Jazz for Justice

On Saturday, April 9, The Liberation Music Collective will be in Ferguson at the Center for Social Empowerment and Justice to perform original compositions from their most recent collaboration Siglo XXI at two different times. Based in Bloomington, IN, LMC is a socially conscious big band dedicated to performing original compositions about contemporary social issues. LMC and the Center will host an afternoon workshop for young musicians from 2 - 4 p.m. and the full Jazz for Justice concert will begin at 6 p.m. Both events are free, with donations accepted. Location for both events is at the Center for Social Empowerment and Justice at Wellspring Church, 33 S. Florissant Rd., Ferguson, 63135.

Comprised of 16 students and alumni of Indiana University’s prestigious Jacobs School of Music, LMC, according to its website, brings “a fresh 21st-century approach to the tradition of protest music in jazz. Following in the footsteps of Charlie Haden, Max Roach, Charles Mingus, and many others, the Collective draws on the strengths of its members to create focused statements about contemporary life and culture. By focusing on social issues and embracing many styles within a jazz context, the Collective hopes to bring jazz back into the socially provocative music of our era. We believe that art should reflect life, and our work seeks to reflect the important cultural conversations of our era with thought-provoking musical narrative.”

Details regarding the workshop

Saturday, April 9, 2-4 p.m., 33 S. Florissant Rd., Ferguson, 63135

The workshop is open for all to come, but geared toward musicians grades middle through college. Musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments, questions and passion for music and learning. Members from The Liberation Music Collective will offer suggestions on steps to take next for those who are serious about their talent and answer questions.

Details regarding Jazz for Justice concert

Saturday, April 9, 6-8 p.m., 33 S. Florissant Rd., Ferguson, 63135

Get ready for The Liberation Music Collective of Indiana University to envelop you with their provocative style of traditional big-band jazz that also brings a modern approach to the tradition of protest music in jazz. The music they’ll be playing from Siglo XXI is “dedicated to a specific challenge within our society today.”

Victoria Walls, UMSL poet laureate will also be featured during the concert.

This free concert is brought to you by The Center for Social Empowerment and Justice. We believe our community has a voice, has a choice and hope is real.