THE GRIOT SERIES

THE GRIOT SERIES 2024 | GIO BLACKMON

Connecticut born singer, composer, and educator Gio Blackmon tells his story, speaks music, music career and describes his connection to New Orleans.

Structural racism, under-appreciation, inequitable distribution of artistic / cultural funds, tourism, climate change / global warming, and gentrification, today, grade high as the main causes of erasure and whitewashing of the prevailing/resisting Gulf South BIPOC traditions and cultures. Having its start at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, The GRIOT Series is a project based on heritage, equity, and cultural relevance. Its main focus is to uplift, reaffirm, and celebrate the musical legacy and wisdom of elder Black jazz musicians IN New Orleans whose livelihood has been greatly affected by the commodification/gentrification of local music over the years.