Show Info
Friday, March 11, 2016
9:00 PM
$8.00
Bio
Columbia, SC native Joseph Priester started his musical journey at age 3, being tutored by his mother and grandfather in the home. The young Joseph grew to not only loving gospel music, but all music. Being the son of a preacher, he learned quickly all forms of gospel music. Joseph became a well- rounded musician and vocalist leading the choir at his father’s church. When he became of age, he was afforded many opportunities to express himself musically through the school band and chorus.
Joseph began to venture out and learn from many other musicians in the area. He began learning and playing with musicians at Charlotte’s Excelsior Club. After several years, he started his group IIZM which consisted of Joseph, Antonio McMillion, Noble Guest and Terry Dillard. They developed a sound and were a popular group, performing in venues all over the Southeast. They became a staple at CJ’s at The Adams Mark, Crawford’s, The Vault and many other Charlotte venues. In 2002 the band released The IIZM THEORY, a collection of original music by the entire band. Continuing to travel, Joseph began working with many mainstream artist. He has opened for John Legend, Jimmy Cozier, and Maze ft. Frankie Beverly and many others. He was one of the founding members of the R&B group LEXXUS. They sign a 3 year deal with DS Records in Miami, FL in 2003. Notable performances were many for Joseph and his group IIZM. Outside of IIZM, Joseph has produced several projects with many up and coming artists. He was featured with Stephanie Mills in a live Unplugged performance on Charlotte’s V101.9FM.
JP was afforded an opportunity to travel internationally with The Five Blind Boys of Alabama, touring in Prague, Canada and other international cities. He also has released his fist single in 2007, “Where Did Love Go” on Tri Factor Music Group. Joseph also studied Jazz Improvisation, Choral Development and Music Theory. He is a member of The American Federation of Musicians in Charlotte, and ASCAP Publishing.
Currently, Joseph is the Music Director at one of the city’s oldest congregations Rockwell AME Zion Church, member of the Board of Directors of High Priest Music Group. He is also working to release a new project due out Spring 2016. He took on the name JP IIZM continues to find ways to make his performances unforgettable.