On April 24, the Elon Jazz Ensembles will perform a tribute to Sun Ra in McCrary Theatre, blending jazz, Afrofuturism and theatrical visuals.
Have you ever experienced a performance that feels completely outside the boundaries of reality? On April 24 at 7:30 p.m. in McCrary Theatre, the Elon Jazz Ensembles will invite audiences into exactly that kind of world—one shaped by imagination, innovation, and cosmic storytelling.
Directed by Assistant Professor of Music Alex Heitlinger, the concert centers around the music of Sun Ra, a visionary artist known for blending jazz, philosophy and Afrofuturism into a sound unlike any other. His work blurs the lines between swing and avant-garde, drawing inspiration from ancient Egypt, outer space and beyond. Through this performance, audiences will step into what Sun Ra described as a “universe of sound,” where music becomes both an artistic and conceptual experience.
Throughout his life, Sun Ra—born Herman Poole Blount—crafted a persona as unique as his music. He famously claimed to have been transported to Saturn in the 1930s and instructed by alien beings to share his message through music. Whether symbolic or sincere, this narrative became central to his artistic identity. Beyond the mythology, Sun Ra was a groundbreaking innovator: one of the first jazz musicians to experiment with electronic synthesizers and among the earliest Black artists to establish an independent record label. His ensemble, known as the Sun Ra Arkestra, has continued performing for decades, carrying forward his legacy through electrifying, theatrical performances.
The April 24 concert will reflect that same spirit of creativity and unpredictability. The evening will feature two distinct sets: an opening small group performance showcasing works by Sun Ra and his contemporaries, followed by a high-energy big band set with more than 20 musicians and multiple vocalists. Adding to the immersive experience, Heidi Jo Schiemer, costume designer for Performing Arts, has created intergalactic attire inspired by Sun Ra’s signature style—complete with nods to both ancient Egyptian and cosmic themes.
While Sun Ra’s music is often described as experimental or avant-garde, it remains deeply rooted in the traditions of big band swing. This combination makes the performance both musically sophisticated and highly engaging—equally suited for close listening and pure enjoyment. Audiences can expect a concert that is as entertaining and danceable as it is imaginative.
Sponsored by the Department of Music, this performance promises to be one of the most unique musical events on campus this year. With its fusion of sound, storytelling, and visual spectacle, the Elon Jazz Ensembles’ tribute to Sun Ra invites audiences to embrace the unexpected and experience music in an entirely new way.