Sun Ra Arkestra

City Winery Philadelphia presents Sun Ra Arkestra live on Saturday, November 30th at 7:30pm.

Sun Ra founded the Sun Ra Arkestra in Chicago in the mid-1950's.

Sun Ra was among the earliest pioneers of the synthesizer and the free jazz revolution of 1960's.

The Arkestra are known for their live performances that combine big-band swing, space-age jazz, singing, dancing, chanting, bright colors and Afro-pageantry. They have been at the forefront of Afro-futurism since their inception.

Maestro Marshall Allen, the avant-garde alto saxophonist, who is 99 years young, joined the Arkestra in 1960. He has been directing the Arkestra since 1995. Marshall continues to compose and record with the Arkestra. He performs live on stage with them when they play within driving distance of his home in Philadelphia and he will be directing the Arkestra at City Winery.

The Arkestra's 2020 album "Swirling" was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Big Band Jazz Ensemble Recording.

The Arkestra continue to travel the globe on their Inter-Galactic tour. Some tour highlights include The Kennedy Center, with Solange; The Burlington Jazz Festival; The Ottawa Jazz Fest; The Berlin Opera House; and New York City shows at Radio City Music Hall and a benefit with Yo La Tengo in New York.