the participation of multicultural audiences that reflect our diverse society.

Jane Condon (Moderator): Jane Condon was principal of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts during its formative early years, and was the founding principal of LaVilla School of the Arts. Now that Jane is retired, she loves spending time traveling, playing with friends and family, catching up with former students on Facebook, and working as a member of the TEDxJacksonville team.