Nelson’s Groundbreaking Compositions Featured at Jazz Loft @ Southampton Concert Series April 23

A sweeping jazz journey from Africa to America will be the next performance at The Jazz Loft @ Southampton Concert Series on Thursday, April 23, at The Avram at Stony Brook Southampton.

Afro/American Sketches - originally titled by celebrated performer, composer, bandleader and Jazz legend Oliver Nelson - will be performed by renowned flutist and educator Oliver Nelson, Jr., son of the composer and adjunct lecturer from Indiana University Bloomington, alongside Stony Brook University Professor Thomas Manuel and The Jazz Loft Studio Orchestra.

Telling the story of struggle, resilience and hope that resonates across generations, Afro/American Sketches presents Oliver Nelson's landmark and historic 1961 composition. This musical narrative, one of jazz's most ambitious and meaningful large-ensemble works, traces the African American experience through history, memory and aspiration.

Inspired by Nelson's study of the musical traditions of nearly 200 African tribes, this seven-movement works to unfold as a deeply expressive journey. Beginning on the African continent, the suite moves through the trauma of enslavement, moments of rediscovered freedom, and the enduring pain of social oppression, before ultimately looking forward with optimism toward a future grounded in equality and justice.

Jazzhattan Suite, also composed and arranged by Oliver Nelson, will be featured that evening as well.

The concert will be held at 7 pm at The Avram. Tickets are $36 for general admission, $33 for seniors, alumni and faculty/staff, and just $18 for students. Buy your tickets online.

Held in collaboration with The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook and curated by Manuel - The Jazz Loft's founder and Stony Brook University Endowed Artist in Residence - the series is a celebration of creativity, history and artistry. It explores various facets of jazz music, with each performance offering a unique experience. It is part of an ongoing effort to revitalize Stony Brook Southampton as a hub for the arts, community and education.