Ian Coulter-Buford is a powerhouse artist who has been owning his star quality since day one. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Ian discovered his love for performance early, belting out solos at his hometown church and commanding the stage in The MUNY Youth program. Even as a child, Ian famously told his family, “I AM a star!”—and he’s been proving it ever since.

Now based in NYC and Philadelphia, Ian has solidified his reputation as a dynamic performer, choreographer, and recording artist under the moniker PALAWN. A graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University with a B.F.A. in Music Theatre, Ian has taken his talents around the world, with standout performances in London, Johannesburg, and Italy. He recently graced the stage in the North American tour of the Tony® and Grammy-winning Broadway production of HADESTOWN, where he swung his way into audiences' hearts as the Hermes understudy.

As PALAWN, Ian made waves with the release of his debut single, “Juxtapose,” in 2022 under his label, ICB Creative Co., marking just the beginning of his foray into music. Beyond performing, Ian is fiercely dedicated to empowering young artists through teaching and mentorship. He is passionate about creating work that uplifts diverse voices and redefines storytelling on stage and screen.

Ian Coulter-Buford doesn’t just dream big—he delivers