Giveton Gelin

About:  

Pursuing jazz is difficult, especially in the Bahamas. Since 10-years-old, Gelin taught himself to play the trumpet simply by emulating his favorite records. After years of self-tutelage, bass player Adrian D’Aguilar, began to mentor him; thereby, providing him the tools to play jazz. Later on, the Nassau-born trumpeter would study with Dr. Eddie Henderson at the Oberlin Conservatory. The same year, he received recognition at the Young Arts Foundation and Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Program. Thereafter, he continued his studies at the Juilliard School– expecting to graduate in 2021.

After only a year, the trumpeter has played with pioneers of the NY jazz scene such as Curtis Lundy, Harold Mabern, Winard Harper, Sullivan Fortner, Ben Wolfe, and Jon Batiste. Additionally, the 20-year-old trumpeter has received tutelage from some of the world’s greatest trumpeters including Wynton Marsalis, Nicholas Payton, Ralph Peterson, and the late Roy Hargrove. His artistic vision is to pay tribute to his ancestors as well as unify others by incorporating universal human experiences into sound. Through his quintet, Gelin brings forth a new narrative to jazz music.

Contact Information:

Summer of the Arts Festivals:  

• 2021 Iowa City Jazz Festival