08/07/09

Amiri Baraka to Celebrate 75th Birthday With Week of Jazz, Poetry

By Evan Haga

Among the delights in the new September issue of JazzTimes is an excerpt from DIGGING: The Afro-American Soul of American Classical Music, the recently released book by Amiri Baraka, the iconic playwright, poet, author, critic and activist.

Shameless plugs aside, Baraka turns 75 on Oct. 7 and will celebrate with a week of music, poetry, art and more in his hometown of Newark, N.J. Below are some jazz-related highlights pulled from amirib75.com, the official site with a complete schedule, bio, transportation guide and other info.

Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009
Jazz Vespers concert to honor Amiri Baraka
Bethany Baptist Church
275 West Market Street, Newark, N.J.
(973) 623-8161
bethany-newark.org

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009
Jazz tribute to Baraka; guest artists and location to be announced

75th Birthday Jazz Jam
WISOMMM African-American Cultural Center
15 James Street, Newark, N.J.
Tickets: $50/person