We conclude the first weekend of the Festival on Sunday, May 21 with a rich tribute to Jazz Icons including local legend Craig Harris’ insightful performance documentary.
Craig Harris in The Sacred Place Between Earth and Space
This special World Premiere screening is followed by a discussion with Craig Harris, Harlem Stage Artistic Director & CEO Pat Cruz, and Director Patrick Heaphy.
A production of LCM247 in partnership with Harlem Stage.
4:45 PM
THE SACRED PLACE BETWEEN EARTH AND SPACE World Premiere
Director: Patrick Heaphy
Country: US, Running Time: 92 min
A documentary that captures the mid-pandemic culmination of Harlem Stage’s Afrofuturism series featuring Craig Harris’ Nocturnal Nubian Ball for Conscientious Ballers and Cultural Shot Callers. The film is a mix of behind the scenes, concert and historical footage that highlights Craig Harris’ reunion and performances with legendary free jazz instrumentalist and fellow Sun Ra Arkestra Member, Marshall Allen. For that brief week in the summer of 2021, Craig Harris and his Nation of Imagination were able to provide much needed entertainment for a pandemic fatigued New York City.
Click here for location details, more info and tickets to THE SACRED PLACE BETWEEN EARTH AND SPACE
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Also screening Sunday, May 21 as part of the Jazz Icon tribute is the World Premiere of BronX BandA: Arturo O’Farrill & The Bronx
7 PM
BronX BandA: Arturo O’Farrill & The Bronx World Premiere
Director: Taylor Krauss
Country: US, Running Time: 79 min
As the COVID-19 pandemic hit the Bronx, our nation’s most economically poor congressional district, 6-time Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist Arturo O’Farrill (2023, 2022, 2021, 2018, 2016, 2016) brings to life a 9-piece hip-hop-jazz ensemble converting stories of South Bronx life to music resounding in the streets. This music documentary pays homage to the history of the Afro-Latinx music that was born in the Bronx.
Click here for location details, more info and tickets to BronX BandA: Arturo O’Farrill & The Bronx
Preceding both shows is the Encore Presentation of NC Heikin’s Life & Life followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers
2:30 PM
Life & Life
Director: NC Heikin
Country: US, Running Time: 79 min
Life & Life tracks the journey that musician Reggie Austin takes to redeem his life following a murder conviction 40 years ago. With surprising honesty and depth, the film looks at Austin’s effect on his fellow inmates and his efforts to reconnect with his family, as well as questioning parole and sentencing practices through his story. Ultimately, the film reveals the steep and dangerous hill ex-prisoners must climb upon release to free themselves and create a positive future. Life & Life is a story of the struggle for redemption and hope against near impossible odds, accompanied by a soundtrack that comes straight from Austin’s heart.
Click here for location details, more info and tickets to Life & Life