The Arkestra is no stranger to SummerStage; they headlined the festival’s first-ever concert back in 1986 at the Central Park Bandshell, when they were still fronted by their eccentric and enigmatic bandleader Sun Ra. Since his death in 1993, the ensemble has been led by saxophonist Marshall Allen, and continues to carry on Sun Ra’s indomitable spirit, perpetuating his unique contributions to jazz and Afrofuturism. The Arkestra is an avant-garde history lesson in cosmic jazz, incorporating elements from throughout jazz history, including ragtime, swing, bebop, free jazz, and fusion. They’re joined by Sistazz of the Nitty Gritty (Angel Bat Dawid, Anaiet Sivad, and Brooklynn Skye Scott), an all female Chicago-based ensemble that leans on improvisation and spontaneous compositions.