John Bacon Jr.

John Bacon Jr. serves as an Adjunct Lecturer in Percussion, Music Performance, and Jazz Studies at the University at Buffalo's Department of Music within the College of Arts and Sciences. He also teaches at Villa Maria College and SUNY Fredonia, maintaining an active presence across Western New York's academic music programs.

His professional activities span both education and performance:

• Member of prominent jazz ensembles including Star People, Bobby Militello Quartet, Buffalo Jazz Octet, and UB Faculty Jazz Quartet
• Active performer with extensive 2025 concert schedule throughout Buffalo area venues
• Curator of significant musical projects like "Jazz Impressions: 1968"
• Percussion specialist performing with Dragonfly Percussion and Zildjian Cymbals

His notable recognitions include:

• New York State Foundation for the Arts (2013 Artist Fellow)
• New York State Council on the Arts (Individual Artist Composer Commission)

Bacon maintains a dual career as both educator and performer, with his "Meet the Bacons" ensemble presenting Americana, rock, country, folk, and blues repertoire across Western New York venues. His educational background includes a Ph.D. from University at Buffalo.