Was the music of free-jazz pioneer Sun Ra a trick or a treat? Well, that depends on who you ask, what with some people being able to thoroughly enjoy a band famous for switching from Fletcher Henderson-like swing to unbridled cacophony at the drop of a hat and others not having a tolerance for such otherworldly delights. But everyone should agree that performances by Ra’s Arkestra were always a dazzling spectacle with costumed band members and sometimes even fire-eating circus folk crowding the stage. And what better way to spend the Halloween season than with the Arkestra, who continue to tour nearly ten years after their fearless leader left Earth? Now under the direction of longtime Sun Ra saxophonist Marshall Allen (pictured), the band will play a show Oct. 30 at Columbia University’s Faculty House. Concertgoers are encouraged to wear a costume for the occasion. The show is free (double-meaning intended) and open to the public.
The Faculty House is at 400 West 117th St. betw. Amsterdam
& Morningside Ave’s (enter through courtyard on 116th St.). For more information, call (212) 854-8733, -1200, -6428 or -0093, or visit
www.jazz.columbia.edu or www.columbia.edu/fachouse.
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