Organizers are looking to gather 100 saxophonists in Chicago’s Washington Park neighborhood to celebrate what would have been jazz composer Sun Ra’s 100th birthday. 

From DNAinfo:

“This is a historic opportunity to share our collective energy in honor of this musician whose musical, political and spiritual philosophy has been impactful and transformative to so many,” said saxophonist David Boykin, in a call for saxophonists to join him at noon on Thursday at the Washington Park Public Forum at the intersection of 53rd Street and Martin Luther King Drive.

Sun Ra, born Herman Poole Blount, was the leader of the cosmic jazz movement that started in the mid-1950s. He developed much of the afrofuturism aesthetic that defined his work during his time playing in Chicago from 1945-61.

“We have chosen this space and place because of its significance to him,” Boykin said of Washington Park. “Along with other musicians, artists and activists he gathered in the park to play and to teach.”

Read more at DNAinfo

Sun Ra, born Herman Poole Blount, died in 1993. Lunch will be provided after the event for musicians at the University of Chicago Arts Incubator, 301 E. Garfield Blvd.

This tribute speaks volumes to Sun Ra’s life and legacy. May he continue to rest in peace.

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