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Live Tonight on Millennium Stage: Langston Hughes II is a Washington, D.C-based multi-instrumentalist, composer, and bandleader creating inspirational original compositions and re-imaginings of classic songs. What was once a hobby became a clearly destined path for Langston, as he transformed his musical hobbies into a flourishing career. Langston is currently a student at Howard University in Washington, D.C. studying under the tutelage of Charlie Young III, and continues to develop his skills, knowledge, and creative thinking through teachers and mentors such as Cyrus Chestnut, Allyn Johnson, Bruce Williams, Tim Green, and others.
His music radiates beauty, passion, and positivity. With each piece he performs or composition he writes, he invites us to share in his life experiences. His work honors the iconic musicians that influenced him but also embodies a distinctive sound inspired by his faith.
Langston has been the recipient of an array of awards and achievements including a featured soloist for the United States Army Blues Orchestra, a Strathmore Artist in Residence during their 2021-2022 performance season, and he recently was selected to participate in the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Residency at the Kennedy Center where he studied under jazz greats such as Jason Moran, Marcus Printup, Peter Martin, Clarence Penn, Casey Benjamin, Micheal Bowie, Chris Thomas, Chamille Thurman, and more.