Sun Ra Arkestra

• Gent Jazz
  Thursday 2•July•2026
  22:15•

Legendary and visionary musician-composer Sun Ra founded his Arkestra in the 1950s. But this was never merely a 'backing band’ — it was a fully-formed universe. With a constantly changing line-up — anchored by a few key figures yet defined by continual arrivals and departures — the Arkestra released more than fifty albums, each propelled by the same all-encompassing musical curiosity. Swing, free jazz, Afro jazz, cosmic jazz and electronica merged into one another, infused with experimentation, avant-garde thinking, new instruments and the rising philosophy of Afrofuturism. Sun Ra and his Arkestra stunned audiences worldwide with audacious rhythms, radical ideas and performances that were as theatrical as they were virtuosic.

When Sun Ra passed away in 1993, the Arkestra did not fade into history. Saxophonist John Gilmore became the first to carry the mantle of leadership; while after his death, the torch was passed to Marshall Allen, who continues to steer the ensemble today — well beyond his 100th birthday. With the same spirit that defined its earliest years, the Arkestra still tours the globe: Seriousness and virtuosity exist side by side with humour; dance becomes ritual, and spirituality remains at the heart of it all. Space is the place - with a stopover at Gent Jazz.

Line-up

    Knoel Scott (vocals, saxophones, congas)

    Chris Hemingway (alto saxophone)

    James Stewart (tenor saxophone)

    Alex Harding (baritone saxophone)

    Michael Ray (trumpet)

    Cecil Brooks (trumpet)

    Robert Stringer (trombone)

    Tara Middleton (vocals)

    Ramon Valle (piano)

    Tyler Mitchell (bass)

    George Gray (drums)

    Elson Nascimento (percussion, surdo)

    Jose da Silva (percussion)

For fans of: Pharoah Sanders, Alice Coltrane, Kamasi Washington, spiritual jazz