La Jolla Music Society
Jason Moran & The Harlem Hellfighters
James Reese Europe and the Absence of Ruin
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Join the Excitement!
Now in its third year, the Jazz Mini-Festival brings the best jazz musicians in the country to The Conrad in a weeklong celebration of concerts, lectures, and engagement events. Following this season’s Jazz Series theme “IN TRIBUTE,” the Jazz Mini-Festival honors foundational jazz legends as well as trailblazing musicians defining jazz today.
“Inspiring tribute to this overlooked figure”
— London Jazz News
Composer, pianist, and this season’s Artist-in-Residence Jason Moran reflects on the legacy of a hero of Black music in a multidisciplinary program as part of our Jazz Mini Festival.
Jazz pianist Jason Moran will be joined by a 10-piece ensemble including a rhythm and horn section in a moving tribute to ragtime and jazz pioneer James Reese Europe. Europe commanded the African American WWI Harlem Hellfighters regiment who brought the vibrant new sound of jazz to a war‑torn France. Europe’s distinctly American story unfolds through his music, paired with visuals by Oscar‑nominated cinematographer Bradford Young, creating a poetic meditation on a remarkable hero.
REPERTOIRE
Works to be Announced from Stage
ARTISTS
JASON MORAN
piano
TARUS MATEEN
bass
NASHEET WAITS
drums
THE HARLEM HELLFIGHTERS
brass ensemble
PRE-SHOW PRELUDE
This concert has a pre-show prelude. All ticket holders can come early, grab a drink or snack from our concessions stand, and dive into the deeper meaning behind the music with our guest lecturer.
