Sun Ra Arkestra | 2023 Summer Sessions
Sun Ra Arkestra
The Exploratory Side of Sun Ra

Sun Ra Arkestra

An Adventure into Outer Space

JUL 20-23 | SUN RA ARKESTRA

Jul 20 - Jul 21, 2023
Miner Auditorium

PLEASE NOTE:
This page is an archive of a past production


Please visit our calendar for all upcoming SFJAZZ shows.

Calendar

Original show description below.

Dance floor is General Admission standing room only. If you would prefer seats, please select a different level for this show. Patrons with seats, please enter the auditorium through the 2nd floor entrances.

Please note: 99 year-old bandleader Marshall Allen is no longer traveling with the band on concerts outside the Philadelphia region, and therefore will not be performing during these shows. The rest of the band will be participating in these concerts.

The enduring legacy of jazz visionary and legendary eccentric Sun Ra is celebrated by this ensemble made up of Arkestra veterans and a younger generation of exploratory musicians, who has been a fixture of Sun Ra’s bands since 1958. For the first two nights of their week, the band focuses on the more experimental exploratory music from Sun Ra’s songbook.

Born Herman Blount, the enigmatic composer and keyboardist known as Sun Ra created an entire universe of expression through his pioneering Afro-futurist concepts in music and philosophy. He integrated Ellington-influenced big band swing with free jazz, the blues, electronics, and African musical traditions while establishing a singular visual style that combined futuristic concepts with ancient Egyptian iconography. One of the most prolific recording artists of all time, he released over a hundred full-length albums and innumerable singles during his career. His Arkestra appeared on Saturday Night Live, and was named Best Big Band in DownBeat’s Critics Poll five times.

Since his death in 1993, the Arkestra has continued to record and perform, first by the late tenor saxophonist John Gilmore, and under the direction of Marshall Allen (who will not be performing during these shows) for the last dozen years. Sun Ra claimed to have come from the planet Saturn to bring peace to Earth. His Arkestra continues this mission, needed now more than ever.

More

For the first two nights of their week, the Arkestra focuses on the more experimental exploratory music from Sun Ra’s songbook.

PRESS
CBS News: Sun Ra Arkestra returns to SFJAZZ Center

KQED: A Beginner's Guide to Sun Ra

Just like the days of old, the members of the Arkestra play music untethered by gravity and time.

All About Jazz

Just like the days of old, the members of the Arkestra play music untethered by gravity and time.

All About Jazz

Personnel

Elson Nascimento percussion, surdo
Jorge De Silva percussion
George Grey drums
Tyler Mitchell bass
Farid Barron piano
Kevin Bachelor trumpet
Cecil Brooks trumpet
Dave Davies trombone
Robert Stringer trombone
Knoel Scott baritone sax
Chris Hemingway alto saxophone
Anthony Nelson saxophone
James Stewart tenor sax
Tara Middleton vocals
Kash Killion cello

Watching Sun Ra Arkestra is akin to seeing a group of people have a religious experience, with each individual pouring their soul into their music.

The Guardian

Personnel

Elson Nascimento percussion, surdo
Jorge De Silva percussion
George Grey drums
Tyler Mitchell bass
Farid Barron piano
Kevin Bachelor trumpet
Cecil Brooks trumpet
Dave Davies trombone
Robert Stringer trombone
Knoel Scott baritone sax
Chris Hemingway alto saxophone
Anthony Nelson saxophone
James Stewart tenor sax
Tara Middleton vocals
Kash Killion cello

Watching Sun Ra Arkestra is akin to seeing a group of people have a religious experience, with each individual pouring their soul into their music.

The Guardian

Watch & Listen

Sun Ra Arkestra

We Travel The Spaceways

Sun Ra Arkestra

Rocket Number Nine

Sun Ra Arkestra

We Travel The Spaceways

Sun Ra Arkestra

Rocket Number Nine

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