Makaya McCraven: In These Times, with opener Astralblak
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Makaya McCraven: In These Times, with opener Astralblak

Makaya Mcraven
Makaya McCraven. Photo: Leslie Kirchoff.

World Premiere/Walker Commission

“McCraven, a Chicago-based drummer, producer and beat maker, has quietly become one of the best arguments for jazz’s vitality.” —New York Times

Bridging generations of adventurous music with his improvisational genius and ecstatic beatwork, drummer and bandleader Makaya McCraven performs a timely Walker co-commissioned musical suite—his most ambitious work to date. A “beat scientist” who has galvanized audiences and garnered critical acclaim across the globe while helping to introduce jazz and improvisation to the next generation, McCraven is joined by trumpeter Marquis Hill, guitarist Jeff Parker (Tortoise), bassist Jeremiah Hunt, saxophonist Greg Ward, pianist Greg Spero, violinist Macie Stewart, cellist Lia Kohl,harpist Brandee Younger (Moses Sumney), and improvisational video artist Kim Alpert. Music is community in this multimedia performance that includes strings and a video collage made from archival footage of black activists and influential music innovators.

Twin Cities–based funk, soul, and hip-hop collective Astralblak opens, channeling the black experience through a new Minneapolis sound. Come early for music sets by DJ Jon Jon Scott (Sound Verite) in the Cityview Bar, one hour before each performance.

Presented in association with First Avenue.

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  • This unique multimedia performance of Makaya McCraven’s In These Times was commissioned by the Walker Art Center with support provided by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. Additional support provided by Producers’ Council members Therese Sexe and David Hage.