Let's See Those Jazz Hands at An Evening With Branford Marsalis
Esteemed saxophonist brings band to MIAC
TUESDAY, FEB. 1
It has been a busy couple of years for saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Branford Marsalis, the "eldest son in the first family of jazz." The older brother to iconic musician Wynton Marsalis, as well as Jason and Delfeayo — both jazz musicians as well — Branford has been touring with his group, the Branford Marsalis Quartet, after composing original music for the Oscar-nominated film Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, which was released in 2020.
In a press release on Sony Music's website, the director of Ma Rainey's, George C. Wolfe, stated, "When I signed on to direct, I instantly knew I wanted to work with Branford Marsalis because when you collaborate with Branford the composer/arranger, Branford the historian, musicologist, dramatist, and raconteur shows up as well."
It would be incredibly surprising if this man-of-many-gifts did not show up, in his entirety, at the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts and Culture, imbuing the atmosphere of Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center with his signature intense musicality and improvisational flair. Alongside Joey Calderazzo on piano, Eric Revis on bass, and Justin Faulkner on drums, Marsalis the bandleader has no fewer than 15 albums from which to draw the set for the evening. Indeed, the Branford Marsalis Quartet is one of the longest continuously-running jazz en-
sembles in the genre's history.
Come out for an evening of spirited, multi-faceted music, but be aware of MIAC's latest COVID-19 policies. Audience members are required to remain masked at all times, and must be fully vaccinated (at the time of publication, two weeks post-second vaccina-
tion shot) with proof.
Those with a medical exemption from receiving the vaccine must show proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hours of showtime. Please note that these policies may change at any time at the discretion of MIAC.
Keep yourself and others safe, so that the sparkling brilliance and the soulful power of Branford Marsalis' music can continue to be shared far and wide.
7:30 p.m. // 501 E. 38th St. // Adults: $45, $35, $30; Seniors: $40, $30, $25; Non-Mercyhurst Students: $35, $25, $20; Youth: $35, $25, $20 // For more information or to purchase tickets visit: miac.mercyhurst.edu/events
