Announcing the Left Field Series w/ “We Always Swing”
We are extremely excited to announce “The Left Field Series” - a new programming adventure presented in partnership with the “We Always Swing” Jazz Series. Together Dismal Niche and “We Always Swing” will present 4 concerts celebrating the avant-garde tradition of expression outside the confines of convention with some of the world’s most vital, forward thinking and expressive artists and musicians.
Tickets for these concerts may be purchased using THIS link or from the jazz series box office.
JAZZ SERIES BOX OFFICE HOURS:
MON.-FRI.: 10 A.M.-5:30 P.M.
573-449- 3009
21 N. TENTH ST., COLUMBIA, MO 65201
www.wealwaysswing.org
Initial Lineup Announcement:
JJJJJerome Ellis
Friday, September 6, 2024 @ Whitmore Recital Hall
In his own words JJJJJerome Ellis "is a disabled Grenadian-Jamaican-American animal, artist, and person who stutters." Ellis's work incorporates contemplative soundscapes using saxophone, piano, flute, dulcimer, electronics, and vocals combining spoken word with ambient and jazz textures. With a focus on improvisation and the interrelations between speech, silence, disability, and religion Ellis’ works are invitations to healing, transcendence, and deep listening. Ellis is a current writer in residence at the Lincoln Center in New York City and has seen his work presented by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Whitney, the Sundance Institute Theatre Lab, MASS MoCA, and more.
Hailu Mergia
Saturday, November 16, 2024 @ The Blue Note
Presented as part of the ‘Extended Play’ mini festival (more info coming soon!)
Ethiopian jazz-funk legend Hailu Mergia in his first ever Missouri performance! With a sound blending Ethiopian traditional melodies with American-inspired jazz and funk, Mergia and his band are one of the most beloved and successful acts in Ethiopian history. Since returning to the stage 10 years ago, Mergia and his band have performed all over the world including Montreal Jazz Festival, the Kennedy Center and Radio City Music Hall receiving stellar reviews for their ecstatic, sweat soaked, high energy performances.
Blacks' Myths
Saturday, January 25, 2025 @ Cafe Berlin
Blacks’ Myths is a duo from Washington DC, based in New York City, featuring Luke Stewart on bass and Trae Crudup on drums. Their unique sound is one of poetic lyricism and cataclysmic noise suited for a contemporary world ravaged by inequality and violence. Blacks’ Myths construct monumental and hypnotic rhythmic structures drawing from Black American history, memory, and lived experience to tell stories and create new mythologies in sound.
Luke Stewart returns to Columbia after notable performances with Makaya McCraven (2019) and Irreversible Entanglements (2021).
SHABAKA
Thursday, February 27th @ The Blue Note
Presented in collaboration with The True/False Film Festival
Shabaka Hutchings and his music are ever-evolving. Well-established as a leader in the renaissance of British Jazz, the London-born multi-instrumentalist has performed classical concertos with major orchestras; fronted significant bands, including Sons of Kemet, The Comet Is Coming, and Shabaka and The Ancestors; and released critically acclaimed albums. Hear his latest reinvention as he channels his artistic vision through flutes from around the world, starting with the Japanese shakuhachi—a traditional wooden recorder that, he says, “slowly changed the scope of [his] inner musical landscape.”
