Against the background of Victorian elegance of the King’s Ballroom, join ground-breaking ensemble Urban Bush Women as they present a special mixed bill inspired by jazz greats. Renowned for their breathtaking and innovative work, and led by the founder and visioning partner Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, the company return after their acclaimed performances at last year’s festival to celebrate International Dance Day and launch LDIF17 in style.
Included in the line-up the company will be performing an excerpt from ‘Walking with Trane, Side B’, an extension of work presented at the festival last year. Inspired by the musical life and spiritual journey of John Coltrane, a composer at the forefront of jazz innovation in a racially-charged America of the 50s and 60s and informed by the unpredictability of the bandstand, the “Band State,” the scary, risky place that potentially extends into “transcendence,” this ethereal investigation lives within multiple layers of Coltrane’s music, spirituality and life. Side B: Freed(om) is a free-fall of “states”, exploring the artistic imprint of Coltrane’s seminal work A Love Supreme. A riff on pursuance, and plunging into the depths of Coltrane’s formidable legacy with diagonal pulls, suspended silences, chaotic spirals, and, ultimately, transcendence. The piece is encapsulated by an original masterful composition, played live by Grammy award-winning composer George Caldwell.
More Leicester Listings MORE
BlackChat: Archival Silences
Archival collections are inevitably subject to archival silences, which are the result of destruction, concealment and the absence…
BBC New Comedy Awards 2024
The BBC’s biggest comedy talent search is back and they’re heading to Y Theatre, Leicester for the Midlands…
Luther Live
The UK’s highest rated touring show and now direct from The London Palladium in celebration of The Velvet…
A Journey through Black Music – BHM 2024
A selection of local and national artists will be taking us on a journey through black music. Our…
Kane Brown: Don’t Listen To Me
Fearlessly hilarious delivery combined with honesty and sincerity. Kane Brown is 19 years in the game, has performed…
Going For Gold
A riveting drama inspired by the true story of Frankie Lucas, a young black boxer navigating the vibrant yet…
The Marvin Gaye
Every magical hit is respectfully recreated, brought to life starring West End and X Factor star NATE SIMPSON – fresh…
The Stylistics
Direct from Philadelphia USA, one of the most legendary soul artists of all time. The Stylistics have…