The Makanda Project with dancers

Boston's innovative 13 piece jazz orchestra, the Makanda Project, begins its Fall 2026 Nubian Square concert series with a program featuring dancers led by Mickey Davidson. The Makanda Project and Ms. Davidson have been collaborating since 2012, and the result is a combination of choreographed and improvised dance moves rarely seen as part of a jazz performance of this nature. Ms. Davidson has a rich history working with jazz legends such as Sun Ra, Max Roach, Cecil Taylor and Oliver Lake, as well as renowned dancers including Norma Miller and Dianne McIntyre. Kurtis Rivers - alto saxophone Seth Meicht - alto saxophone, flute Sean Berry - tenor saxophone Temidayo Balogun - tenor saxophone, flute Charlie Kohlhase - baritone saxophone Jerry Sabatini - trumpet Haneef Nelson - trumpet Alfred Patterson - trombone Louis Gotay - trombone Bill Lowe - bass trombone John Kordalewski - piano Avery Sharpe - bass Jocelyn Pleasant - drums Mickey Davidson - dance Trashina Conner - dance Thiera Ward - dance Adante Power - dance

Twelfth Baptist Church

The Makanda Project summer concert

The Makanda Project's third and final 2025 summer concert at First Church in Roxbury will be filled with special features. Saxophone great Ricky Ford will join the group, as will a string section from the Roxbury-based program City Strings United. Poet Regie Gibson will also read with the group during the program. There will be a poetry open mic at intermission, in which all are invited to participate. MassArt's sparc! the ArtMobile will facilitate a live painting activity throughout the afternoon, again in which all are invited to participate. As always, the event is free to the public, under the shade trees on the Lawn of First Church. Seth Meicht - alto saxophone Henry Cook - alto saxophone, flute Ricky Ford - tenor saxophone Sean Berry - tenor saxophone Temidayo Balogun - tenor saxophone Charlie Kohlhase - baritone saxophone Haneef Nelson - trumpet Woody Pierre - trumpet Alfred Patterson - trombone Richard Harper - trombone Bill Lowe - bass trombone John Kordalewski - piano Avery Sharpe - bass Yoron Israel - drums Regie Gibson - poetry Bithyah Israel - cello Rhea Gibson - cello Alexia Martinez - cello Nyah Williamson - cello Dylan Ho - cello

First Church in Roxbury

The Makanda Project, Boston's acclaimed 13 piece jazz orchestra, continues its 20th anniversary season with another event at its summer "home base, the lawn of First Church in Roxbury. Expect the usual bend of jazz compositions that are both swinging and provocative. The event will also feature performances by youth representing Roxbury's TE Studios. Kurtis Rivers, Seth Meicht, Sean Berry, Temidayo Balogun, Charlie Kohlhase (saxophones) Jerry Sabatini, Haneef Nelson (trumpets) Alfred Patterson, Richard Harper, Bill Lowe (trombones) John Kordalewski (piano) Avery Sharpe (bass) Yoron Israel (drums)

The Makanda Project at First Church in Roxbury

The Makanda Project's annual summer concert series on the lawn of First Church in Roxbury kicks off this year on Saturday, July 12. There will be two sets of music by Boston's acclaimed 13 piece jazz ensemble, The Makanda Project, poetry by Massachusetts Poet Laureate Regie Gibson, and additional performances by neighborhood youth. All under the shade trees on a summer afternoon. Kurtis Rivers - alto saxophone Seth Meicht - alto saxophone Brian Price - tenor saxophone, bass clarinet Temidayo Balogun - tenor saxophone Charlie Kohlhase - baritone saxophone Jerry Sabatini - trumpet Haneef Nelson - trumpet Alfred Patterson - trombone Richard Harper - trombone Sarah Politz - trombone John Kordalewski - piano Avery Sharpe - bass Jocelyn Pleasant - drums

