The 2024 Columbus International Jazz Series
Beginning this April and running through September, A Tribe for Jazz is thrilled to present the 2024 Columbus International Jazz Series featuring young jazz artists on the rise, in such venues as the Columbus College of Art and Design (ATFJ’s collaborative partner in the series), Columbus Dance Theatre, Capital University Conservatory of Music, and Ginger Rabbit Jazz Lounge (located in Columbus’s Short North district).
A Tribe for Jazz, the Columbus, Ohio–based nonprofit, marches forward in working with jazz musicians to build public profiles that elevate and represent the quality of their work at the highest level; AND spearheading cultural rejuvenation of downtown Columbus by bringing live jazz to places where it’s long been absent. Beginning this April and running through September, A Tribe for Jazz is thrilled to present the 2024 Columbus International Jazz Series featuring young jazz artists on the rise, in such venues as the Columbus College of Art and Design (ATFJ’s collaborative partner in the series), Columbus Dance Theatre, Capital University Conservatory of Music, and Ginger Rabbit Jazz Lounge (located in Columbus’s Short North district).
Our esteemed Artists-in-Residence for this series are Tyrone Allen II and George DeLancey, two brilliant and sought-after bassists with fresh musical perspectives and a broad network of musicians they’re excited to bring before Columbus audiences. “I’m absolutely ecstatic to be a part of this program,” says Allen. “A Tribe for Jazz has been wonderful to work with—I can only dream of where we’ll go from here!” DeLancey, a native of Cambridge, Ohio, declares: “I’m very honored to have the opportunity to work with A Tribe for Jazz, and I’m excited to introduce new, high-caliber players and their music to Columbus and the greater area.”
About Tyrone Allen
In addition to his appearances on recordings by Miki Yamanaka, Kaz George and others, Tyrone Allen II leads the Tyrone Allen II Quartet (TAIIQ), a jazz group with an avant-pop mentality. The quartet will be playing Allen’s original songs as well as a selection of new and old songs he loves. Allen will also appear with his brainchild TY.000 (pronounced Ty-Thousand), which combines the nuances of 20th-century Black American music with the aesthetic and intention of 21st-century dance music to create an inclusive sonic experience relevant to today. Whether you are a musician or not, the music is meant to make your body move while broadening your expectations as a listener.
About Geroge DeLancey
George DeLancey was a student in such prestigious programs as the Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Michigan State University Jazz Studies Program, where he studied under Rodney Whitaker. He toured internationally with the Larry Fuller Trio from 2017 to 2019, and has worked with bandleaders including Wessell Anderson, Peter Bernstein, Bobby Broom, Tia Fuller, Philip and Winard Harper, Christian Howes, Willie Jones III, Wynton Marsalis, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Tomoko Omura, Johnny O’Neal, Houston Person, Ben Paterson, Jeremy Pelt, Bria Skonberg, and many others in New York and throughout the United States. George is director of the Midwest arts initiative Appalachian Muse and is active nationally as a bandleader and educator.
A Tribe for Jazz: 2024 Columbus International Jazz Series – All Events Free unless Noted.
To register for free general admission tickets: A Tribe for Jazz Eventbrite Page
2024 Jazz Appreciation Month Lineup
April
6 Jon Irabagon (Ginger Rabbit Jazz Lounge w/Zakk Jones Trio) *
13 Marta Sanchez (CCAD)
18 George DeLancey (Columbus Dance Theatre)
27 Roni Eytan (Columbus Dance Theatre)
30 (International Jazz Day) Alexandra Ridout (Capital University Conservatory of Music)
* Paid event hosted by Ginger Rabbit
2024 Columbus International Jazz Series Lineup
May
31 Jocelyn Gould (CCAD)
June
22 Yuhan Su (CCAD)
July
18 George DeLancey (Columbus Dance Theatre)
20 Chien Chien Lu and Richie Goods (CCAD)
August
24 Tyrone Allen Quartet (Columbus Dance Theatre)
September
Jazz Appreciation Month April 2024
Kicking off during Jazz Appreciation Month, the series opens April 6 with an artist dear to our heart: Filipino-American saxophonist Jon Irabagon. Jon is performing at Ginger Rabbit as a guest with a trio led by guitarist and educator Zakk Jones followed by the acclaimed Spanish pianist and composer Marta Sanchez at CCAD on April 13,
Kicking off during the month of April, A Tribe for Jazz is pleased to present the 2024 Jazz Appreciation Month Series, which opens April 6 with Filipino-American saxophonist Jon Irabagon. Jon is performing at Ginger Rabbit as a guest with a trio led by guitarist and educator Zakk Jones followed by the acclaimed Spanish pianist and composer Marta Sanchez at CCAD on April 13, George DeLancey’s sextet on April 18 and Israeli harmonica virtuoso Roni Eytan on April 27 both at Columbus Dance Theatre, and a very special International Jazz Day (April 30) with British trumpeter Alexandra Ridout at Capital University Conservatory of Music.
