Barry Moton

Barry Moton feat. Knight and Day Ensemble of Ballou High School brings generations of Soul, Rhythm, and Blues into conversation with jazz. Through rich harmonies and reimagined standards, the performance celebrates musical legacy, community, and the evolving sound of the New American Jazz Standard.

Barry Moton is a Jazz Vocalist and Educator living in Washington, DC. He is a rising musical force, originally hailing from Peoria, IL. Interested in inter-generational connections, his music touches the hearts and minds of people regardless of age. He received his Master’s from Howard University, studying with the great Connaitre Miller, and his Bachelor’s from Southern Illinois University, studying with acclaimed jazz pianist Reggie Thomas. He has recently released his first solo project, entitled "What Had Happened Was", a mix of jazz standards and original tunes. He has also written a play called Day Dream, inspired by the life of jazz icon Billy Strayhorn, which has been performed at the Kennedy Center and the DC Jazz Festival. He is currently a jazz professor at George Washington University and a choir teacher at Ballou High School, where he directs the Knight and Day Vocal Ensemble.