The breadth of John M. Kennedy’s work reflects his early background as a rock and jazz bassist, and an entire career of exploring new ideas and concepts in his music. With the political climate in recent years, his work shifted toward themes of social justice. In April, 2023 one of two large scale projects, "Sidewalks” for singer, multimedia, and ensemble, premiered in Los Angeles, a work promotes empathy for those around us by highlighting the sounds of the region. “Equinox” an EP of his works was released in July 2024 and includes “Mnemonic Meditations Book I” for solo trumpet, James Ford III soloist, and “Breath, Smoke, Crystals” for solo alto saxophone, Tong Yang, soloist. In Spring 2024, “Songs, Improvisations, Refrains” for fixed media and singer was premiered by bass-baritone Nicholas Isherwood in Los Angeles and at June in Buffalo. Kennedy received a Fulbright Scholar Award in 2017 to spend a semester teaching at the University of Malta. Early recognition for his work includes the Charles Ives Scholarship from the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters and a Young Composer Award from ASCAP. His work has been recognized by Meet the Composer (Now New Music USA), ASCAP Plus Awards and Subito Grants from the American Composers Forum, Los Angeles. A faculty member of California State University, Los Angeles since 1994, he received the President’s Distinguished Professor Award in 2021. For more information on his work, please visit www.johnmkennedy.net.