Sun Ra Arkestra
The Sun Ra Arkestra has been performing Afro-futuristic jazz for 66 years, continuing the legacy of the mythical pianist, composer and electronics pioneer Sun Ra. The collective Space is the Place, named after Sun Ra's work, brings the orchestra to Amsterdam. The concert will be introduced by performances by like-minded musicians: the improv duo of bassist Farida Amadou and guitarist Jasper Stadhouders, followed by the revolutionary American poet Moor Mother in collaboration with multi-instrumentalist Lukas Koenig. Closing by the DJ collective Fuuture Jazz.
Program
19:30-20:00 Farida Amadou & Jasper Stadhouders From noise punk to improv jazz: Farida Amadou has it all. As a bass guitarist she worked with Linda Sharrock, Ken Vandermark and Thurston Moore. Now she forms a duo with Jasper Stadhouders, guitarist in Cactus Truck and Spinifex, where he is known for his unconventional, uninhibited improvisations.
20:15-20:55 Moor Mother & Lukas Koenig Vocalist and poet Camae Ayewa, aka Moor Mother, sums up her philosophy under the term Black Quantum Futurism, in which she is inspired by the black perspective on history. Multi-instrumentalist Lukas Koenig, also a drummer in her ensemble, has previously worked with David Murray, Jamaaladeen Tacuma and Steven Bernstein, among others. They are accompanied by Aquiles Navarro on trumpet and Luke Stewart on bass.
21:15-22:30 Sun Ra Arkestra Sun Ra was known for his layered big band music full of African and Eastern influences, mixed with eccentric sounds from his analogue keyboards. He was named after the Egyptian sun god, claimed to come from Saturn and his music was bursting with cosmic themes, as evidenced by titles such as Space is the Place and Astro Black. From Chicago he went out into the wide world with his Arkestra, which attracted attention with flamboyant pharaoh costumes. Since Sun Ra's 'ascension' in 1993, the band has continued his legacy. The now 100-year-old bandleader Marshall Allen, saxophonist from the early days, still performs in the US, but outside of the US he hands over his duties to saxophonist Knoel Scott. The Sun Ra Arkestra has made numerous albums and is still recognized as a spectacular live band to this day. Sun Ra's 'Afro-futuristic' jazz remains highly influential, especially among the current generation of DJs and producers.
Dj collective Fuuture Jazz
This experimental group redefines jazz far beyond traditional norms, embracing the essence of innovation, improvisation and boundless creativity. Fuuture Jazz bends conventions, breaks barriers and creates a space where playful exploration and collaboration come together to forge something entirely new.
About Space is the Place
Space is the Place (SITP) strongly believes in the unconditional, relentless, qualitative and original primal form of the performing arts: improvisation. Since 2015, Amsterdam-based SITP has organized over 1000 progressive and adventurous concerts, focusing on improvised music, experimentation and jazz. SITP is a creative breeding ground that stimulates the local, internationally oriented improv scene, always aiming at combining genres and disciplines, and challenging artists to perform in new formations—both through SITProductions and by encouraging new concepts. Since 2018, Space is the Place often collaborates with the Bimhuis through their Interplanetary and Intergalactic Nights series.