Additional programming includes the “Hear Me Out” Democracy, Education, and Jazz Panel Discussion, film premiere, reception, and artist talk for our documentary short “Exploration” at the Joseph V. Canvani Center and a concert film screening at the Columbus Metropolitan Library - Parsons Branch.
All 2024 Jazz Appreciation Month events are presented with the support of the Greater Columbus Arts Council and Ohio Arts Council.
All events are free and open to the public unless noted (*).
For general admission tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/a-tribe-for-jazz-34277852025
April
3 “Hear Me Out” Democracy, Education, and Jazz Panel Discussion Moderated by: Dr. Aaron Lohmeyer, Winona State University - presented at Capital University Huntington Recital Hall
6 Jon Irabagon (Ginger Rabbit Jazz Lounge w/Zakk Jones Trio) *
11 Film Premiere & Reception of “Exploration,” The documentary delves into the groundbreaking multidisciplinary initiative of the organization, seamlessly weaving together elements of mindfulness, music, and art.
13 Marta Sanchez (CCAD)
18 George DeLancey (Columbus Dance Theatre)
25 Concert Film Screening - Columbus Metropolitan Library - Parsons Branch
27 Roni Eytan (Columbus Dance Theatre)
30 (International Jazz Day) Alexandra Ridout (Capital University Conservatory of Music)
*- Paid event hosted by Ginger Rabbit
Media Contact
Meredith Liepelt
Rising Star Publicity
Meredith@risingstarpublicity.com
(614) 403-8840
A Tribe for Jazz and the National Veterans Memorial & Museum Collaborate for Pilot Workshop
A Tribe for Jazz (ATFJ) and the National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM) and have joined forces for a pilot program to advance social-emotional learning (SEL), the arts, and emotional well-being for both Veterans and youth.
A Tribe for Jazz (ATFJ) and the National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM) and have joined forces for a pilot workshop to advance social-emotional learning (SEL), the arts, and emotional well-being for both Veterans and youth.
NVMM's commitment to fostering dialogue and empathy, particularly among K-12 students and Veterans, aligns seamlessly with ATFJ's vision for pioneering SEL programs that encourage self-discovery and genuine connectivity by using the arts as a catalyst for healing.
For this collaboration, ATFJ has adapted its Exploration workshop to foster inter-generational connectedness, resulting in the creation of Exploration Generations in Harmony. This unique experience, led by clinicians, unites veterans spanning all age groups with their children or grandchildren aged 9 to 17. Through a carefully curated mix of activities rooted in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) objectives, the workshop is designed to deepen relationships and promote bonding among participants. Exploration: Generations in Harmony is an inspiring and creative afternoon of mindfulness, music, and art.
Photo Credit: Nicholas Bungart
Date: Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 11-2:15 p.m.
Location: National Veterans Memorial & Museum, 300 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Registration is required. The event is free. Space is limited. Refreshments included. Wheelchair accessible.
To register click here.
We will be recording the workshop. Release forms provided.
Coats for Kindness
A Tribe for Jazz, in partnership with The Reeb Center, will collect new and gently used coats for all ages to be distributed to the Reeb Avenue community at the annual Holiday Community Dinner.
A Tribe for Jazz and The Reeb Center Join Forces to Support Southside Columbus Residents with "Coats for Kindness."
We are thrilled to announce an exciting partnership between A Tribe for Jazz and The Reeb Center aimed at making a meaningful difference in the lives of Southside Columbus residents through the "Coats for Kindness" drive. This collaboration represents a powerful coming together of two organizations dedicated to serving the community and improving the lives of those in need.
The Reeb Center, a respected community center that has been a beacon of support for the Southside Columbus neighborhood for years, is renowned for its dedication to empowering the local community by providing resources, services, and programs that enhance the quality of life for residents.
The "Coats for Kindness" drive is a joint effort to collect warm winter coats and outerwear for those in need within Southside Columbus. As the winter season approaches, many individuals and families in the community are faced with the harsh reality of not having adequate protection against the cold. This partnership aims to alleviate that burden by providing essential winter clothing to keep them warm and comfortable.
