Josanne Francis

Join us at Blues Alley as Josanne Francis and her band ignite Black History Month with pure Caribbean fire. Internationally acclaimed steelpan virtuoso Josanne Francis brings her electrifying sound to the legendary Blues Alley for a night celebrating culture, rhythm, and liberation. This special performance features selections from “Carnival Suite,” a vibrant multi-movement work inspired by the colors, spirit, and heartbeat of Trinidad & Tobago’s traditional carnival characters. From infectious grooves to soul-stirring melodies, Josanne blends tradition and innovation—bridging the diaspora through sound. Come ready to represent—bring your country flag, wear your feathers, and bring your energy—as we warm up for Carnival season and honor the global contributions of the African diaspora through music. An unforgettable celebration of identity, heritage, and pure steelpan brilliance. Mark your calendar—you don’t want to miss this.

There’s a hillside in Trinidad where, past coconut, breadfruit, and banana trees, a winding dirt road lined with gravestones leads to one of the many local panyards—the open-air rehearsal spaces where steelbands bring rhythm to life. It is one of award-winning artist, composer, and educator Josanne Francis’ favorite places on earth. Francis beams when she talks about the late-night rehearsals that filled the air with rhythm until 3 a.m., the mango-picking breaks, and the anticipation of Carnival. The place where she fell in love with the steelpan and its bright, bell-like tone.

Born and raised in Diego Martin on Trinidad’s northwest coast, Francis has since become one of the most compelling cultural ambassadors for the steelpan. She brings a distinctive blend of technical brilliance, emotional depth, and deep cultural reverence to every performance, using her artistry to illuminate both the history and evolving future of the instrument.

Her performances have taken her to some of the world’s most renowned stages, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, the MET Museum, Strathmore Music Center, Times Square, and the Port-au-Prince International Jazz Festival. She has collaborated with celebrated artists across genres, including Phylicia Rashad, David Rudder, Etienne Charles, Jon Batiste, Negah Santos, Kes, Andy Narell, Liam Teague, and many others. She has appeared with ensembles such as the Michigan Philharmonic and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and recorded on notable projects for Etienne Charles, Victor Provost, Afro Bop Alliance, and The Mawasi Experience.

Francis’ contributions have been recognized widely. Honors include the Vanguard Award presented at the Caribbean American Heritage (CARAH) Gala & Awards and the Rising Leader Award from His Excellency Anthony Phillips-Spencer, Trinidad & Tobago Ambassador to the United States. She has received grants from U.S. Artists International, the Maryland State Arts Council, and the Prince George’s Arts & Humanities Council, and delivered a TEDx talk on music, identity, and cultural legacy. In 2022, she was commissioned by the San Jacinto College Central Steelband to compose a major multi-movement work for steelband.