Trombonist, prolific composer, bandleader of various sized ensembles, and gifted sonic shaman Craig Harris' musical journey has led him on a path that has affirmed his place in performance with and among the ranks of creative music’s most progressive thought-leaders. Harris has performed around the world with a wide range of jazz luminaries, including the inimitable Sun Ra, as well as Sam Rivers, Cecil Taylor, Charlie Haden, Muhal Richard Abrams, Henry Threadgill, and Oliver Lake, since 1976.

Harris has amassed an extensive discography of his own influential work in addition to contributing to the projects of his esteemed colleagues. Steeped in the tradition of using his musical voice to comment on social injustice and humanity, Harris co-composed the score for the Academy Award-winning film Judas and the Black Messiah (2021), which was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album” the next year. Harris’ most recent recording as a leader, Managing the Mask, was released in 2022.

At Wesleyan, Harris’ sextet will make their Connecticut debut, performing the music of saxophonist Sam Rivers (1923–2011) in celebration of Rivers’ centennial anniversary at 8pm. The concert opens at 7pm with a 45-minute set performed by members of the Wesleyan Jazz Orchestra.

Please note: this event takes place at the Crowell Concert Hall on the campus of Wesleyan University (50 Wyllys Ave., Middletown, CT 06459) and these free passes are for Middletown Residents Only. Registration is required for this event. Please bring your confirmation email to the Wesleyan Box Office at the time of the event for your free tickets. All members of your party must be registered for admittance.

For more information about this concert, please see the event webpage.