William B. Johnson, Artistic Director
William B. Johnson is a composer, writer, percussionist, and multi-disciplinary performer with an undeniable talent and irrepressible commitment to his community. His innovative approach to music, dance and theater successfully fuses the rawness of the urban environment with the refinement of classical training and traditional practice. As one of New York’s premier bucket players, Johnson has helped revolutionize the sound of American music by building off of the diverse percussive influences of Africa, India, Japan, Europe and South America.
As a highly sought-after percussionist, Johnson has toured internationally and worked with renowned recording artists, including Alicia Keys, Mya, Tamia and Mary J. Blige. He has performed at the Grammy Awards, Latin Grammy Awards, Billboard Awards, American Music Awards and made numerous radio, television and film appearances.
Johnson is also noted for his evolving theater career, including roles in The Best of Broadway and Savion Glover’s international tour of Hoofing and Banging. He has also produced his own theater productions including the critically-acclaimed From Hoofin’ 2 Hittin’.
As an arts educator, Johnson is recognized for his extraordinary vision for connecting arts with the community. He has designed and facilitated seminars, workshops, master classes, in-school residencies and year-long programs for organizations across the United States, including The San Francisco YMCA, public schools within the New York City Board of Education and the Police Athletic League in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Johnson is currently the musical director of Drumadics, which has been making waves and performing for appreciative crowds throughout the New York City area.
|