Sun Ra Arkestra

Fokus Afrofuturism

This concert has already taken place! 10 | 18 | 38 | 54 | 58
This concert has already taken place! 10 | 18 | 38 | 54 | 58
Sun Ra Arkestra
Sun Ra Arkestra
  • Doors open 19:00

  • Start 20:00

  • End ca. 21:45

Pharaohs of the future

The Sun Ra Arkestra has had a unique influence on the pop culture of today: founded in 1952 by the jazz legend and prophet of »Afrofuturism« Sun Ra, the ensemble’s big-band sound quickly reached interstellar spheres. They were pharaohs from the future, and from their instruments came cosmic free jazz – always »funky to the bone«, with a direct physical dimension. For the Afro-American musician, combining science fiction with the visual language of past civilisations was a political act. Sun Ra had a vision of a freer future with unlimited possibilities for self-fulfilment.

Discount: By presenting a ticket for this concert you will receive €1 discount on a ticket for the film screening »Space is the Place« at the Zeise Kino.

The bandleader died in 1993, but his legacy lives on. With the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement, the Sun Ra Arkestra once again finds itself at the centre of interest. An entire generation of young jazz musicians, hip-hop producers and fashion designers refer to the epoch-making ensemble. The Marvel blockbuster »Black Panther« would also not have been possible without the Sun Ra Arkestra. Today, the band is led by the saxophonist Marshall Allen, a musical companion of Sun Ra’s. Unfortunately, the 98-year-old musical director cannot perform at the concert at short notice. Instead, Knoel Scott, Michael Ray and Vincent Chancey, all still members of the original Arkestra in Sun Ra’s time, will lead the band through a galactic evening together with saxophonist James Stewart.

Performers

Sun Ra Arkestra

Cecil Brooks trumpet

Carl Leo Le Blanc guitar

Tara Middleton vocals

Knoel Scott vocals, saxophones

James Stewart tenor saxophone

Chris Hemingway alto saxophone

Vincent Chancey french horn

Michael Ray trumpet

Elson Nascimento percussion, surdo

Tyler Mitchell bass

George Alfonso Gray jr drums

Ramón Valle piano

Supporting programme

Sun, 14 Aug 2022 11:00
»Space is The Place«, Zeise Kinos

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 11:00
»Space is The Place«, Zeise Kinos

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 18:00
»Space is The Place«, Zeise Kinos

Series

Jazz at the Elbphilharmonie

Spotlight

Afrofuturism

Promoter: HamburgMusik

Supported by Freundeskreis Elbphilharmonie + Laeiszhalle e.V. and Stiftung Elbphilharmonie

During your visit

Elbphilharmonie Plaza

A public viewing platform on the 8th floor of the Elbphilharmonie

More about the Plaza

Food and Drink

Before the concert and in the interval

Find out more

Coughing, clapping, chatting

Tips for your concert visit

Read now