ABOUT Alphonso Young, Jr.

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Drummer/percussionist Alphonso M. Young, Jr. has been a professional musician for more than 50 years. As the drummer with the Eric Byrd Trio, his versatile and imaginative style of performance has not only charmed audiences around the world, but has led such noted artists as Randy Brecker, Bob Berg, George Colligan, Tim Warfield, Terrell Stafford, Etta Jones, Ira Sullivan, Othello Molineaux, Rebecca Parris, and Chris Vidala to acquire his talent. He has also performed with world renowned Benny Powell, Miles Griffith, jazz vocalist Kenny Washington and jazz diva Vanessa Rubin, as well as many other luminaries of the jazz world. 

As a member of the Eric Byrd Trio, Alphonso has traveled all over the world performing in some of the world’s most prestigious venues and festivals. In addition to performing with the trio, Alphonso is on the faculty of Shenandoah University, Gettysburg College, the National Jazz Workshop and the Eric Byrd Trio Summer Jazz Workshop. He also works as a music teacher with Loudoun County Public Schools. Alphonso has rapidly become one of the leading authorities on drum set performance and pedagogy. 

Live performances include appearances at the Capital Jazz Festival, the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, Festi Jazz (Bolivia), Dubai International Jazz Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival (Switzerland), The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Strathmore Music Center, The Maryland Theatre, and The Weinberg Center for the Arts. 

Honors he has received are Artist in Residence at the Strathmore Performing Arts Center and a Wammie (Washington Area Music Association) for Best Instrumental Jazz Album 2020 with the Eric Byrd Trio. 

Alphonso was presented, along with the Eric Byrd Trio, The Performing Arts Service Award from former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan 2022. Alphonso is endorsed by Canopus Drums and BW Cymbals.