For their first 2023 concert, the Makanda Project reprises one of their highly successful programs of 2022. Renowned saxophonist and Boston native Ricky Ford has written a suite of compositions based on the poetry of Langston Hughes and orchestrated them for big band. Working with legendary poet Askia Toure, who was personally mentored by Mr. Hughes, Mr. Ford and the Makanda Project have seamlessly integrated the poetry into the melodies and rhythms of the compositions. This year, Mr. Toure and the 17-member orchestra will be joined by a second poet, Vanessa Toure.

There will be two separate shows, at 7:00 and 8:30. Reservations are recommended: for reservations email jsnjk@verizon.net.

Ricky Ford - tenor saxophone

Kurtis Rivers - alto saxophone

Lee Odom - alto saxophone

Sean Berry - tenor saxophone

Temidayo Balogun - tenor saxophone

Charlie Kohlhase - baritone saxophone

Jerry Sabatini - trumpet

Haneef Nelson - trumpet

Ryan Kapoor - trumpet

Lemuel Marc - trumpet

Alfred Patterson - trombone

Richard Harper - trombone

Michael Prentky - trombone

Bill Lowe - bass trombone

John Kordalewski - piano

John Lockwood - bass

Yoron Israel - drums

Askia Toure - voice

Vanessa Silva - voice