The Journey of Desperado Orchestra

Break it Down.

Desperado Orchestra is a Hawaiʻi based ensemble founded by J. Lawson and Megan Lawson, whose collaboration began in 2009 while performing and composing together in California before eventually settling on Kauaʻi. Drawing from their backgrounds as performers, educators, and historians of American music, the group blends jazz, blues, funk, soul, reggae, world music, and improvisation into an energetic and original sound that celebrates cultural diversity and artistic expression. Beyond their performances, Desperado Orchestra is deeply committed to music education, leading youth orchestras, workshops, and community programs that inspire the next generation of musicians. The band is best known for its vibrant live performances, original compositions, and dedication to preserving and expanding the tradition of African American improvisational music while building a strong musical community throughout Hawaiʻi.

Cody Chestnut wrote of Desperado Orchestra, “a work that is timely in both tone and teachings– a great contribution to the global shift in consciousness… BOLD IN SPIRIT AND SCOPE.”

-Cody Chesnutt 2025 in response to “Tell the Youth the Truth”

J Lawson

J. Lawson a guitarist, vocalist, composer, arranger, educator, and co-founder of Desperado Orchestra. A versatile musician with a passion for African American diasporic music, he has spent more than two decades performing, composing, and teaching across the United States and internationally. His musical style draws from his deep knowledge of African and African American history, jazz, blues, funk, soul, reggae, and world music. He creates performances that are both dynamic and deeply rooted in tradition. His story telling and stage presence engages audiences from around the world.

J grew up in the gospel tradition learning music from his cousin, Charles and Carlton Jenkins. While living in Tallahassee, Florida J Lawson mentored under Cody Chesnutt and developed his own sound with his first band, Runaway Soul. After spending several years performing in Tallahassee, J Lawson moved to Los Angeles where he continued to develop his unique compositions and performance style. Today, J Lawson continues to craft immersive, cross-cultural sounds that celebrate artistic freedom and unity.

Megan Fong

Megan Fong a violinist, pianist, composer, arranger, educator, and co-founder of Desperado Orchestra. With more than two decades of professional performance and teaching experience in New York, California, Shanghai, China, and Hawaiʻi, she has built a career that combines musical excellence with a passion for education and community engagement. Megan studied under the legendary jazz violinist, Leroy Jenkins while living in New York. In 2009 she earned a master’s degree from the African American Improvisational Music Program at the California Institute of the Arts, where she studied with acclaimed jazz innovator Wadada Leo Smith, whose influence shaped her approach to improvisation and composition. Since co-founding Desperado Orchestra with her husband, J. Lawson, she has arranged much of the ensemble’s original music while helping develop its signature blend of jazz, blues, funk, reggae, world music, and American improvisation. In addition to performing, Megan serves as Director of the Kauaʻi ʻŌpio and Keiki Orchestra and is dedicated to expanding access to music education for young musicians throughout Hawaiʻi through lessons, workshops, and community arts programs.

Desperado Orchestra Effectivity:

Building a Community

People gravitate toward Desperado Orchestra because they offer more than entertainment—they create meaningful musical experiences that inspire, educate, and bring communities together. Their original music combines exceptional artistry with authenticity, blending diverse musical traditions into performances that connect with audiences of all ages. Through their educational programs, they foster creativity, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for music, making a lasting impact on students, families, and the communities they serve. It is this combination of artistic excellence, heartfelt performance, and commitment to education that has earned Desperado Orchestra a loyal and growing following.