Today we're shining the spotlight on a young staple of the Seacoast music scene. With credits ranging from critically acclaimed indie rockers Tan Vampires to hip-hop up-and-comer Moe Pope, to his featured act The State Line Big Band, Chris Klaxton has established a reputation as a musician who can thrive in just about any setting.A New Hampshire native, Chris attended the University of New Hampshire and was taught by Dr. Robert Stibler. After graduating, he was an assistant and travel manager to jazz legend Clark Terry. He currently performs as a freelance trumpet, keyboard, and percussion, and guitar player in a wide variety of ensembles.
Chris is also a music educator on the faculty of the Portsmouth Music and Arts Center, Musical Arts, and was recently appointed as director of jazz bands and adjunct teaching lecturer at Plymouth State University. He teaches private lessons in Trumpet, Piano, and Composition.
Chris will be performing with two ensembles this year - as a member of the Afro-beat orchestra Shango on Wednesday at 8:00 PM at the Dance Hall in Kittery, and as the leader of the State Line Big Band at the Main Event on Saturday at The Music Hall. The State Line Big Band is an 18 piece orchestra comprised of some of the finest players in the Seacoast area, and will be performing three original compositions.