The Makanda Project at Malibu Beach

Boston's acclaimed big band, The Makanda Project, will perform its third annual "concert on the beach," at Malibu Beach in Dorchester. This will also be the 20th anniversary of the group's first concert, which took place in June, 2005. The music and the beach setting are to be enjoyed together. Kurtis Rivers - alto saxophone Seth Meicht - alto saxophone Sean Berry - tenor saxophone Temidayo Balogun - tenor saxophone Charlie Kohlhase - baritone saxophone Jerry Sabatini - trumpet Haneef Nelson - trumpet Alfred Patterson - trombone Sarah Politz - trombone Bill Lowe - bass trombone John Kordalewski - piano Avery Sharpe - bass Jocelyn Pleasant - drums

DCR Malibu Beach

The Makanda Project featuring Jay Hoggard

Renowned vibraphonist is the featured guest for the third concert of the Makanda Project's spring series. Mr. Hoggard has been considered one of the jazz world's leading vibraphonists for nearly 50 years, and his presence will add another dimension to the already-distinct sound of the Makanda Project. Jay Hoggard - vibraphone Kurtis Rivers - alto saxophone Seth Meicht - alto saxophone, clarinet, flute Sean Berry - tenor saxophone Temidayo Balogun - tenor saxophone, flute Charlie Kohlhase - baritone saxophone Jerry Sabatini - trumpet Franz Hackl - trumpet Alfred Patterson - trombone Richard Harper - trombone Bill Lowe - bass trombone John Kordalewski - piano Avery Sharpe - bass Yoron Israel - drums

Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building

The Makanda Project Free Concert in Nubian Square

The Makanda Project's spring Nubian Square concert series continues with a performance at the historic Twelfth Baptist Church, as the group continues its explorations of the distinct music of Bostonian Makanda Ken McIntyre (1931-2001). Included in the program, the group will premiere some newly arranged pieces from among the large body of unrecorded compositions left behind by Dr. McIntyre. The 13-piece ensemble will be expanded with the addition of a string section. Kurtis Rivers - alto saxophone Seth Meicht - alto saxophone, flute, clarinet Sean Berry - tenor saxophone Temidayo Balogun - tenor saxophone, flute Charlie Kohlhase - baritone saxophone Jerry Sabatini - trumpet Haneef Nelson - trumpet Alfred Patterson - trombone Richard Harper - trombone, piano Bill Lowe - bass trombone John Kordalewski - piano John Lockwood - bass Jocelyn Pleasant - drums Bithyah Israel - cello Alexia Martinez - cello Jahsias Rivers - cello Rhea Gibson - cello

The Makanda Project featuring Charles Tolliver

Jazz great Charles Tolliver returns to the Roxbury Library for another performance with Boston's Makanda Project, to begin the group's 2025 season. Trumpeter and composer Charles Tolliver has an important place in jazz history as leader of ground-breaking small groups in the 1970s, as the founder of musician-run Strata-East Records, and as composer/arranger/leader of remarkable big bands. The concert will feature his compositions and big band arrangements, including pieces that have become classics in our time. Admission is free. There will be two shows, at 7:00 and 8:30; seating is limited so reservations are recommended. SEATS REMAIN FOR 8:30 SHOW ONLY. For reservations email <a href="mailto:jsnjk@verizon.net">jsnjk@verizon.net</a>; specify which show and how many people. Charles Tolliver - trumpet, conductor Kurtis Rivers - alto saxophone Seth Meicht - alto saxophone, clarinet Sean Berry - tenor saxophone Temidayo Balogun - tenor saxophone, flute Charlie Kohlhase - baritone saxophone Jerry Sabatini - trumpet Haneef Nelson - trumpet Mike Peipman - trumpet Sarah Uyar - trumpet Alfred Patterson - trombone Aiden Coleman - trombone Richard Harper - trombone Bill Lowe - bass trombone John Kordalewski - piano Avery Sharpe - bass Yoron Israel - drums

Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library

The Makanda Project featuring Joe Daley and dancers led by Mickey Davidson

The Makanda Project's "grand 2024 finale" concert will take place in the state-of-the-art auditorium at Roxbury Community College. This will feature the group's "Big Brass Edition" with added trumpets and low brass instruments. The remarkable composer and tuba player Joe Daley will be special guest, and the program will include compositions by him. Also for this concert, the group's longtime collaboration with legendary dancer/choreographer Mickey Davidson will be featured in a Boston performance for the first time in several years - with new choreography of Makanda Ken McIntyre compositions. Kurtis Rivers - alto saxophone Seth Meicht - alto saxophone Sean Berry - tenor saxophone Temidayo Balogun - tenor saxophone Charlie Kohlhase - baritone saxophone Jerry Sabatini - trumpet Haneef Nelson - trumpet Mike Peipman -trumpet Sarah Uyar - trumpet Alfred Patterson - trombone Richard Harper - trombone Sarah Politz - trombone Bill Lowe - bass trombone, tuba Joe Daley - tuba, euphonium John Kordalewski - piano Avery Sharpe - bass Yoron Israel - drums Mickey Davidson - dance Trashina Conner - dance Brian Davis - dance Thiera Ward - dance Adante Power - dance

Roxbury Community College Media Arts Center Auditorium

The Makanda Project featuring Chico Freeman

Boston's Makanda Project jazz orchestra continues its collaboration with renowned saxophonist Chico Freeman, to begin its fall concert series at the Roxbury Library. The program will feature Freeman compositions arranged for the large group by Makanda Project leader John Kordalewski. This will be the ninth time they have performed together, and the music gets stronger each time. There are two shows, at 7:00 and 8:30. The concert is free, but reservations are recommended. To reserve seats, email <a href="mailto:jsnk@verizon.net">jsnjk@verizon.net</a>, and specify which show and how many people. Kurtis Rivers - alto saxophone Seth Meicht - alto saxophone, clarinet Chico Freeman - tenor saxophone Sean Berry - tenor saxophone Temidayo Balogun - tenor saxophone, flute Charlie Kohlhase - baritone saxophone Haneef Nelson - trumpet Sarah Uyar - trumpet Alfred Patterson - trombone Richard Harper - trombone Bill Lowe - bass trombone John Kordalewski - piano Avery Sharpe - bass Yoron Israel - drums Bithyah Israel - cello Alexia Martinez - cello Jahsias Rivers - cello Rhea Gibson - cello

The Makanda Project featuring Dee Alexander

For the third and final concert of their 2024 summer series at First Church in Roxbury, the Makanda Project will feature extraordinary Chicago-based vocalist Dee Alexander. Ms. Alexander has been a regular guest with the group over the past few years. The program will include compositions of hers arranged for the large (13 piece) ensemble; Makanda Ken McIntyre compositions from the group's repertoire, featuring the voice in various ways; and one favorite piece by Chico Freeman that they have performed together on past occasions. The event will also include artistic activities that are open to participation by attendees: a live painting activity sponsored by MassArt's sparc! the ArtMobile, and a poetry open mic at intermission. Dee Alexander - voice Kurtis Rivers - alto saxophone Seth Meicht - alto saxophone, clarinet, flute Sean Berry - tenor saxophone Temidayo Balogun - tenor saxophone Charlie Kohlhase - baritone saxophone Jerry Sabatini - trumpet Haneef Nelson - trumpet Alfred Patterson - trombone Richard Harper - trombone Bill Lowe - bass trombone John Kordalewski - piano Avery Sharpe - bass Yoron Israel - drums

The Makanda Project, Boston's acclaimed 13-piece jazz orchestra, continues its summer concert series at First Church in Roxbury. For a portion of the concert the group will also be joined by a cello section representing City Strings United. The event will also include a reading by legendary poet Askia Toure, a plant-based cooking demonstration, and additional performances by community youth. The event will take place on the lawn under the shade trees. In case of rain, it will move inside the church. Kurtis Rivers, Seth Meicht, Sean Berry, Temidayo Balogun, Charlie Kohlhase - saxophones Jerry Sabatini, Haneef Nelson - trumpets Alfred Patterson, Richard Harper, Bill Lowe - trombones John Kordalewski - piano Avery Sharpe - bass Yoron Israel - drums Bithyah Israel - cello Alexia Martinez - cello Jahsias Rivers - cello Rhea Gibson - cello

