It is very interesting, because we have known Farnell Newton over the years, and yet he has never been on the air with us! Bringing in 2017, we aim to rectify that.
If you are a lover of music, you most likely have encountered the presence of Farnell Newton, either physically or in sound. Currently based in Portland, OR, he and his trumpet have recorded with, and shared the stage with many, including Liv Warfield, Saeeda Wright, and Tony Ozier (who shares responsibility with Farnell in running FNBeatsGalore Records). On an international level he has performed with Jill Scott, Bootsy Collins, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Lalah Hathaway, Earth Wind & Fire and many more!
Of course, not only do we enjoy some great music; we also aim to emphasize those in our communities doing some positive work. A multi-faceted activist, Farnell organized (with Tony Ozier and DJ O.G. One) the Portland Black Music Festival in response to local artists getting ignored as opening acts for larger national acts, as well as a response to the dearth of artists of African descent highlighted in Portland's local music scene.
One of the most crucial aspects to Farnell's experience is his work with young people. His impact has been made, from children in the New Columbia Neighborhood (an area in Portland with the highest concentration of Africans) to those he teaches at Portland State University (at the Jazz department). Not only has he mentored kids in the ways of fueling their technological skills to further their talents, he's also utilized his skills with the PDX Jazz Project.
For more information, go to http://farnellnewton.com/
Get on that othership!
(Image: Sharon Thomas; courtesy of farnellnewton.com)