Artwork by Andre Padayhag
Craig Harris’ Nocturnal Nubian Ball for Conscientious Ballers and Cultural Shot Callers is the culmination of Harlem Stage’s Afrofuturism series that launched in 2019 as a citywide, multi-venue (Harlem Stage, Park Avenue Armory, Metropolitan Museum of Art) celebration of Sun Ra’s legacy. We are thrilled to be a part of welcoming New Yorkers back to live, in-person performances with two consecutive outdoor concerts presented in partnership with Bryant Park, NYC Parks, and Jazzmobile.
Legendary instrumentalist and original Sun Ra Arkestra member, Marshall Allen, joins Craig Harris and the Nation of Imagination for two free
public concerts—Thursday, August 12 at Bryant Park (7 PM) and Friday, August 13 at Marcus Garvey Park (7 PM).
ABOUT the FREE concert at Bryant Park
Doors open at 5:30PM/ Show starts at 7PM
First come/first served
Learn More About Safety Protocols
On Saturday, August 14, a private recording will take place at the Harlem Stage Gatehouse. This exclusive performance, along with select performances from both outdoor concerts, plus bonus content, will premiere virtually on harlemstage.org in the fall of 2021.
The Nubian Nocturnal Ball for Conscientious Ballers and Cultural Shot Callers is an event for people who have always been associated with experimentation in all aspects of life. A mashup of intricate melodies, harmony and rhythms set upon an ensemble of 12 mesmerizing, improvising musicians who will create an audio sanctuary for the thirsty ear. This version of the Ball will focus on the influence of Sun Ra, and pay tribute to Marshall Allen, an original member of the Sun Ra Arkestra. Three concerts will be presented under the sonic direction of trombonist/composer Craig Harris, who is a former member of Sun Ra’s band and has embraced many of his concepts and performance methodologies in his own Sonic Travels.
Commissioned by Harlem Stage through its WaterWorks program and supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, The Ford Foundation, The Leonard & Robert Weintraub Family Fund.
