“. . . a balm of spoken word and spiritual jazz, both strangely uncomfortable and strangely comforting.”—Pitchfork
A purveyor of messianic positivity, Alabaster DePlume has emerged as an idiosyncratic leader in the red-hot London jazz/new music scene. In his Minnesota debut, the composer, saxophonist, poet, and activist presents an evening of tender and spare songs filled with existential comedy and spiritual enlightenment. Merging magnetic sweetness, hypnotic sax melodies, and endearing weirdness, DePlume leads a concert of healing and connection. He is joined on stage by Donna Thompson (drums and voice) and Ruth Goller (bass and voice).
Copresented with The Cedar.
ALABASTER DEPLUME
Thursday, September 14, 8 pm
Tickets start at $20. No additional fees.
McGuire Theater
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Alabaster DePlume is not doing things properly, and this makes him very happy. DePlume is a Manchester-born, London-based bandleader, composer, saxophonist, activist, and orator.
Gus Fairbairn, (a.k.a Alabaster DePlume), has a pocketful of phrases that he uses all the time whether he’s walking down the street or holding court with musicians and an audience. For a long time, the Mancunian would tell anyone who’d listen that they were doing very well. More recently, it’s another phrase which has a similar effect and which belies his unwavering commitment to personal vulnerability and collective politics, “don’t forget you’re precious.”
A process that is people-first not product-first ensures that the music is unique; often gem-like. Alabaster DePlume’s songs are built on sonorous circular melodies and luminous tones that transmit calmness and generosity in warm waves–unless they’re raging against complacency and the everyday inhumanity of end times capitalism. Most importantly, he brings a valuable transparency to his work. “This is what I’m really doing,” he says, “I want to talk about why I’m doing this, and how I’m doing this.”
TICKETS
Ordering tickets is easy: visit walkerart.org/tickets or call 612.375.7600. Prices include all applicable fees. Box Office is open Wednesday–Sunday and one hour before performances.
MEMBERS DO MORE
Become a member and enjoy a 20% discount on performance tickets, unlimited free gallery admission, special events, and more. Join at walkerart.org/membership or call 612.375.7655.
STUDENTS COME EARLY
Arrive an hour before showtime for $10 in-person rush tickets. One ticket per person with valid student ID. (Some restrictions apply.)
GET TOGETHER
Experience this performance in a group of 10 or more people and save 15% on tickets. Purchase group tickets online, over the phone, or in person. The discount is automatically applied at checkout on orders of 10 or more tickets to the same performance.
ACCESSIBILITY
Assistive-listening devices are available at the box office. For more information about accessibility, or to request additional accommodations for this performance, call 612.375.7564 or email access@walkerart.org.
For more information about accessibility at the Walker, visit our Access page.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Walker Art Center’s Performing Arts programs are made possible by generous support from the Doris Duke Foundation through the Doris Duke Performing Arts Fund, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
PRODUCERS COUNCIL
Performing Arts programs and commissions at the Walker are generously supported by members of the Producers’ Council; Nor Hall and Roger Hale; King’s Fountain/Barbara Watson Pillsbury; Sarah Lutman and Rob Rudolph; Emily Maltz; Leni and David Moore, Jr./The David and Leni Moore Family Foundation; Jon Oulman; Therese Sexe and David Hage; and Mike and Elizabeth Sweeney.
ABOUT THE CEDAR
Located in the heart of Cedar Riverside, The Cedar promotes intercultural appreciation and understanding through the presentation of global music and dance. The theater is committed to artistic excellence and integrity, diversity of programming, support for emerging artists, and community outreach.
ABOUT THE WALKER ART CENTER
The Walker Art Center is a renowned multidisciplinary arts institution that presents, collects, and supports the creation of groundbreaking work across the visual and performing arts, moving image, and design. Guided by the belief that art has the power to bring joy and solace and the ability to unite people through dialogue and shared experiences, the Walker engages communities through a dynamic array of exhibitions, performances, events, and initiatives. Its multiacre campus includes 65,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space, the state-of-the-art McGuire Theater and Walker Cinema, and ample green space that connects with the adjoining Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. The Garden, a partnership with the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, is one of the first urban sculpture parks of its kind in the United States and home to the beloved Twin Cities landmark Spoonbridge and Cherry by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. Recognized for its ambitious program and growing collection of more than 15,500 works, the Walker embraces emerging art forms and amplifies the work of artists from the Twin Cities and from across the country and the globe. Its broad spectrum of offerings makes it a lively and welcoming hub for artistic expression, creative innovation, and community connection. Visit walkerart.org for more information about upcoming presentations, programs, and opportunities to experience the art of our time.
