Date/Time
Date(s) - 04/23/2021
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location
SFJAZZ Center
Category(ies)
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ONLINE BROADCAST (Recorded: AUG 2017)
- PREMIERE: FRI, APR 23 – 5:00 PM, PT (8:00 PM, ET)
- ENCORE: SAT, APR 24 – 10:00 AM, PT (1:00 PM, ET)
For this special performance filmed in August 2017, 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 led by alto saxophonist Marshall Allen, who has been a fixture of Sun Ra’s bands since 1958.
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. Sun Ra claimed to have come from the planet Saturn to bring peace to Earth. Since his death in 1993, the Arkestra has continued his mission, needed now more than ever.
Fridays at Five is a weekly membership-based online concert series that brings people closer to the music, while providing support for artists, through exclusive hour-long broadcasts of SFJAZZ Center archival performances every Friday at 5 PM PT. Conceived to create a unique shared experience, each event features multi-camera HD video and state-of-the-art audio, as well as real-time chats with artists, jazz fans, and SFJAZZ Members.
Tune in by becoming an SFJAZZ Digital Member, starting at only $5 per month or $50 annually.