Makanda Ken McIntyre at Middle Collegiate Church

Peace thru jazz! Celebrating the Music of Dr. Makanda Ken McIntyre

2011 marks the 80th year since Dr. Makanda Ken McIntyre was born, the 40th year since he founded the Dept of Performing Arts at SUNY/College at Old Westbury, and the 10th year since his passing. Help us celebrate the work of this phenomenal jazz composer, performer and educator.

Craig Harris directs a 10 piece ensemble of Makanda's compositions and arrangements. Makanda’s music was deeply rooted in all styles of African American music, including the blues, be-bop, calypso, swing, R&B, ballads, avant-garde -- all of which will be demonstrated...

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Peace thru jazz! Celebrating the Music of Dr. Makanda Ken McIntyre

2011 marks the 80th year since Dr. Makanda Ken McIntyre was born, the 40th year since he founded the Dept of Performing Arts at SUNY/College at Old Westbury, and the 10th year since his passing. Help us celebrate the work of this phenomenal jazz composer, performer and educator.

Craig Harris directs a 10 piece ensemble of Makanda's compositions and arrangements. Makanda’s music was deeply rooted in all styles of African American music, including the blues, be-bop, calypso, swing, R&B, ballads, avant-garde -- all of which will be demonstrated. His song titles reflect a deep pride in his Jamaican heritage, his commitment to African American struggles, his spiritual nature, and his love of good food. Critics have remarked that his music is “gorgeous,” “an improviser of great power and vision,” “a certain restless generosity of spirit,” “timeless.”

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