Ypsilanti Freighthouse
The Music of John Coltrane — Africa/Brass
This large ensemble work commemorating the 100th birthday of John Coltrane is centered on a reinterpretation and reimagination of Coltrane’s landmark recording through the distinct artistic lenses of Kris Johnson and Marcus Elliot. With a 10-piece brass section alongside rhythm, Elliot and Johnson will fully explore the scale and depth that made Africa/Brass such a pivotal work, remaining in deep conversation with Coltrane’s original while reimagining the music through their own experiences, influences, and approaches to form, orchestration, and improvisation.
Alcohol will be available for purchase for ages 21+ with ID.
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The Music of John Coltrane — Africa/Brass
Ypsilanti Freighthouse
Pay-What-You-Wish starting at $5.
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* Student, Senior and Group Discounts may be available
Marcus Elliot is a saxophonist, composer, improviser, and educator based in Detroit, Michigan. Marcus is a 2020 Kresge Artist Fellow, awarded by Kresge Arts in Detroit. He is the current director of the University of Michigan’s Creative Arts Orchestra and Instructor of Jazz Saxophone at Wayne State University. His compositions and improvisations have been described by the New York Times as “convincing and confident, evolved in touch and tone…”, and the Detroit Free Press has said, “Marcus Elliot represents next generation of jazz”. Elliot leads and co-leads many different Detroit-based bands including the Marcus Elliot Quintet, Clockwork, Balance, and the Beyond Rebellious Ensemble. Elliot performs in the Shigeto Live Ensemble. He is a Fellow of the Geri Allen Gathering Orchestra. He is the founder of Creation Code Records.
Kris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter, composer, arranger, film composer, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions, musical theatre, film scoring, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Marlowe’s Wings, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
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