Art Ensemble of Chicago
In collaboration with the Wexner Center for the Arts
Mershon Auditorium
Don’t miss this performance by the highly influential and groundbreaking avant-garde jazz group, a collaborator of the filmmaker Sarah Maldoror.
The Art Ensemble of Chicago—formed in 1965 by musicians and composers Lester Bowie, Joseph Jarman, Malachi Favors Maghostut, Roscoe Mitchell, and Famoudou Don Moye—is celebrated for integrating music styles that span the history of jazz and multi-instrumental group improvisations. While the group’s membership has changed several times over the past 54 years, its focus on combining jazz, European art music, and African folk styles has been a constant. Their creative intent, expressed by the slogans “Great Black Music” and “Ancient to the Future” has also remained the same.
Throughout decades of performances, the ensemble has also released over 70 recordings of live shows and studio sessions, videos, and DVDs. The members have explored the use of unique sounds and percussion, pairing them with their principal instruments.
During this live performance, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the group’s creative pairing of original compositions with elaborate costumes, poetry, dance, and more. (75 mins.)