A world premiere interdisciplinary performance celebrates the lineage and culture of jazz in Philadelphia. Tenor saxophonist and Pew Fellow Odean Pope collaborates with his student-turned-colleague, saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, to compose an evening-length piece that situates jazz and its improvisational spirit as a critical element of American cultural production. Based on a poem by writer Herman Beavers dedicated to Pope, the work also features theater artist and Pew Fellow Jennifer Kidwell and a performance space designed by artist Lauren Halsey.
The total grant amount represents project funding plus an additional 20% in unrestricted general operating support.