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Langston Hughes II, at 22 years old, distinguishes himself as an accomplished saxophonist, woodwind doubler, composer, and educator, positioning him as one of the most promising young talents in music today.
Currently immersed in the pursuit of a master's degree in Jazz Studies at The Juilliard School in the vibrant landscape of New York City, Langston's musical journey began in his hometown near Washington D.C. He first started playing saxophone in the Prince George County public school system but later refined his craft at Howard University under the mentorship of the renowned saxophonist and educator Charlie Young III and pianist Cyrus Chestnut, all while being shaped by the diverse cultural influences of Washington D.C.
In 2023, Langston was granted admission to The Juilliard School, one of the nation’s leading music conservatories. There, his talents and passion swiftly garnered the attention of musical luminaries such as Rufus Reid, Wynton Marsalis, Ulysses Owens, and more. In his inaugural year at Juilliard, Langston embarked on tours with Wynton Marsalis and The Jazz at Lincoln Orchestra, shared stages with Rufus Reid, Jazzmeia Horn, Orrin Evans, Nat Adderley Jr., and joined Ulysses Owens Jr. and his Generation Y band in Tokyo, Japan, for a run at famed The Cotton Club.
Beyond performing alongside established musicians, Langston has led his own quartet at prestigious venues and festivals, including Blues Alley, Keystone Korner, The Kennedy Center, the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, and the DC Jazz Festival, leaving audiences captivated and yearning for more.
Langston was also a Strathmore Artist in Residence throughout the 2021-2022 performance season in Bethesda, Maryland. In 2022, he was selected as a participant in the esteemed Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Residency at the John F. Kennedy Center, a performance and composition project discovering and presenting the next generation of jazz greats. There, Langston had the privilege of studying under the tutelage of Jason Moran, Marcus Printup, Peter Martin, Clarence Penn, Chris Thomas, and Chamille Thurman.
Beyond his performances, Langston is committed to music education, having taught over 50 students with the non-profit organization FAME (Foundation for the Advancement of Music and Education). He has also conducted and performed masterclasses at the Levine School of Music, Strathmore Music Center, and various middle and high schools in Prince George County, Maryland. Drawing from the wisdom imparted by his mentors, Langston believes in the significance of mentorship, striving to pass on the invaluable knowledge, experiences, and stories of elders and the great musicians of the past, ensuring the eternal resonance of the art form.
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Langston Hughes II, a 22-year-old saxophonist, woodwind doubler, composer, and educator, stands out as a remarkable young talent in today's vibrant music scene. Currently pursuing a master's degree in Jazz Studies at The Juilliard School in New York City, Langston's musical journey commenced in Washington D.C. and thrived through his education at Howard University.
Admitted to The Juilliard School in 2023, Langston left an indelible impression on luminaries such as Rufus Reid and Wynton Marsalis. In his inaugural year, he embarked on a tour with Wynton Marsalis and The Jazz at Lincoln Orchestra, sharing the stage with esteemed artists like Jazzmeia Horn, Orrin Evans, and joining Ulysses Owens Jr. and his Generation Y band for a memorable run in Tokyo, Japan, at The Cotton Castle.
Langston has also taken the lead with his own quartet at prestigious venues and festivals, including Blues Alley, Keystone Korner, The Kennedy Center, the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, and the DC Jazz Festival, captivating audiences and leaving them yearning for more.
With years of experience and an ever-growing arsenal of technical and creative skills, Langston has cultivated a distinctive sound that radiates beauty, passion, and positivity.