By combining the passion for music, community service, and a strong commitment to social responsibility, A Tribe for Jazz and The Reeb Center are dedicated to making this winter season a little bit brighter for those who may be struggling.
Here's how you can get involved:
🚗 Arrange a Donation Pick-up (within I-270 only):
Contact Stephanie Matthews, Executive Director of A Tribe for Jazz, at (917) 858-9453 to schedule a pick-up on:
Friday, November 17, Monday, November 20, or Tuesday, November 21
🏠 Drop off your donation (A Tribe for Jazz):
If you're in the Bexley/near Downtown area, you can drop off your donation. Reach out to Stephanie Matthews for the drop-off address. Please provide 24 hours' notice.
🏢 Drop off your donation (The Reeb Center):
If you're on the Southside, you can drop off your donation at The Reeb Center, located at 280 Reeb Avenue, Columbus, OH 43207. You can do this from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at the front desk.
Images from Coat Giveaway, December 8, 2023 - Photo Credit: SVC Video
Acclaimed ECM Pianist/Composer Yonathan Avishai
All the way from Paris, France, A Tribe for Jazz is pleased to welcome acclaimed ECM pianist Yonathan Avishai for a series of events in Columbus, Ohio.
A Tribe for Jazz is pleased to welcome acclaimed ECM pianist Yonathan Avishai for a series of events in Columbus, Ohio.
Monday, October 23, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. — Join us at the Bexley Public Library Auditorium for an engaging conversation with moderator Stephen Braunginn, the host of Strictly Jazz Sounds. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the world of jazz with a talented artist! This event is presented with support of the Greater Columbus Arts Council.
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 — Two Masterclass sessions at Capital University.
Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. — Experience a captivating night of music at the Capital University's Conservatory of Music - Huntington Hall. Acclaimed pianist and composer Yonathan Avishai will take the stage with generous support from Capital University, the Greater Columbus Arts Council, and A Tribe for Jazz. Join us for this enchanting musical evening!
Images from “A Conversation with Yonathan Avishai” moderated by Stephen Braunginn, host of Strictly Jazz Sounds - Bexley Public Library
The Big Table
A Tribe for Jazz is pleased to collaborate with Denison Edge for The Big Table, Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at Denison Edge. The topic - The Vulnerability Advantage: Fostering Greater Connectedness in the Workplace
A Tribe for Jazz is excited to partner with Denison Edge for The Big Table conversation taking place on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. The discussion will center around "The Vulnerability Advantage: Cultivating Stronger Connections in the Workplace." The event will be co-hosted by Stephanie Matthews, Executive Director at A Tribe for Jazz, and Belle Giggard, Operations and Customer Experience Manager at Denison Edge. Sessions: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
About The Big Table Launched in 2016 by The Columbus Foundation, The Big Table® is a day dedicated to community-wide conversations. Through intentional dialogue and connection, participants are encouraged to imagine the next steps toward a kind and just future for all.
About Denison Edge Denison Edge is an extension of Denison University's career center in downtown Columbus. Denison Edge equips college students and professionals with highly sought-after workforce skills for those looking to launch, pivot, or accelerate their career.
About Our Topic
In today's fast-paced business environment, building authentic connections and fostering a culture of openness and vulnerability is essential for success. This conversation is an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, connect with fellow business professionals, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about creating a better future for our community.
A Tribe for Jazz x Denison Edge Announcement Video Below.
Jazz Appreciation Series with the Columbus Metropolitan Library
With immense pleasure and excitement, A Tribe for Jazz announces our new community partnership with the Columbus Metropolitan Library. Together, we are embarking on a musical journey that will bring the enchanting power of Jazz to young listeners and music lovers of all ages.
Mark your calendars, and stay tuned for more exciting events as part of our Jazz Appreciation Series. Together with the Columbus Metropolitan Library, we look forward to creating lasting memories and spreading the love for Jazz throughout our community. #jazz #community #youth #music#columbusmetropolitanlibrary #communitypartnership#communityengagement #connectedness
A case study examining “An Exploration of Emotions and Color through Jazz Music” in adults
A Tribe for Jazz is conducting case studies on our social-emotional learning/jazz/arts program, “An Exploration of Emotions and Color through Jazz Music,”
Our pilot initiative, “An Exploration of Emotions and Color through Jazz Music” (which focused on social-emotional learning for youth), yielded an exciting discovery that program benefits extended to front-line workers, specifically adults who care for and educate children.
