UGA Presents welcomes the Branford Marsalis Quartet in its return to Hodgson Concert Hall Sunday, November 16, at 7:00 p.m. The concert is centered around Belonging, the group’s acclaimed new release on Blue Note Records.
Saxophonist Branford Marsalis is one of the most influential and revered figures in contemporary music. The NEA Jazz Master, Grammy Award winner, and Tony and Emmy Award nominee moves effortlessly among genres — performing concertos with major symphony orchestras, composing for Broadway and film, and collaborating with artists from Sting to members of the Grateful Dead. Yet the heart of his musical world remains the Branford Marsalis Quartet, his primary means of expression since 1986.
The Branford Marsalis Quartet — Marsalis, pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis, and drummer Justin Faulkner — is celebrated for its uncompromising interpretation of a kaleidoscopic range of original compositions, jazz standards, and popular classics.
After receiving Grammy nominations for its previous albums Upward Spiral and The Secret Between the Shadow and the Soul, the quartet now turns its attention to a full-album interpretation of Keith Jarrett’s 1974 ECM classic Belonging. The Guardian has praised Marsalis and his ensemble for finding “the classic jazz format of saxophone, piano, bass, and drums an endless source of inspiration” and for developing “a kind of group mind” over decades of collaboration.
A free pre-performance talk with UGA Assistant Professors Greg Satterthwaite and James Weidman will take place in Ramsey Concert Hall from 6:15–6:45 p.m.
This performance is supported by the King Family Foundation in memory of Jane King, and Charlie and Teresa Friedlander.
BRANFORD MARSALIS
New Orleans-born Branford Marsalis is an award-winning saxophonist, bandleader, and film and Broadway composer. A frequent soloist with classical ensembles, Branford has become increasingly sought after as a featured soloist with acclaimed orchestras around the world. And his legendary guest performances with the Grateful Dead and collaborations with Sting have made him a fan favorite in the pop arena.
Branford’s work on Broadway has garnered a Drama Desk Award and Tony nominations for the acclaimed revivals of Children of a Lesser God, Fences, and A Raisin in the Sun. He received an Emmy nomination for composing the music for the History Channel documentary Tulsa Burning: The 1921 Race Massacre. His screen credits further include original music composed for Spike Lee’s Mo’ Better Blues, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks starring Oprah Winfrey, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom starring Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman, and Rustin starring Chadwick Boseman.
BUYING TICKETS IS EASY
Securing tickets for UGA Presents performances couldn’t be easier. There are three ways to choose from:
- Purchase tickets online 24/7 here.
- Call the Performing Arts Center Box Office at (706) 542-4400, Mon.-Fri., 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- Visit the UGA Performing Arts Center Box Office, Mon.-Fri., 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (5 minute parking is available in the drop off circle at the Performing Arts Center for purchasing or picking up tickets.)
You may also create your own series of three or more performances (10% off). UGA Presents single tickets start at just $30 with promo code PAC30 and UGA student tickets are $15. Information about accessibility and venue amenities is available on the PAC website. Parking is free.
(Photo: Zach Smith)
