Johnson Rhythms is a troop of percussionist and musicians headed by 5 brothers and family members from the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago West Indies.The Johnson Brothers specialize in Caribbean Afro Rhythms with spoken words messages of peace and unity.The Brothers are community activists that promote mutual respect through music and cross cultural communications.They use handmade indigenous instruments from Africa, Asia, Trinidad and anything that can create a sound. They incorporate freestyle /improvisation and solicit musicians to join their pack where ever they perform.
The members
Dr. Ulric Johnson is a licensed clinical psychologist who is the founder and director of Teens Advocating a Global Vision (TAGV) which was formerly Teens Against Gang Violence.Dr. Johnson is peace and violence prevention advocate that use music as therapy which give him the name Dr. Carnival. Joseph Johnson is an Outreach and Education Director for the City of Cambridge Human Rights Commission.Joseph is the president of Triple J Communication a multi-media digital video and audio productions company. Joseph is a Radio Announcer/DJ and MC and media spokes person for the band. Sylvester Johnson is the senior member of the troop and former member of Trinidad’s Arema Village Council. Sylvester is the road manager/head percussionist and costume designer for the troop. Keith Coombs Johnson is the conductor of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Band and member of PANAZZ steel band.Keith is a multi talented musician that plays all instruments and is the arranger for Johnson Rhythms. Kent Johnson is our instrument developer and designer and former member of Trinidad’s premier Band Blue Ventures.Kent designs metal instruments made of steel and aluminum. Michelle Johnson Kent is Boston’s number 1 Iron Woman which is the heart of Johnson Tempo Rhythms.Michelle specializes in the Iron which is an instrument made of the steel drum from the brakes of a car.Her only formal musical education is her spirit and the energy that she inhibits from her grandmother and great grandmother who lived to 102 years old. Johnny Junior Kent is a master drummer and DJ Super Kent who plays for the Group Mighty Charge. Shanu Dean is a master drummer, sound engineer, radio announcer, producer and music conductor. Shanu is the Caribbean Voice of Winnipeg Canada and developer for Caribbean Arts and Entertainment.
Other players and alternates:Leotha Kent, Rick, JR, Stephanie and You
Mission
Johnson Rhythm utilizes music as the universal language that unites people through dance, and festivals that invites cultural expressions. We conduct workshops and presentations on cultural competency, and violence prevention through music, art and dance.Our performances are improvisations of the spirit, mind, soul and body used as therapy to motivate and inspire hope over despair. We celebrate cultural differences and we embrace diversity.
