Jesse Paris Smith is a composer, multi-instrumentalist, activist, producer, and co-founder of Pathway to Paris. She has performed globally in many configurations and collaborations. Her music compositions have been commissioned for films, commercial work, installations, fashion shows, audiobooks, and live film score performances. She is on the Associate Board of Tibet House US and a regular participant of the Tibet House US Benefit Concert. In light of the Himalayan earthquake in April 2015, Jesse responded by founding Everest Awakening, an initiative which raises awareness and funding for various projects in Nepal and Tibet. Jesse has hosted, co-curated, and produced events at Tibet House US, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, The Morgan Library, and The Rubin Museum of Art.

Jesse’s activism and advocacy for climate action stem from her love of nature and earth science. That call came early and suddenly when she accidentally discovered the terms ‘global warming,’ ‘fossil fuels,’ and ‘greenhouse’ in a newspaper article while seeking a topic to write on for a high school history assignment. Aghast at what she hadn’t been taught in school, she immediately set about reading, learning and volunteering with environmental organizations. She continuously and tirelessly campaigns on behalf of her initiatives. 

Jesse is a graduate of the Sound and Music Institute, trained in integrative practices of music and sound therapy. She has also studied Performance Wellness with the late Louise Montello.

Jesse was born in Detroit and spent her early childhood in St. Clair Shores, Michigan.  She divides her time between Michigan and New York City. http://www.jesseparissmith.com