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Curriculum VitaeLes Blachut is a versatile and experienced music professional. Keyboards, Mallet Percussion, Vibraphone, Marimba, Steelpan, Arranger, Composer, Mobile & Studio Recording Engineer, Music Teacher, Private Instructor, Music Competition Judge, Radio Program Producer.
Les Blachut is a South Florida-based versatile musician experienced in jazz improvisation, ethnic music world-wide, experimental collaborations, fusion of contrasting styles, and skilled in many music-related fields of expertise such as: music production, engineering, broadcasting, PA equipment and computer-based audio technology. Les Blachut started his music career in South-Western Poland, city of Katowice, graduating from the only music school in the country that allowed study and performance of musical styles other than classical. The Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music. Shortly after graduation, Les Blachut joined the faculty of Silesia University in Cieszyn and played organ at the Marian Monastery in Bardo Slaskie. Les Blachut continued his career as a performing musician touring Western Europe, USA, Canada, and Caribbean Islands with various musical acts. Les Blachut came to Boston, Mass. in 1989 and entered Berklee College of Music where he studied Music Performance and Music Education graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Dual Major Bachelor’s Degree. Les Blachut also attended seminars of microtonal music at the New England Conservatory and attended selected classes at the International Academy of Arts & Science where he pioneered the application of on-line music technology with the Digital Sound Library. Les Blachut employment history includes: WUNR-1600AM Radio, PRTV Katowice Broadcasting Network, Fort Lauderdale International Airport Terminal Tunes Music Program, Billboard and US Songwriting Competitions, Berklee College Library, Silesia University Theater, Turtle Lane Playhouse, Broward Community College, Miami School of Audio Engineering, Piano Showcase Inc., Disneyworld Entertainment Group, Brampton Symphony Orchestra, Miami World Percussion Orchestra, International Musicians in Space, American Microtonal Society, International School of Audio Broadcasting, North Broward Preparatory School, School of Rock, St. Jude School and Church, St. Helen School and Church, St. Joan of Arc School and Church, St. George Church, St. Coleman Church, St. Bernard Church, Polish Catholic Mission, Liturgical Music Organization, International Music Entertainment Group, Elite Entertainment Agency, Coral Springs Museum of Art, South Florida Vibes Summit, South Florida Gaming Authority, Paul Effman Music Education Services, and more. Les Blachut has been an active member of the Musicians’ Union AFM Local 655, a frequent recipient of the MPTF grant (Music Performance Trust Fund) an in-demand participant in many recording sessions and experimental forums, producer of emerging artists’ music as well as of his own, notably: the 2004 composer showcase "The Music of Les Blachut" and multiple releases of Art Wilson’s Blues Band Records label. Les Blachut is also a frequent recipient of the Chautauqua Grant supporting his live concert and multi-media presentation “Cold War Jazz” exploring the history of jazz under Soviet regime in the Eastern-European countries during the years of 1930-1980. Les Blachut is also know as an accomplished music educator and publisher of educational materials. Please explore the Music Education section of this website for further details. Les Blachut is the founder and co-leader (with Zoltan Grof) of the International Polka Band. Please explore the Polka Band section of this website for further details. Les Blachut currently resides in Coconut Creek, FL and is available for any music-related projects. Thanks! |
Big Band Baby |
SUN-SENTINEL 2004 article Les Blachut described as a "big-band baby" the youngest member of an all-star group among former lead players from Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Nelson Riddle, Harry James, Glenn Miller, Jimmy Dorsey, Tommy Dorsey, Nat King Cole, Louie Prima, Buddy Rich and other world-renown swing orchestras. Currently Les Blachut is a featured soloist with the Last Flight Out Big-Band.
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Jazz Forum (PL) |
JAZZ FORUM (PL) 1981 article:Les Blachut described as a "musical hitch-hiker" on a concert tour that started with the Silesia University Theater to France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary and Czechoslovakia during the heights of Cold War. Also mentioned is Les Blachut's Jazz Ensemble the youngest participating group in the Jazz Juniors competition.
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