Christon “Christylez” Bacon is a native Washingtonian and a testament to groundbreaking Hip-Hop, self-expression, and pure artistry. As a performer, Christylez multi-tasks between various instruments such as the West-African Djembe drum, Acoustic Guitar, and the syncopated oral percussions of the Human Beat-Box, all while creating imagery with his lyrics. Christylez has been featured at many venues commonly unassociated with the realm of Hip-Hop music including the National Cathedral, the Kennedy Center, and the Music Center at Strathmore. In March 2008, Christylez became the first Hip-Hop artist to receive an Artist In Residence position at the Music Center of Strathmore. Within months, he quickly became the first artist to sell out both public performances during his month of residency. With versatility, clever songwriting, and pure talent, Christylez will continue to paint his dynamic perspective of Hip-Hop music into to minds of many. “Chris Bacon is an incredible young talent. We’ve seen him charm audiences in a solo show, and we’ve seen him direct remarkable performances with his hip-hop and beat-box together with strings, horns, world percussion and keyboards. We’re big fans and believe he is at the beginning of a phenomenal career.” Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer GRAMMY Award winners “Chris Bacon is one of the most innovative and exciting musicians that Strathmore Music Center has ever had in our emerging Artist in Residence program. He is a consummate performer and a delight for collaborations with artists of different genres. With his background in hip-hop, his version of PachelbeI’s Canon in D is brilliant, as is his beat box accompaniment to old time banjo music. He’s a true musical Renaissance man!” Betty Scott Education Program Coordinator Music Center at Strathmore “Bacon’s albums may be hip-hop, but he takes the genre to a new level.” Majorie Korn Modern Luxury Magazine “Christylez Bacon offers well-written tales and observations about everyday life that flow smoothly over jazz-influenced tunes” Curt Fields The Washington Post