Second Annual (Virtual) Fundraiser
Honoring Sun Ra Arkestra maestro Marshall Allen
May 20, 2021 7:00pm
Honoring Sun Ra Arkestra maestro Marshall Allen
May 20, 2021 7:00pm
“There simply is no worthier cause for Philly music lovers with a taste for the adventurous and daring.”
—The Key
The board and staff of Ars Nova Workshop invite you to a virtual fundraiser, honoring Sun Ra Arkestra maestro Marshall Allen. A ticket to the event gets you access to the evening’s program, hosted by Charlie Hall of the Grammy-winning band The War on Drugs, with interviews and surprise appearances by musical luminaries, including a very special performance by Yo La Tengo. Fundraiser tickets are available for a wide range of support levels, with specified tickets including a limited-edition gift bag delivered to you, with drinks, snacks, and some beautiful surprises we will open together during the event.*
So join us for an unforgettable evening of appreciation and fun, with the best that the jazz community has to offer. Not to be missed!
*Delivery of gift bags will be scheduled in the 48 hours prior to the event and will be limited to a 30-mile radius. Contact us at info@arsnovaworkshop.org with any questions.
Support Ars Nova Workshop today with the purchase of a 2nd Annual (Virtual) Fundraiser ticket for as low as $25. Additional fundraiser support levels available including limited-edition gift bags and VIP perqs. Link to join the virtual fundraiser online will be sent via email prior to event.
Ars Nova Workshop has had a long and treasured relationship with Marshall Allen and the Sun Ra Arkestra. After nearly 97 years on the planet, Allen remains a brilliant imaginative force whose life has spanned nearly the entire history of jazz. A key member of the Arkestra for more than six decades, and its dauntless leader for the last quarter-century, Allen has kept Sun Ra’s cosmic torch blazing brightly while forging his own path through the spaceways as a singular voice on the alto saxophone and Electronic Wind Instrument (EWI).
Marshall’s longevity may be a testament to good genes, but it is just as much a testament to the power of music in his life, beginning in the early part of last century. A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Allen moved to Philadelphia with his family in his teens before enlisting in the Army as a member of the 92nd Infantry, the famed Buffalo Soldiers. Upon his discharge he rejoined his family in Chicago, where he became enraptured by the music and teachings of Sun Ra. He’s remained with the Arkestra ever since, while also collaborating with a stunning array of artists including Sonic Youth, Paul Bley, Yo La Tengo, Medeski Martin and Wood, Phish, and countless others. Under his leadership, the Arkestra has toured tirelessly, bringing its message of interstellar unity to such renowned venues as Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and Radio City Music Hall, as well as stages throughout Europe.
$25–$250
All Ages
A very special performance by Yo La Tengo, a special appearance from composer and bassist William Parker, along with pre-recorded video tributes from musical luminaries and more!
Hosted by Charlie Hall, drummer with the Grammy Award winning The War on Drugs.
Online
A link to the virtual fundraiser will be sent via email prior to the event, with ticket purchase.
Limited-edition 2nd Annual (Virtual) Fundraiser printed posters included with every gift bag ticket purchase. Poster design by BELSH. Printed by Fireball Printing. Reserve your copy today!
Limited-edition tote bags designed by Nels Cline available exclusively with 2nd Annual (Virtual) Fundraiser gift bag ticket purchases. Tote bags are 100% cotton and printed locally by Camden Printworks. Reserve yours today!
Sun Ra Arkestra: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert. (YouTube)
“On Halloween 2014, the Sun Ra Arkestra — complete with costumes inspired by Egyptian symbolism and science fiction — performed a rousing, out-of-this-world Tiny Desk Concert. The band was led by alto saxophonist Marshall Allen, who’s been with the Arkestra since the early 1950s. All these years later, no one makes soul-stirring, spaced-out jazz quite like the Arkestra.”