The sound of the music electrifies people from all over the world helping to celebrate Carnaval throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. Come celebrate with Dr. Teodross Avery as he takes you on a journey of the music: including Soca of Trinidad, Samba of Salvador de Bahia, Mardi Gras’ of New Orleans, and Calypso of Brooklyn.

While growing up in Oakland and Vacaville, California, Teodross Avery heard all kinds of music blaring out of his father’s stereo speakers. He heard West African music, Funk, Rock, and Soul Jazz. At age 13 he heard John Coltrane’s ‘Giant Steps’ and quickly pleaded with his father to let him switch from Classical guitar studies to the saxophone.

In 1994, he released his debut album, ‘In Other Words’, to much critical acclaim receiving five stars in USA Today. In 2006, Teodross received a Master’s degree from New York University (NYU). Recently, in May of 2016, Teodross Avery received a Doctorate in Jazz Studies from the University of Southern California (USC).