Makaya McCraven: In These Times, with opener Astralblak

About

Bridging generations of music with his ecstatic beatwork, drummer and bandleader Makaya McCraven will perform a timely Walker co-commissioned musical suite—his most ambitious work to date. A “beat scientist” who has garnered critical acclaim across the globe while helping to introduce jazz and improvisation to the next generation, McCraven is joined by trumpeter Marquis Hill, guitarist Jeff Parker (Tortoise), bassist Junius Paul (Art Ensemble of Chicago), saxophonist Greg Ward, and harpist Brandee Younger (Moses Sumney). Music is community in this multimedia performance that includes a string section, vocalists, and a video collage made from archival footage of black activists and influential music innovators.

Twin Cities–based funk, soul, and hip-hop collective Astralblak opens, channeling the black experience through a new Minneapolis sound. Come early for music sets by DJ Jon Jon Scott (Sound Verite) in the Cityview Bar, one hour before each performance.