Please join Ars Nova Workshop as we celebrate the 75th birthday of Philadelphia saxophonist, composer and bandleader Bobby Zankel with an all-star band featuring David Murray at Solar Myth on Saturday, December 21, 2024.

Alto saxophonist and composer Bobby Zankel has been one of the most treasured figures on the Philadelphia jazz scene for decades. As the leader of the Warriors of the Wonderful Sound in its variety of forms, Zankel has amassed a stunning repertoire of challenging and enthralling compositions, including commissioned works featuring such revered artists as Muhal Richard Abrams, Steve Coleman and Rudresh Mahanthappa. To commemorate his landmark 75th birthday, Zankel will lead a once-in-a-lifetime all-star band exploring pieces from his 2023 release A Change of Destiny, inspired by the history of enslaved persons at the “Philadelphia White House” of George Washington. The stellar ensemble will feature Zankel with legendary tenor saxophonist David Murray, acclaimed Philly-born alto saxophonist Jaleel Shaw, tenor saxophonist Bryan Roberts, trumpeter Fabien Enger, pianist Sumi Tonooka, bassist Lee Smith, and drummer Pheeroan akLaff, who shares with Zankel a history of performing with the iconic pianist Cecil Taylor.