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Makaya McCraven and SHABAKA Unite for a Genre-Defying Jazz Experience
October 19, 2024 • 7:30 pm

Prepare for a transcendent evening of music as two trailblazing forces in contemporary jazz, Makaya McCraven and Shabaka, unite for an extraordinary performance at McCarter Theatre Center on Saturday, October 19, at 7:30 p.m.
Makaya McCraven, a visionary Chicago-based drummer, producer, and composer, is known for his genre-blurring style that merges jazz, hip-hop, and folk. Hailed by The New York Times as “one of the best arguments for jazz’s vitality,” McCraven’s innovative approach to live improvisation and in-studio editing pushes the boundaries of jazz. His latest album, In These Times, crafted over seven years, has been recognized by NPR, Pitchfork, and others as one of the finest works in modern jazz. Joining McCraven will be his longtime collaborators and Chicago jazz scene standouts—Junius Paul on bass, Matt Gold on guitar, and Marquis Hill on trumpet—who help solidify his dynamic sound.
SHABAKA, formerly known as Shabaka Hutchings, is a groundbreaking multi-instrumentalist who helped put England’s 21st-century jazz scene on the map as the leader of influential groups like Sons of Kemet and The Comet Is Coming. His work transcends conventional notions of genre, drawing from a vast palette of cultural influences. A pioneering voice in British jazz, SHABAKA has also performed classical concertos with world-leading orchestras, underscoring his technical mastery and versatility. Currently embarking on a new artistic journey with global wind instruments like the Japanese shakuhachi and Native American drone flute, SHABAKA’s latest project, Perceive its Beauty, Acknowledge its Grace, has been described by Jazzwise as “a triumph of creative imagination.”
“Makaya and SHABAKA have been the torchbearers of progressive jazz over the past decade,” said Paula Abreu, McCarter’s Director of Presented Programming. “We’re proud to continue pushing the legacy of jazz forward at McCarter with these incredible artists.”
This double bill promises an evening that transcends genres, blending acoustic and electric sounds while highlighting the cultural and creative depths of jazz today.
For tickets and more information, visit mccarter.org or contact the McCarter Ticket Office at (609) 258-2787.