FirstWorks Summer Beats Concerts: ETIENNE CHARLES GULLAH ROOTS at Roger Williams Park Boathouse Lawn

Internationally renowned jazz trumpet maestro Etienne Charles returns to Providence with his festive big band! High spirits and dancing feet are in the forecast for this free jazz concert inspired by Lowcountry Gullah-Geechee culture and its connections to Afro-Caribbean music traditions.

Over the past two decades, Charles has established himself as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary jazz. Since releasing his debut album in 2007, he has produced eleven critically acclaimed recordings and collaborated with legendary artists including Roberta Flack, Marcus Miller, Monty Alexander and Chucho Valdés, while also touring internationally with the SFJAZZ Collective. A proud musical ambassador for Trinidad and Tobago, Charles is known for weaving Caribbean musical traditions, folklore and history into his compositions, creating a sound that bridges cultures and generations.

This performance transcends the concert stage, integrating big band textures with dancers, masquerade, and spoken word to create a multisensory experience that celebrates the resilience and vibrancy of marginalized communities. Join us for a concert that brings to life the powerful narratives and rhythms of the African diaspora, honoring cultural traditions through the universal language of music.