Hugh Ragin to Celebrate Sun Ra's Legacy in Denver Performances

Esteemed trumpeter and music educator Hugh Ragin has found a home in Colorado, balancing a local presence with global jazz contributions. Known for his work with The Art Ensemble of Chicago and performances alongside jazz greats like Anthony Braxton and Maynard Ferguson, Ragin also recently completed his doctorate in musical arts. His dedication to Sun Ra's work remains strong, having played with the visionary's Arkestra years ago in New York.

Sun Ra's Music Lives On

Denver's Lumonics Light and Sound Gallery will resonate with the ethereal tunes of Sun Ra, thanks to Ragin and a group of musicians, curating performances featuring Sun Ra's extensive repertoire on February 16 and March 15. Ragin's admiration for Sun Ra is as much about the music as it is the larger-than-life persona and philosophy of 'big picture' consciousness that the late cosmic jazz pioneer represented. Ragin fondly recalls his colorful initiation into the Arkestra, characterized by space-themed attire and profound dialogue.

A Fusion of Sights and Sounds

The upcoming tribute shows, titled 'The Sun Ra Project,' are more than concerts; they are multimedia experiences blending live performance with archival footage of Sun Ra. With Ragin at the forefront, the shows promise an immersive journey into the universe of Sun Ra's music. The performances will also feature percussionist Janine Santana and keyboardist Sean Winters, offering attendees a chance to witness the enduring influence of Sun Ra's genre-defying artistry.

In addition to Ragin's tribute, Denver's jazz scene continues to buzz with activity. Performers like Louisa Amend, Tierney Sutton, Keith Oxman, Jon Batiste, and Joshua Redman have upcoming dates at various venues across the city, promising a rich selection of jazz offerings to savor throughout the month.

jazz, performance, tribute