The Jazz Epistles were South Africa's first black jazz band, pioneering a new musical form influenced by bebop and traditional South African music. Inspired by Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, The Jazz Epistles formed when the Dollar Brand Trio from Capetown-which included pianist Abdullah Ibrahim, bassist Johnny Gertze, and drummer Makaya Ntshoko-combined talents with alto saxophonist Kippie Moeketsi, the late great trumpeter Hugh Masekela, and trombonist Jonas Gwangwa. Their first and only album, Jazz Epistle, Verse 1, released in 1959, brought them international acclaim. Following the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre and the increasing oppression of the apartheid government-including the prohibition of jazz music-band members emigrated to Europe and North America. Two of them, Ibrahim and Masekela, would go on to become jazz stars in their own right.
A major initiative by The Royal Conservatory of Music was the formation a new ensemble of musicians created to celebrate the cultural diversity and pluralism of Canada during the country's sesquicentennial. It was conceived by Mervon Mehta, Executive Director of Performing Arts at The Conservatory. The ensemble, then known as theNew Canadian Global Music Orchestra, launched in Koerner Hall on June 2, 2017 and toured Canada with stops in Ottawa, Calgary, London, Guelph, and Montreal. It has now been renamed KUNE - Canada's Global Orchestra.
Damian Woetzel continues his innovative interdisciplinary series uniting artists from across fields in a special one-night only performance, March 7 in the Terrace Theater. Part of the inaugural DIRECT CURRENT, the Kennedy Center's two-week celebration of contemporary culture, this installment of the multi-genre series will present recently commissioned works, including a world premiere, and Washington, D.C. premieres by some of today's most creative and groundbreaking voices in dance and music.
The work and life of legendary artist and activist Harry Belafonte will be celebrated during a concert at Aaron Davis Hall on Thursday, March 1, at 7:30 p.m. "Turn the World Around: The Music and Legacy of Harry Belafonte" will present audiences with a special evening of songs and stories in honor of and on the icon's 91st birthday.
The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at the University of British Columbia (UBC) presents The Jazz Epistles: Abdullah Ibrahim with guest Terence Blanchard in a rare tribute concert, February 18 at 7pm in the Chan Shun Concert Hall. Half a century after the release of their landmark album, Jazz Epistle Verse 1, iconic keyboardist and Jazz Epistle alumnus Abdullah Ibrahim revisits the legendary repertoire of his historic South African ensemble. Four-time GRAMMY-winning New Orleans trumpeter Terence Blanchard joins Ibrahim and band Ekaya as guest performer of these jazz masterworks produced during the apartheid struggle.
Continuing its ongoing commitment to preserving and celebrating timeless recordings, the Recording Academy has announced the newest inductions to its distinctive GRAMMY Hall Of Fame
Hugh Masekela, originally part of the Jazz Epistles concert with Abdullah Ibrahim, has unfortunately withdrawn from the tour due to illness. Trumpeter Keyon Harrold will perform as special guest for this concert, which celebrates the music and legacy of the Jazz Epistles, South Africa's earliest and most influential jazz bebop band.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, New York City Center's Principal Dance Company, returns to the theater's stage tonight, November 29th, through December 31st, 2017.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, New York City Center's Principal Dance Company, returns to the theater's stage from November 29th - December 31st, 2017. Artistic Director Robert Battle leads Ailey's 32 extraordinary dancers during this annual five-week engagement, which has become a joyous holiday tradition.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, New York City Center's Principal Dance Company, returns to the theater's stage from November 29th - December 31st, 2017.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, New York City Center's Principal Dance Company, returns to the theater's stage from November 29th December 31st, 2017.
Joseph V. Melillo, executive producer of the Brooklyn Academy of Music, today announced programming for the BAM 2018 Winter/Spring Season. The season runs from January 15 through June 23 and includes theater, dance, music, and other live events in the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House, BAM Harvey Theater, and BAM Fisher. Scroll down for highlights!
The Royal Conservatory of Music regrets to announce that, unfortunately, Hugh Masekela will be unable to join Abdullah Ibrahim & Ekaya for the Jazz Epistles concert at Koerner Hall on Saturday, April 21, 2018 due to complications from prostate cancer. The Conservatory sends Hugh Masekela best wishes and hopes he is able to rehabilitate from this condition. Freddie Hendrix will be assuming the trumpet chair in place of Mr. Masekela for this concert.
The Royal Conservatory of Music has announced that there have been some updates to the line-up of the musicians slated to perform in the upcoming Miles Electric Band concert on October 14.
The Royal Conservatory of Music has announced that there have been some updates to the line-up of the musicians slated to perform in the upcoming Miles Electric Band concert on October 14.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, New York City Center's Principal Dance Company, returns to the theater's stage from November 29th - December 31st, 2017. Artistic Director Robert Battle leads Ailey's 32 extraordinary dancers during this annual five-week engagement, which has become a joyous holiday tradition.
The Skirball Cultural Center concludes its twenty-first anniversary season of Sunset Concerts with the Los Angeles debut of the Venezuelan ensemble Betsayda Machado y La Parranda El Clavo today, August 31, at 8:00 p.m. The multigenerational group of dancers and musicians will be celebrating their thirtieth anniversary as well as the upcoming release of their debut album.
The Skirball Cultural Center concludes its twenty-first anniversary season of Sunset Concerts with the Los Angeles debut of the Venezuelan ensemble Betsayda Machado y La Parranda El Clavo on Thursday, August 31, at 8:00 p.m. The multigenerational group of dancers and musicians will be celebrating their thirtieth anniversary as well as the upcoming release of their debut album.
.jpg?format=auto&width=365)
