Jazz at Lincoln Center streaming ‘The Democracy! Suite,’ featuring Wynton Marsalis, until Nov. 18

In partnership with the Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State, and on the heels of the 2020 U.S. presidential election, Jazz at Lincoln Center is offering a themed virtual performance featuring some of the finest soloists in the jazz world. “The Democracy! Suite,” featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra Septet with Wynton Marsalis, is streaming free of charge until 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18.

Visit democracy concert to stream the free presentation. 

The program features Marsalis’ composition “The Democracy! Suite,” a piece written during the pandemic quarantine in the face of the country’s political, economic and social struggles. The concert, filmed in September in New York City, includes commentary by Marsalis.

The program is part of the Center for the Performing Arts “Up Close and Virtual” fall season. Contributions from the members of the center and a grant from the University Park Student Fee Board help make the program free of charge.

The program’s themes of freedom and democracy are close to Marsalis.

“Being from the 1960s, and my father being a jazz musician, he was always talking about our way of life and how the music is related to that way of life,” Marsalis said on the Nov. 2 episode of the “Democracy Works” podcast. “I would read books that were always talking about jazz musicians, and what they knew about the music and how the music was connected to our way of life and the pursuit of equality and justice. … I was aware of the connection between the music and the arts, and the struggle for equality and freedom.”

Including Marsalis (trumpet), the septet features Elliot Mason (trombone), Ted Nash (alto saxophone), Walter Blanding (tenor saxophone), Dan Nimmer (piano), Carlos Henriquez (bass) and Obed Calvaire (drums).

Listen to Marsalis discussing the link between democracy and jazz on the “Democracy Works” podcast. 

Geisinger and Northwest provide support for virtual presentations by the Center for the Performing Arts. 

Find more information about forthcoming “Up Close and Virtual” season events.