Etienne Charles and Creole Soul

Trinidad-born trumpeter, composer, and storyteller Etienne Charles is acclaimed for his warm tone, vibrant rhythms, and ability to bring untold stories to life through music. A 2015 Guggenheim Fellow and 2022 Creative Capital Awardee, he immerses himself in the cultures he portrays, connecting the African diaspora and highlighting marginalized communities through projects like Creole Soul, Carnival: The Sound of a People Vol. 1, and San Juan Hill. Charles' performances blend original compositions, improvisation, dance, film, and spoken word, creating rich multidisciplinary experiences. His work has earned him recognition in the U.S. Congressional Record, the Caribbean Heritage Trailblazer Award, and top placement on the Jazzweek chart. He has appeared at major festivals and venues worldwide, performing with artists from Roberta Flack to Marcus Miller. Committed to cultural preservation and arts access, Charles is Associate Professor of Studio Music and Jazz at the University of Miami's Frost School of Music.