This revelation led to a comprehensive case study evaluating adult engagement with the arts-based social-emotional learning program. We retained an academic researcher from The Ohio State University and a certified art therapist to document and facilitate three program workshops, which included participants from diverse races, ethnic origins, genders, ages, and professions. We are also producing a short documentary that tells the story of the case study process and results.
The case study aims to:
Understand how adults experience our five-step social-emotional/arts program.
Identify the benefits and challenges of each element and how they work together when combined.
Understand how the program can be improved and expanded.
Workshop dates: June 11, August 5, and August 12, 2023.
Below is a collection of images from all three workshops.
Photo credit: Stephanie Matthews
Jazz Appreciation Month April 2023
In honor of Jazz Appreciation Month, A Tribe for Jazz celebrates the rich heritage of Jazz with an incredible list of programming during the month of April.
Jazz Appreciation Month was created by the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in 2001 to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary heritage and history of Jazz for the entire month of April.
In honor of Jazz Appreciation Month, A Tribe for Jazz celebrates the rich heritage of Jazz with an incredible list of programming during the month of April, which includes screenings of:
our film "Legacy Jon Irabagon, A Solo Tenor Odyssey,"
never-before-seen concert footage of acclaimed pianist Fabian Almazan and bassist /Grammy Award Winner Linda May Han Oh following their return from Australia in September 2021, and
Adam O'Farrill's Stranger Days from the inaugural Columbus International Jazz Series, all of which were created and presented in Columbus and Central Ohio.
The Jazz Appreciation Month programming also includes live solo performances by Irabagon, who is a winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, and Almazan, who is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Harvard University and who has commissioned new work documenting sacrifice zones where predominantly black, brown, and indigenous in South Florida who experience environmental racism subjected to constant air pollution with high levels of pollution and environmental hazards, thanks to nearby toxic or polluting industrial facilities. This subject is highly relevant given the current experience of residents in East Palestine, Ohio.
The Columbus International Jazz Series
This annual series at Capital University features the finest jazz musicians from around the world.
This annual series at Capital University features the finest jazz musicians from around the world. This program is supported by the Greater Columbus Arts Council and the Ohio Arts Council.
All performances will take place at the Capital University Conservatory - Huntington Recital Hall.
September 3rd
Adam O’Farrill’s Stranger Days
September 30th
Caleb Wheeler Curtis Quartet
October 22nd
Kalia Vandever Quartet
Adam O’Farrill’s Stranger Days
September 3, 2022 @ 7PM
For the inaugural performance we proudly present acclaimed Brooklyn-born trumpeter, Adam O’Farrill and his band Stranger Days. For tickets click here.
Brooklyn-bred artist Adam O’Farrill has been heralded as “among the the leading trumpeters in jazz- and perhaps the music’s next major improviser.” (The New York Times). Born into a musical legacy that includes composer Chico O’Farrill and pianist Arturo O’Farrill, Adam has cemented his status as one of creative music’s most in-demand voices, collaborating with Mary Halvorson, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Mulatu Astatke, Samora Pinderhughes, Anna Webber, Vijay Iyer, Mahogany L. Browne, Kambui Olujimi, and Stimmerman. In 2021, Adam released his third album, Visions of Your Other (Biophilia Records), with his quartet, Stranger Days. The album was listed as one of the best albums of 2021 by The New York Times, won the Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik, and The Wall Street Journal wrote of the album, “Mr. O’Farrill’s music is refined and discreet; it integrates aspects of art rock and contemporary classical musicand boasts a cinematic influence.” For his work as a composer and bandleader, Adam has received awards, commissions, and grants from the ASCAP Foundation, the Aaron Copland Fund for Music, The Jazz Gallery, Roulette, The Shifting Foundation, and South Arts.
Caleb Wheeler Curtis Quartet
September 30, 2022 @ 7PM - for tickets click here.
Brooklyn, NY based saxophonist and multi instrumentalist Caleb Wheeler Curtis “lives at the junction of rigorous preparation and willingness to explore.” He appears on two GRAMMY Nominated albums by Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band. With three albums as a leader, and more than a half dozen in close collaborations, Caleb is turning heads and has established a formidable reputation as an improviser and composer of note. His latest album, HEATMAP (feat. Orrin Evans, Eric Revis and Gerald Cleaver, 2022) was released to wide critical acclaim across North America and Europe from DownBeat Magazine, Jazzwise, and others. In addition to band leading, Caleb is a core member of Ember (Sunnyside Records) and Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band (Smoke Sessions). Caleb is a 2021 MacDowell Fellow, D’Addario Woodwinds Artist, SYOS Mouthpiece Artist, and records for Imani Records.
