Event Description

“The possible has been tried and failed. Now it’s time to try the impossible.” — Sun Ra

The Sun Ra Arkestra is known worldwide for its live shows that combine big-band swing, space-age free jazz, bebop, singing, dancing, chanting and Afro-pageantry. The Arkestra has been at the forefront of Afrofuturism since its inception. Herman Poole Blount — better known by his stage name, Sun Ra — founded the Sun Ra Arkestra in Chicago in the mid-1950s. Sun Ra, a jazz composer, bandleader and pianist, is considered one of the earliest pioneers of the synthesizer and the free jazz revolution of the 1960s. He had sent a strong spiritual and musical message to his Arkestra, wanting them to help make the universe better through positive vibrations and music. The group has recorded over 100 albums, including the Grammy-nominated Swirling (2020). After more than 60 years, the band continues to tour worldwide, performing at prestigious venues like the Kennedy Center, Radio City Music Hall and the Berlin Opera House.