Wynton Marsalis’ From the Plantation to the Penitentiary takes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words to heart: “Jazz takes the hardest realities of life and puts them into music, only to come out with some new hope or sense of triumph.” This composition delves into the harsh realities of systems like chattel slavery and the prison-industrial complex, exploring the deep human cost with powerful lyrics: “From the stock in slaves/To the booming prison trade… In the heart of freedom… in chains.” Expect an evening of profound reflection and compelling music.

PERFORMANCE LINEUP
Set 1: Max Roach Ensemble

Isaiah Thompson, ensemble coach
Julia Smulson, voice
Jack Towse, trumpet
Kelvin Walters, alto saxophone
Nick Mesler, trombone
Pedro Sequeira, vibraphone
William Schwartzman, piano
Daniel Song, bass
Karl Seyer-Hansen, drums

Set 2: Jelly Roll Morton Ensemble

Doug Wamble, ensemble coach
Kate Kortum, voice
Preston Rupert, trumpet
Sion Song, alto saxophone
Nick Caldwell, tenor saxophone
Luciano Soriano, trombone
Edwin Corne, guitar
Tyler Bullock, piano
John Murray, bass
Janae Yates, drums