Sun Ra Arkestra
Thursday, September 3, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Berlind Theatre
The legendary Sun Ra Arkestra returns with exuberant cosmic jazz — a stirring blend of big‑band swing, free jazz, bebop, spiritual jazz and Afrofuturist spectacle. Formed in Chicago in the mid‑1950s as the vehicle for the visionary composer Sun Ra, the Arkestra has spanned seven decades, touring the globe and inspiring generations with its bold, otherworldly sound.
A pioneer of early synthesizer use and the free‑jazz movement of the 1960s, Sun Ra combined musical innovation with a spiritual mission—using positive vibrations and music to uplift the universe. The Arkestra’s theatrical live shows fuse space‑age improvisation, singing, dancing, chanting and Afro‑pageantry, and helped define Afrofuturism in music and performance.
Since Sun Ra’s death in 1993 the ensemble has carried his gospel forward, recording and touring relentlessly. Recent years have seen a creative renaissance — Swirling (2020), Living Sky (2022) and Lights On a Satellite (2024) showcase a richer, more expansive sound. Now led by longtime member and centenarian saxophonist Marshall Allen, supported by a dozen-plus musicians, the Sun Ra Arkestra delivers high‑energy, visionary performances that keep the groove—and the cosmos—alive.
Media Sponsors:
Your night out starts at 5:30!
Come early, settle in, and let the evening begin. No show ticket required.
Happy hour is open to the public from 5:30-7:30, with discounted drinks
and snacks from 5:30-6:30.
Every Thursday Happy Hour includes:
$6 beer · $8 wine · $10 specialty cocktails · $5 bar snacks · great company
With DJ Dan Buskirk from WPRB spinning vinyl
From the Desk of Paula Abreu
If you've never seen the Sun Ra Arkestra live, I hope you'll take the opportunity to experience them. What I love is how alive and adventurous the music still feels. The brilliant saxophonist Marshall Allen, who at 102 years old is still performing with the ensemble, has guided the Arkestra for decades. Today, the 14-piece group continues to perform with incredible energy and discipline.
And there is something truly unique about seeing them live.
The musicians take the stage in radiant metallic costumes, colorful capes, and jewel-encrusted headdresses, creating a joyful, theatrical, and slightly otherworldly experience. You never quite know where the music will take you, and that's part of the fun. With the Sun Ra Arkestra, audiences are in for an unforgettable evening.
Best,
Paula Abreu
Director of Presented Programming, William Lockwood, Jr. Chair
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