FIVE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
LOSTON HARRIS

February 4, 2016 | by Rusty Aceves

Pianist and singer Loston Harris is a modern master of the Great American Songbook. Here are five things to know about the cabaret star.

1. After meeting Harry Connick Jr. at the 1st Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition in Washington, D.C., Harris was recommended by Connick to study with his mentor, Ellis Marsalis 
2. Harris began his studies at Virginia Commonwealth University as a percussion major. After hearing Harris playing the piano, Marsalis urged the percussionist to switch instruments. Harris later studied piano with Geri Allen and Billy Taylor at Howard University
3. He’s headlined at Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle in Manhattan for over a decade – the same venue that hosted immortal cabaret icon Bobby Short for 35 years 
4. The singer and pianist has been an extremely popular entertainer at celebrity events including George Clooney’s birthday party (with John Mayer), Tom Cruise’s ICON Awards ceremony, Sarah Jessica Parker’s private Sex and the City premiere party, and many others 
5. In addition to performances with Wynton Marsalis, John Pizzarelli, Michael Feinstein, and Marcus Roberts, Harris has released five albums, including his latest, Swingfully Yours