What does freedom sound like? This month, the Jazz Generations Initiative is contemplating that question and so much more with a slate of panels and live performances featuring dynamic makers of Black music: Kofi Hunter, Irwin Hall, donSMITH, Devon Gates and Liany Mateo. Each Tuesday in June, they’ll be in conversation with other artists and thinkers at 651 Arts in Ft. Greene, followed by a performance at our signature event, Soundoff Sessions, at Café Erzulie, each Thursday.
Black Music Month wouldn’t be complete without dance—so join us on Sunday, June 21 at Erzulie for a celebration!
All of these programs are free with RSVP and open to the community. Join us!
Chapter 1: Kofi Hunter
Resistance in Exile: A Listening Session in Tribute to Hugh Masekela featuring Akili Bradley, Zoe Molelekwa and Dr. Sean Jacobs | Tuesday, June 2, 6-7:30pm | 651 Arts, 10 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
A listening session and panel honoring Hugh Masekela’s musical and political legacy, hosted by percussionist Kofi Hunter. RSVP here.
Kofi Hunter Soundoff Sessions | Thursday, June 4, 7pm Doors | Café Erzulie. RSVP here.
Chapter 2: Irwin Hall
The World Within: The Global Sounds of John Coltrane | Tuesday, June 9, 6-7:30pm | 651 Arts, 10 Lafayette Avenue
A live lecture and interactive demonstration exploring John Coltrane’s music through global traditions, delivered by saxophonist Irwin Hall. RSVP here.
Irwin Hall Soundoff Sessions | Thursday, June 11, 7pm Doors | Café Erzulie. RSVP here.
Chapter 3: donSMITH
donSMITH on Indie Filmmaking, Scoring & All That Jazz | Tuesday, June 16, 6-7:30 pm | 651 Arts
Musician and filmmaker donSMITH screens and discusses his short film about the realities of being a working artist, Between Gigs, along with the accompanying soundtrack Overworked! Underpaid! RSVP here.
donSMITH Soundoff Sessions feat. Zacchae’us Paul | Thursday, June 18, 6-7:30 pm, Café Erzulie. RSVP here.
Juneteenth Weekend Closing Celebration
Featuring local and special guest DJs, in collaboration with Damballa Sundays, right across the street. Come to dance, party, and close out Juneteenth weekend with us. Sunday, June 21, 9:30pm-2am at Café Erzulie. More details to come!
Chapter 4: Devon Gates & Liany Mateo
Exploring Multi-dimensionality, Identity & Personhood | Tuesday, June 23, 6-7:30 pm | 651 Arts
Bassists and bandleaders Devon Gates and Liany Mateo are joined by scholar Dr. Farah Jasmine Griffin, vocalist-flutist Melanie Charles and vocalist and curator Faith Quashie, to discuss questions of creativity and self-preservation for Black women artists. RSVP here.
Devon Gates & Liany Mateo Soundoff Sessions | Thursday, June 25, Doors 7pm | Café Erzulie. RSVP here.
The Jazz Generations Initiative cultivates creative futures in jazz performance and scholarship by celebrating the music's past and keeping its present rooted in community. Backed by a grant from the Mellon Foundation, and support from the Jazz Foundation of America, we’re most excited to be working with you: the audience, the artists and community that we’re bringing together around this music in New York, New Orleans and in the digital sphere.