Below is my audio recap of last week’s 100 Saxophones for Sun Ra. It originally aired on the radio program Reclaimed Soul on Vocalo, 89.5fm and 90.7fm here in Chicago. For more about the event click here.
I’ve also included a slideshow. Jive on!
Tag Archives: david boykin
100 Saxophones for Sun Ra Recap
100 Saxophones for Sun Ra
Chicago Free Jazz composer and saxophonist David Boykin invites you to participate in 100 Saxophones for Sun Ra. David is currently a Resident Artist at the University of Chicago’s Arts + Public Life/Center for the Study of Race Politics and Culture.
David has put out an open call for 100 saxophonists to participate in a musical tribute to Sun Ra in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of his birth. 100 saxophonists will convene and perform “Happy Birthday” at 12 noon in Washington Park (on Chicago’s South Side) on Thursday May 22, 2014, his 100th birthday.
According to the open call:
“This is a historic opportunity to share our collective energy in honor of this musician whose musical, political and spiritual philosophy has been impactful and transformative to so many. His legacy continues because of the ways in which his musical innovation has been central to the free jazz movement in Chicago and beyond.
[David] chose this space and place because of its significance to [Sun Ra]. Along with other musicians, artists and activists he gathered in the park to play and to teach. In celebration of this work we invite you to participate in this gathering of saxophonists of all ages.”
RSVPs should be sent by email to info@sonichealingministries.com
Free bus transportation is available for student groups that wish to participate. Please contact Dominique L. Boyd for bus arrangements at dominiquelboyd@uchicago.edu
Sun Ra (born Herman Poole Blount, May 22, 1914 – May 30, 1993) was a prolific jazz composer, bandleader, piano and synthesizer player, poet and philosopher known for his “cosmic philosophy,” musical compositions and performances. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama. He is a 1979 inductee of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
David Boykin Trio: Live at Dorchester Projects Album Release/Listening Party.
Saturday February 16th at 8pm, join local Chicago Jazz combo The David Boykin Trio (Boykin on sax, Alex Wing on bass, and James Woodley on drums) at the new Washington Park Arts Incubator. They will be playing work from the new album “Live at the Dorchester Projects”. I (also known as DJ Ayana Contreras) will also be spinning.
Dusty Groove says about the new record:
One of the greatest albums so far from mighty Chicago reedman David Boykin – and easily a set that lives up to the rich legacy of avant jazz in the Windy City! There’s a depth to the record that comes through right from the very first note – a sense of history and feeling that shows just how much Boykin’s developed as a player over the past decade or so – a tenorist with a done that’s right up there with Archie Shepp or David Murray at their creative best – really stretching out on some wonderful solos that never fail to dim in imagination or new ideas.
The event is a part of the “Off the Record Series”, through the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and Elastic Arts. The year-long series highlights new works by local musicians released on vinyl.
Below, my interview with David about the new record, and about the scene in Chicago today. This originally aired on my radio program, Reclaimed Soul. Reclaimed Soul airs on 89.5fm in Chicago, and streams on vocalo.org everywhere Thursday Nights at 8pm CST. Jive on!
the particulars:
David Boykin Trio: Live at Dorchester Projects Listening/Album Release Party
Friday February 16th, 8pm – 11pm
Washington Park Arts Incubator
301 East Garfield Blvd., Chicago
Archeologist and Architect: this Friday at the SSCAC.
This Friday, (aka DJ Ayana) am spinning at the Southside Community Art Center, an establishment originally founded with help from the WPA during the Great Depression. It is the nation’s oldest African American Art Center.
Also on the bill is the David Boykin Trio (featuring Marcus Evans on drums, Alex Wing on bass, and Boykin on saxophone.) More details on the flyer below. Jive on!
Early Warning: David Boykin Expanse, DJ Ayana, and the Photography of Wilbur Holmes
Surplus of Options presents another night of sounds and sights.
HEAR:
David Boykin’s Expanse
David Boykin (reeds, v)
Jim Baker (p)
Josh Abrams (b)
Marcus Evans (d)
&
DJ Ayana Contreras
laying down solid tracks throughout the night.
SEE:
The found photography of Wilbur P. Holmes. These are the personal works of an artist who freelanced for Jet Magazine. Photos are circa 1960’s-70’s.
$10 suggested donation
20% off all antiques & art
free snacks & drinks
Saturday April 21st, 8pm til 1am
Surplus of Options
3644 North Lincoln Ave.
Chicago
for more on Wilbur Holmes, click here.
Yesterday and Tomorrow (it’s a chicago thing): David Boykin Trio at Danny’s featuring DJ Ayana
Below, one of the great Chicago recordings that I’ll feature.
check out a bit of David’s work below.
Melodic Expansions: David Boykin Expanse with DJ Ayana… pass it on.
Psssst… David Boykin Expanse with DJ Ayana. It’s a righteous situation at a secret location. RSVP info@perpetualrebel.com for more info.
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word on the street
Janice on Gouster or Ivy Leaguer? Nyssa Perkins on La Cade: The little hair care… Drew on Hi-Fi White: Foodstamps, Bulld… Nicholas B on No Coast, Schmo Coast… 
darkjive.com 