Concert Series: African Rhythms Alumni Quintet
March 12, 2026 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
On the cusp of the late NEA Jazz Master, pianist, and composer Dr. Randy Weston’s centennial birthday, esteemed members of Weston’s “African Rhythms” jazz ensemble – including Weston’s musical director and arranger T.K. Blue – have rejoined forces to pay tribute to their exceptional leader.
The African Rhythms Alumni Quintet bears direct witness to Dr. Weston’s brilliant integration of African aesthetics with the spirit of jazz that was cultivated by piano legendries like Duke Ellington, Thelonius Monk, Count Basie, Nat King Cole, and Earl Hines. The sonic foundations of Weston’s trailblazing style include the dynamic drum polyrhythms of West Africa, the use of jazzy horns and plucked guitars from Ghanaian highlife music, and Ellington’s orchestral approach to the piano.
By bringing the unique “sound” of Weston’s compositions and arrangements to the stage, the African Rhythms Alumni Quintet transmits what – in Weston’s view – must be heard as the very “spirit” of his person. This is made possible by the world-class musicianship of T.K. Blue (saxophone/flute/musical director), Chief Baba Neil Clarke (percussion), Alex Blake (bass), Ku-umba Frank Lacy (trombone), and Sharp Radway (piano).
The 2025-2026 Concert Series is supported in part by John H. Dean DDS and Mary Ann Coleman, Mimi San Pedro, Olivia Farrell, and Susan Conley.
