Clarence Penn, a highly accomplished jazz drummer, is renowned for his remarkable talents in music composition, production and education. Since his arrival in New York
City in 1991, Penn has collaborated with an impressive list of A-list artists, including Ellis and Wynton Marsalis, Maria Schneider, Betty Carter, Dianne Reeves, Michael Brecker and Fourplay, among others. Penn has an extensive discography that features a myriad of studio albums, including two Grammy-winning recordings and a Juno award, and he has toured extensively throughout the world. Additionally, he has produced several projects, created music for commercials and films and received praise for his debut album as a leader, Penn’s Landing, released in 1997. As an educator, Penn has instructed and served as a featured clinician at various institutions, such as Carnegie Hall, the Banff International Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Intensive Jazz Institute. He presently is an instructor at the USC Thornton School of Music and leads his own band and has released multiple recordings, including his latest project titled Monk: The Lost Files, which features arrangements of Thelonious Monk’s music. His forthcoming project includes celebrating songs written by drummers in the pop genre like Phil Collins, Dave Grohl and Levon Helm. Penn’s remarkable versatility, professionalism and commitment to creating warm and genuine music have established him as one of the most outstanding performers in the industry. His aim is to leave a lasting impression on audiences, who can expect only
exceptional and musical performances every time they hear his name.

Mark your calendar: Come groove with Clarence Penn live on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Cal State University, Northridge, as part of the Southern California PAS Day of Percussion!