Legendary, genre-defining, extra-planetary The Sun Ra Arkesta move their galactic universe to jazz club Fasching for an evening of the magical music of poet, philosopher and avant-garde musician Sun Ra.
After Herman Poole Blount aka Sun Ra left the planet, the Arkestra was led by tenor saxophonist John Gilmore. Since Gilmore’s death in 1995, the group has performed under the direction of alto saxophonist Marshall Allen, who celebrated his 100th birthday in May 2024.
These days, Marshall Allen shares leadership of the Arkestra with veteran saxophonist Knoel Scott. Although Marshall Allen is still the one who leads the band in the US, he cannot accompany him to concerts outside the US.
Sun Ra’s music spans the entire history of jazz, from ragtime to swing music, from bebop to free jazz. He was also a pioneer in electronic music, space music and free improvisation.
The Arkestra continues forward, not as a repertory band or a ghost band, but as a spiritual big band following Sun Ra’s precepts. The band now returns to Fasching with a repertoire of Sun Ra compositions and Marshall compositions deeply rooted in the spirit of Sun Ra.
It’s been five years since the band was here, now it’s time to once again prepare for an experience out of the ordinary.
