Theo Canty is a vocalist, songwriter, lyricist, and storyteller whose work lives at the intersection of music, memory, and cultural legacy. A Jacksonville native, he’s been singing since childhood, shaped early on by gospel, jazz, and musical theatre. He trained at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, where he discovered his love for jazz, and later studied classical voice at Berklee College of Music.

Theo is a recipient of the Grady-Rayam Prize in Sacred Music, awarded for excellence in the performance of Negro spirituals. His versatility spans jazz performance, original lyric writing, and theatre, with standout stage roles including Donkey in Shrek and Black in The Wild Party, along with a host of acclaimed community theatre performances.

He has performed for audiences including Nikki Giovanni and former President Bill Clinton, and opened for national touring acts like The Three Mo’ Tenors. Known for his soulful presence and expressive delivery, Theo continues to be a sought-after voice for emotionally rich storytelling through song.

As the founder and Artistic Director of Mixolydian, he curates an intimate jazz listening experience that pairs world-class music with Southern culinary tradition. Set in the heart of Jacksonville, with eyes on the historic LaVilla district, Mixolydian is more than a venue—it’s a platform for artists, a sanctuary for sound, and a revival of the Harlem of the South.