Presentation: A Sun Ra Celebration with David Boyce

Saturday, 2/8/2025
2:00 - 4:30
Golden Gate Valley Meeting Room
Golden Gate Valley

1801 Green Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
United States

415-355-5666

Musician and music educator David Boyce will give a lecture overview, with audio-visual samples, on Sun Ra’s contribution to modern creative music, focusing on his pioneering use of synthesizers, extended large ensemble techniques and his DIY aesthetic. 

After a short break, at 3:30pm we will watch the documentary Sun Ra: A Joyful Noise (1980, 60 min., with Closed Captions). Sun Ra explains his mystical philosophy and the nature of the cosmos, intercut with thrilling performances of his band, the Arkestra. 

Visit our adult reading area, where for the month of February you will find a special display of Sun Ra books and recordings you can borrow with your library card. 

Sun Ra (1914-1993) was a visionary American composer, bandleader, keyboard player, and poet, known for music that spanned the entire history of jazz and beyond, often in a big band setting with theatrical performances. Claiming origin from the planet Saturn, he is a major figure of Afrofuturism. His legacy continues today with over 100 albums and the ongoing work of the Sun Ra Arkestra led by his bandmate Marshall Allen, who is releasing his first solo album "New Dawn" (2024) at the spry age of 100! San Francisco's Kronos Quartet also recently released a Sun Ra tribute album featuring a who's who of guests.

Boohabian multi-reed player David Boyce teaches music at the Urban School of SF, plays in the duo Six Roses, the group The Supplicants, and also has a history as a member of the celebrated jazz/hip-hop group The Broun Fellinis. He presently curates and hosts an outstanding live performance series Friday nights at the Medicine for Nightmares bookstore in the SF Mission district. 

 

 

 

Dance & Music

Enjoy performances, talks and workshops that celebrate movement and the musical arts.

More Than a Month: Black Interest

Connect to engaging discussions and performances related to the Black community.

More Than a Month recognizes important events in Black history, honors community and national leaders and fosters steps towards collective change. Programming features authors, poets and craft classes. 

Spotlight

This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

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