Leon "Foster" Thomas, one of Trinidad and Tobago's sons of the soil who currently forging a new path in the music industry mixing Caribbean jazz with a great soulful edge and jazz tunes.

Winner of the 2002 World Steelband Music Festival Soloist category and the Festival's Duet category in 2004, "Foster" is doing his part to expose music lovers to the versatility and many capabilities of this remarkable instrument. Awarded Florida Memorial University Visual and Performing Arts Most Outstanding Student in 2005, Foster has proven to be as versatile as his instrument of choice.

Born August 25th, 1981, in San Fernando, Trinidad, Leon, the fourth of seven siblings started his musical journey at the tender age of three. Under the leadership of his late father, Loderick "Rollo" Foster, Leon began playing African drums with some of the best drummers in Trinidad & Tobago, representing the country in Carifesta celebrations and also Desmond Tutu's visit.

In 1993, Leon began playing the Steel Pan through his friend Roger Charles. At age 14, Leon played with Panasonic Connection and Fonclaire Steel Orchestra in his first Trinidad and Tobago National Panorama Competition. In 2008, he won the competition with Phase II Pan Groove. Leon graduated from Florida Memorial University with a Bachelor of Music, with a concentration in Jazz Studies

in 2005. While at the University, he traveled locally, nationally, and internationally giving workshops and concerts. Primarily a jazz musician, Leon is well versed in different music genres and has worked with great musicians.

Apart from his playing, Leon is also recognized as a composer, arranger, and drummer. In 2003 he composed the piece, "Call of the Amerindians: Rule of the Cacique", for Shiron Cooper (now deceased), which won her the top prize at the 26th Biennial Music Festival held in Trinidad and Tobago.

In 2010, Leon released his debut solo album, entitled "What You Don't Know". On this album, he expresses himself through his compositions, and has transcended genres while still maintaining his unique Jazz style.

In Ekaterinburg Leon "Foster" Thomas performes together with Oleg Butman jazz trio on the scene of the EverJazz club.

When: September 11, Saturday

Start: 19:30

Admission: 1000 - 2000 rubles

Where: Ben Hall Pub, Narodnoy Voli ul., 65 (ул. Народной Воли 65)
Phone: (343) 213 65 84