Kalia Vandever Quartet
October 22, 2022 @ 7PM - for tickets click here.
Kalia Vandever is a trombonist, composer, and educator living in Brooklyn, NY. She released her debut album, “In Bloom” in 2019 which has been described as "the rise of an exciting voice for the music." (Seton Hawkins, Hot House Jazz Magazine) Kalia's sophomore album, Regrowth released in May, 2022 on New Amsterdam Records and "confirms her strengths as a composer and bandleader with a distinctly contemporary point of view." (Nate Chinen, WBGO Jazz) She has toured and performed internationally with her quartet, as well as a side-woman, performing with artists including Moses Sumney, Joel Ross, Immanuel Wilkins, Maria Grand, Fay Victor and others. Kalia is an awardee of the 2022 Next Jazz Legacy, a program founded by New Music USA and Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice. She has performed in such venues as Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Preservation Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, The Jazz Gallery, The Blue Whale, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, SMOKE Jazz Club, the Blue Note, and the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center. While performing regularly as a bandleader and side-woman, Kalia is also an active composer and arranger. She has been commissioned to write works for groups and individuals including Tesla Quartet, The Westerlies, Katherine Kyu Hyeon Lim, Hats & Heels Duo and more.
An Exploration of Emotions and Color through Jazz Music
Presented in collaboration with COVERMYMEDS, this unique, five-step program is designed for elementary and middle school students grades 3-8.
2022 GCAC Columbus Makes Art Excellence Award Finalist
The above video showcases testimonials from elementary and middle school music teachers in Columbus City Schools on the impact of "An Exploration of Emotions and Color through Jazz Music."
An Exploration of Emotions and Color through Jazz Music presented in collaboration with COVERMYMEDS is a unique, five-step program designed for elementary and middle school students grades 3-8. The program combines Social Emotional Learning, Jazz Music, Film, Collaborative Abstract Arts, and an Artist Interaction into a one-of-a-kind experience that can be presented through a school’s instrumental music program or as an interdisciplinary collaboration with music, arts, and counseling. The program launched Spring 2022 in select westside COLUMBUS CITY SCHOOLS.
Program Impacts Creativity, collaboration, self expression and confidence.
Exploration is available for placement in classrooms nationwide. For more information contact: Stephanie Matthews, Executive Director, SMatthews@atribeforjazz.org
Watch the Art Makes Excellence Awards Finalist video tribute from the Greater Columbus Council’s Big Arts Night, Nov. 3, 2022, sponsored by Bath & Body Works, PNC, Crane Group, Huntington, CAPA, Mills James, The Wester Great Southern Columbus, ZenGenius
Below are a selection of film stills from the jazz film Legacy Jon Irabagon, A Solo Tenor Odyssey; student art work inspired by the film & music; behind the scenes photos from Westgate ES, West Broad ES, and Wedgewood Middle School, Columbus, Ohio.
Film Screening & Discussion
A series of film screenings followed by panel discussions with the the creators of Legacy Jon Irabagon: A Solo Tenor Odyssey.
Meet the filmmakers of Legacy Jon Irabagon: A Solo Tenor Odyssey. Row One: The Nantucket Atheneum (Photos by Brandon Falconer). Row Two: Columbus Metropolitan Library - Whetstone Branch (Photos by Jessica Rudd). Row Three: Columbus Metropolitan Library - MLK Branch (Photos by Jessica Rudd). Row Four: Columbus Metropolitan Library - Hilltop Branch (Photos by Jessica Rudd)
Leaders in Jazz Service Award
The First Annual Leaders in Jazz Service Award, December 18, 2021 honored music educator Rebecca “Becky” Ogden and her contributions to the Columbus jazz community. The event featured The Jon Irabagon Quartet with special guest Miles Okazaki and The Columbus Youth Jazz Program at the Ohio Historical Center.
The A Tribe For Jazz mission is to preserve the legacy and advance the future of jazz through live performances, education, and community engagement.
To that end, A Tribe for Jazz presents CELEBRATION! An evening of jazz to honor the life and legacy of community icon Becky Ogden and her contributions to youth education and the Columbus Jazz community with special performances by acclaimed saxophonist Jon Irabagon and his heralded quartet (Matt Mitchell, Piano; Chris Lightcap, Bass; Dan Weiss, Drums), with special guest Miles Okazaki, and The Columbus Youth Jazz Program.
