Jazz at the KIA

A 2016 Doris Duke Artist, Wadada Leo Smith was named Composer of the Year by DownBeat Magazine in 2013, the same year he was  Pulitzer Prize finalist. He began performing at 13 with his stepfather, bluesman Alex Wallace, and has devoted his life to creating a language of jazz he calls 
Ankhrasmation”- formed of “Ankh”, the Egyptian word for life; “Ras”, the Ethiopian word for leader; and “Ma”, a universal term for mother. See this language expressed on paper in his exhibition of scores, and enjoy the rare opportunity to hear the artist talk about his work.

John Lindberg is an award-winning bass player, composer and renowned ensemble leader who has released more than 100 albums, and is in great demand internationally as a collaborator.