The Makanda Project, Boston's acclaimed creative 13-piece jazz ensemble, begins its annual summer concert series on the lawn of First Church in Roxbury, Saturday afternoon July 13. The event will feature 2 sets of music by the Makanda Project as well as performances by the Butterfly Project Children's Chorus and poet Vanessa Silva. Kurtis Rivers - alto saxophone Seth Meicht - alto saxophone Temidayo Balogun - tenor saxophone Brian Price - tenor saxophone Charlie Kohlhase - baritone saxophone Jerry Sabatini - trumpet Haneef Nelson - trumpet Alfred Patterson - trombone Richard Harper - trombone Bill Lowe - bass trombone John Kordalewski - piano John Lockwood - bass Thurman Barker - drums

The Makanda Project featuring Ricky Ford - Concert at the Beach

Following a successful event in 2023, The Makanda Project will again begin its summer season of outdoor concerts with an event at DCR Malibu Beach, Dorchester. The setting of Malibu Beach - an often-overlooked public space in our urban midst - blends together with the music to give the event a unique character and appeal. Renowned saxophonist Ricky Ford will be featured guest, and a large portion of the program will consist of a recent suite of compositions he has written based on poems by Langston Hughes, with various community members reading the poems inside the music. Kurtis Rivers - alto saxophone Sean Berry - alto saxophone Ricky Ford - tenor saxophone Temidayo Balogun - tenor saxophone Charlie Kohlhase - baritone saxophone Jerry Sabatini - trumpet Haneef Nelson - trumpet James Zollar - trumpet Sarah Uyar - trumpet Alfred Patterson - trombone Sarah Politz - trombone Richard Harper - trombone Bill Lowe - bass trombone John Kordalewski - piano Avery Sharpe - bass Thurman Barker - drums

The Makanda Project featuring Craig Harris

Acclaimed trombonist Craig Harris - known for, among other things, his work with bandleaders such as Sun Ra and David Murray, his own extensive list of interdisciplinary multimedia projects, and his recent work on the film score to Judas and the Black Messiah - will join Boston's Makanda Project for a program featuring his compositions along with compositions by Makanda Ken McIntyre. His collaborations with the Makanda Project are especially meaningful, as he was mentored by Dr. McIntyre and is considered the most illustrious among his former students. For this free event there are two shows, at 7:00 and 8:30, and reservations are recommended. For reservations email <a href="mailto:jsnjk@verizon.net" target="_blank">jsnjk@verizon.net</a>, and specify which show and how many people. Seats remain for 8:30 show only. Craig Harris - trombone, conductor Kurtis Rivers - alto saxophone Seth Meicht - alto saxophone Sean Berry - tenor saxophone Temidayo Balogun - tenor saxophone Charlie Kohlhase - baritone saxophone Jerry Sabatini - trumpet Haneef Nelson - trumpet Alfred Patterson - trombone Richard Harper - trombone Bill Lowe - bass trombone John Kordalewski - piano Avery Sharpe - bass Yoron Israel - drums

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Experiences

The Makanda Project with dancers

The Makanda Project summer concert

The Makanda Project summer concert

The Makanda Project at First Church in Roxbury

The Makanda Project at Malibu Beach

The Makanda Project featuring Jay Hoggard

The Makanda Project Free Concert in Nubian Square

The Makanda Project featuring Charles Tolliver

The Makanda Project featuring Joe Daley and dancers led by Mickey Davidson

The Makanda Project featuring Chico Freeman

The Makanda Project featuring Dee Alexander

The Makanda Project at First Church in Roxbury

The Makanda Project at First Church in Roxbury

The Makanda Project featuring Ricky Ford - Concert at the Beach

The Makanda Project featuring Craig Harris