7:00pm | EARLY SHOW

THE SUN RA ARKESTRA

Sun Ra founded the Sun Ra Arkestra in Chicago in the mid-1950's. 

Sun Ra was among the earliest pioneers of the synthesizer and the free jazz revolution of 1960’s. Sun Ra sent a strong spiritual and musical message to his Arkestra wanting them to help make the universe better through positive vibrations and music.

The Sun Ra Arkestra are known worldwide for their live shows that combine big-band swing, space-age free jazz, be-bop, singing, dancing, chanting and Afro-pageantry. The Arkestra has been at the forefront of Afro-futurism since their inception. 

They have recorded more than 100 albums. Their 2020 album "Swirling" was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Big Band Jazz Ensemble recording. 

Their newest album “Lights On A Satellite” was released in February 2025 and has received a Grammy nomination for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album.

After more than 60 years the band continue to circle the globe on their Inter-Galactic tour. Recent highlights include shows at the Kennedy Center, The Berlin Opera House, the Burlington Jazz Festival and a New York City show at Radio City Music Hall.

In 2025 they performed at the Big Ears Festival in Tennessee, the Montreal Jazz Festival, the DC Jazz Festival, a West Coast Tour, NY City Winter Jazz Fest and toured in Australia and Europe. They also be performed in China and Mexico for the first time

Few bands have travelled this far – cosmically and musically.

“The possible has been tried and failed. Now it’s time to try the impossible.”

Sun Ra

Space is the Place!