Jared Crawford aka Choclattjared aka Choc, has been in the entertainment history for over thirty years now. Little did he know his love of bucket drums would have him performing on Broadway one day. Choc is one of the originators when it comes to bucket drums. Back in the day he would play his music on the streets of New York City. Sometimes he would even perform right across the Broadway theaters. He admits that on occasion he'd watch the people file into the theaters and dream about playing inside someday. Not only has he performed on Radio City Music Hall's stage, he has also performed at the Tokyo Dome alongside Lauryn Hill. He's no stranger to fame, like I've mentioned before he's been at this for quite a long time. It all started in church, as a child, that's where he learned how to play the drums. His love of music made it easy to connect with local teens in his neighborhood. Choc soon branched out and ventured into NYC with his brother Larry Wright and street perform all over the city, from Harlem to 42nd street. One of their usual spots to perform was the Times Square subway station. Choc and his brother made it a habit to head out into Manhattan after school and play the buckets for tourists and New Yorkers alike. Pretty soon, they starting playing the buckets during intermissions at Broadway shows. Choc legitimized his place in the entertainment industry when Savion Glover asked him and his brother to partake in the Broadway show Bring In Da Noise, Bring In Da Funk. Bring In Da Noise, Bring In Da Funk, was nominated for nine Tony awards and won four. Once his star started to rise, he hasn't stopped since. Choc has also starred in countless music videos, commercials and even got to perform alongside Harry Connick Jr. in the 2002 Olympics. One would think the pandemic has slowed him down, but he has still managed to work through this global crisis and keep busy. He just recently shot a commercial for Jetblue and is currently in the works with Dunkin. As of late, he is working on his own musical project, BAH, stay tuned. He hasn't let this pandemic stop his hustle one bit. He is adamant about pushing forward and trying to somehow stay optimistic during these stressful times. He says,
"There is a spiritual change happening."
Choc shares his observations and states how by now we should be living like the Jetsons, but instead humanity has taken a turn for the worst. It concerns him how so many people are struggling right now. Choc says,
"Everybody should be treated equally and respectfully."
Choc holds on to his faith during these troubled times and focuses on God to help him stay hopeful and motivated.
Choc makes sure to do his part. One way he contributes to making a difference is his through his program, IBUCKETDRUM. It's a school program where he teaches children how to play the buckets. He teaches the children about the benefits of music along with professional techniques on how to play the bucket. Choc also throws in a lesson about bullying.
Teaching children about music through his program ibucketdrum
Currently Choc does admit that he profoundly misses working with a live audience. Virtual performing just isn't cutting it for him. He confesses what he misses most about performing is,
"The air."
He says the atmosphere is alive when performing for people, he claims the air just feels different.
Performing with Derek Hough at the New York Spring Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall
For now, Choc can only reminisce about the wonderful, exciting experiences he's had during his illustrious career. Like the time when he had a part in the movie Conspiracy Theory with Mel Gibson. While Choc was on set, Mel Gibson gave him his personal hand warmers to use during the freezing weather. Mel even let Choc borrow an Armani sweater that he got to wear in the movie.
Choc also can't wait till this pandemic is over so he can eat inside his favorite restaurant in Harlem, Melba's.
Choc has so many stories to tell about his experiences in the music industry, that he is currently planning on coming out with a book in the near future.
With the challenging times people are going through right now, he has a bit of advice for the people that have a dream tucked away somewhere.
"Live your dream, don't just dream about it."
He points out how he's been able to make a career and have longevity in the industry by playing the buckets. He makes it clear, that it isn't easy. It requires dedication and constant action to keep the dream alive. Whenever things may get difficult, he says,
"Being uncomfortable is not always a bad thing."