Jefferson Center and the Harrison Museum of African American Culture are proud to announce two very special events celebrating one of the most extraordinary and innovative jazz pianists and composers of the 20th century, Roanoke’s native son Don Pullen.
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DON PULLEN ARTS EXHIBIT RECEPTION & OPEN HOUSE
Friday, December 16th at 5:30pm (Light refreshments & cash bar)
An arts exhibit honoring the life and work of Don Pullen (1941 – 1995) will be on display inside Jefferson Center beginning December 16th and will remain open to the public through the Don Pullen Tribute Concert on January 14th.
The exhibit includes paintings from artist Bill Warrell, photos highlighting Pullen’s childhood experiences in Roanoke and his performances as a touring musician, a video documentary featuring Pullen, as well as letters of support from Pullen’s family, friends and fans collected during a movement in New York City to memorialize the late jazz great.
The Don Pullen Arts Exhibit is the result of a partnership between Jefferson Center and the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and is hosted by Norfolk Southern.
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DON PULLEN TRIBUTE CONCERT
Another Reason to Celebrate: The Life & Music of Don Pullen
Saturday, January 14th at 8:00pm * Details Below on 10% Discount for You
Call the Jefferson Center Box Office at 540-345-2550 or get your tickets online now by clicking here. Student tickets are always 1/2 price.
Pullen drew from his roots in gospel, blues, rhythm & blues, as well as classical, the full spectrum and span of jazz, avant-garde explorations, merged with African, Latin, and Native American music. Pullen’s concept and sound was thrilling and original, playing inside and outside, allowing dissonance and freer music to swing, to work in time, in the groove of the blues and rhythm & blues, weaving all together as one. The beauty, power and virtuosity of Pullen’s music mesmerized audiences worldwide.
Join us January 14th for the Don Pullen 70th birthday tribute, celebrating the rich spirit of Don Pullen’s music with a stellar ensemble, featuring Jason Moran on piano, James Carter and Hamiet Bluiett on saxophones, Christian McBride on bass, Nasheet Waits on drums and with actor/musician Avery Brooks. The tribute also includes a photo and art exhibit and the launch of a children’s music scholarship fund in Don Pullen’s honor at the Music Lab.