The Jon Irabagon Quartet will be presenting new music from their upcoming release “Rising Sun” on Irabbagast Records. To preserve the legacy of Becky Ogden, a community award will be given in her name by A Tribe for Jazz on an annual basis beginning in December 2022.
Rebecca “Becky” Ogden is Central Ohio's premier children's jazz educator. She is a recipient of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra Community Music Educator Award and is the founder of Peanut Butter and Jazz, a series of concerts dedicated to young children with the direct intention of teaching them to love and become our next generation of fans of Jazz. She was the founder of the Columbus Music Hall and is the host of Bungalow Jazz - a series of concerts performed in her home showcasing nationally renowned talent and Columbus's most admired jazz musicians.
The Jon Irabagon Quartet Poised to be a major contributor to the world of cutting edge jazz and unbridled improvisation, the Jon Irabagon Quartet is a highly decorated and like-minded group that places equal balance between thorny, intricate composition and no-boundaries group improvisation, recalling the entire history of jazz and modern classical music and unapologetically combining these worlds into a personalized, group-focused vision. Though this ensemble has performed together in New York City, the group is excited to bring its indelible sound to more of the US in 2022. Bandleader, Jon Irabagon won the Thelonious Monk Saxophone
Competition in 2008 and was named one of Time Out New York’s 25 Jazz Icons. He started his own label, Irabbagast Records, in 2012 to release his own wide-ranging work and has toured worldwide with luminaries such as Dave Douglas, Mary Halvorson, Barry ]Altschul, Ralph Alessi, Kenny Wheeler and Uri Caine.
CELEBRATION! will be held Saturday, December 18, 2021 at the Ohio History Center, 800 East 17th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211 in the auditorium. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. The performance begins at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $55 and available through Eventbrite.
Photo credit: Kenny Smith
Legacy Jon Irabagon
Legacy Jon Irabagon: A Solo Tenor Odyssey is a vibrant, cinematic performance film featuring an array of solo tenor arrangements which are an intimate exploration of life, love and legacy.
ABOUT THE FILM
First-generation Filipino-American saxophonist Jon Irabagon, the restlessly inventive composer and bandleader, founder of Irabbagast Records, in-demand sideman with Dave Douglas, Mary Halvorson, Barry Altschul and many more, is showcased as never before in the innovative performance film Legacy Jon Irabagon, A Solo Tenor Odyssey, directed by Julian Melanson and produced by A Tribe for Jazz Executive Director Stephanie Matthews.
The film features Irabagon completely solo, in a beautifully lit, artistically shot black-box theater environment, playing original compositions drawn from just about every stage in his career, including two previously unreleased songs, “Greebles” and “Alliance.” Throughout he reveals a formidable, deeply felt mastery of the tenor saxophone — arguably jazz’s most iconic instrument. Legacy Jon Irabagon, A Solo Tenor Odyssey is both an extended reflection on the lineage of the horn itself, and a statement on Irabagon’s own considerable artistic legacy.
As intimate as it is visually and sonically arresting, this 43-minute solo tenor odyssey is enhanced by a moody and majestic use of color to complement the emotionality of each piece. Subtle post-production tweaks of the audio lend the experience another aspect of unpredictability and creative freshness.
Legacy Jon Irabagon, A Solo Tenor Odyssey is the first of many special, transformative moments to follow from A Tribe for Jazz, as it weaves stories and themes from varied angles, fused with unexpected and dynamic visuals, to present a portrait of jazz as the captivating, multidimensional art form that it is.
The performance is available to stream on-demand for $4.99. Click here to stream.
Executive Producer, A Tribe for Jazz presents LEGACY: Jon Irabagon, A Solo Tenor Odyssey streaming only on stellartickets.com beginning October 15th.
In this clip, Jon talks about how he came to work with A Tribe for Jazz -- and the excitement of having a team of specialists to work with who understood an artists’s creative vision.
“With LEGACY, my hope is that people will see a fuller, more complete picture of who I am as an artist. I’ve always wanted to challenge audiences with — not only familiar music, but more textures and sounds that can come out of a saxophone.”
Production Videos
A behind the scenes look at the production of LEGACY Jon Irabagon filmed at the Columbus Dance Theatre, Columbus, OH.
Production Stills
From the filming of LEGACY: Jon Irabagon a solo tenor odyssey Photos: Kenny Harris, Jr.
