Whatever I’d say would be an understatement…He was one of the greatest people

I’ve ever known, as a man, as a friend, and a musician.   -  John Coltrane

In 2014, Seed Artists produced an historic celebration of visionary multi-instrumentalist and composer Eric Dolphy, whose tragic death in 1964, at just 36, left the jazz world wondering, “What if?”

On June 1-2, another remarkable slate of artists will celebrate Dolphy's singular vision from fresh and compelling perspectives. What will you experience?

Familiar tunes, yes, but also improvisations based on Dolphy's unfinished, unheard compositions. A first! NEA Jazz Master Reggie Workman, who performed with Dolphy and Coltrane more than 60 years ago. Musical speculations on Dolphy's little-known jam sessions with Cecil Taylor. (Another first.) Geri Allen’s breathtaking “Celebration Ensemble Suite for Eric Dolphy”—performed only once, 35 years ago. Don Byron's quartet of bass-clarinet masters. The kinetic James Brandon Lewis Quartet. Solo sets from guitar legend Eugene Chadbourne and the mesmerizing Patricia Brennan on marimba and electronics. The Dolphy String Quartet performing the unfinished "Love Suite" and other unheard scores. A Dolphy Trio, composed of his three primary instruments--alto sax, flute, bass clarinet--and led by his heir on flute, Nicole Mitchell. Pioneering dancer/choreographer Dianne McIntyre with Seed's own Pheeoan akLaff on drums. A New School ensemble performing unrecorded Dolphy. And the esteemed Dr. James Newton—composer, flutist, educator, Dolphy scholar—leading a symposium with Workman and Mitchell, and a listening session with Seed's in-house jazz historian, Peter Bodge.

This promises to be one of the most compelling jazz events of the year. Not mere imitation, but Dolphy celebrated through the voices and imaginations of nearly 40 brilliant artists. We can't wait to hear and see what they create.

Join us. GET YOUR TICKETS NOW.

And please consider adding a donation to help fund the festival and future productions. We are an all-volunteer organization--your donation goes directly to the artists and to production costs.

Can't make the festival but would like to support the cause? You can donate through the ticketing link above, no ticket purchase required.

Can't pay online or by phone? Email us at info@seedartists.org, or call us at (347) 460-2282. We'll work it out.

Thank you.

DOLPHY!

THINGS TO KNOW + THE SHIRT OF SHIRTS

You should get your tickets in advance, but if you don't or can't, tickets will now be available at the door. But only by scanning a QR code at the venue. And the earlier you buy, the better we can plan. So please click that link.

Thee will be two 15-minute intermissions each night.

We will have light refreshments available in the lobby, free of charge, throughout the event.

Transportation and Parking:

By train   John L. Tishman Auditorium is located at the corner of 13th Street and 5th Avenue, just up the block from the Union Square subway station (L, N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6) and the 6th Avenue station, (F, M, L), which is also a Path stop. The 7th and 8th Avenue stops along 14th Street connect the West Side trains to the L, or it is a short walk to Tishman.

Parking   NYC street parking is what it is, but it will be easier on Sunday, when most restrictions are lifted. If you don't already have the ParkNYC app, wise to load it on your phone for metered parking. There are many parking garages nearby, which you can find via SpotHero or a similar app.

The venue is ADA compliant.

THE SHIRTS!

Our historian Peter Bodge also created the stunning festival artwork, based on the iconic Chuck Stewart photo--check out the shadow image composed of Dolphy's name. Jackie Fugere created the super-hip graphic design. Instant classic. In two versions: shades of blue on an off-white ("natural") shirt, or the throwback--orange and cream on dark brown. Beautify the world with Dolphy.

Get them here: YOUR SHIRT(S).

IMPORTANT: If you are attending, you can pick up your shirt at the venue. If not, we will mail them to you after the festival. A great gift for the jazz lover in your universe.

Last thing, some wisdom from the great James Newton, who will lead the symposium and the listening session on June 2. Among James's many (many) accolades, he Best Flutist in Downbeat's International Jazz Critics Poll for 23 consecutive years. His insights about Dolphy's music are invaluable: James Newton 1, James Newton 2.

Please spread the word.

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Presented in partnership with The School of Jazz and Contemporary Music at The New School College of Performing Arts, and United Artists for Humanity.