In Absence, 2018 USA Fellow, two-time Oscar nominee, and five-time GRAMMY-winning trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard celebrates both the brilliance of Wayne Shorter’s legacy and the inspiration he has given Blanchard, influencing his ever-expanding amalgam of music and storytelling. For this monumental task, Blanchard will unite his internationally acclaimed band The E-Collective, featuring young musical pioneers Charles Altura on guitar, Fabian Almazan on piano and synthesizers, Oscar Seaton on drums, and David “DJ” Ginyard on bass, with the double-GRAMMY-winning Turtle Island Quartet.

Wayne Shorter’s evolution as an artist is vast and unending. Performing with and composing for Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and Miles Davis Second Great Quintet naturally led to the formation of his own legendary groups—first Weather Report, then his musically unparalleled quartet. With Shorter’s career now focused solely on composing, his musical greatness has set the table for his protégé to carry his music forward to the next generation.

The repertoire will include arrangements of Shorter’s original work, including “Diana” from Native Dancer and “When It Was Now” from Weather Report’s 1982 self-titled release. Blanchard’s compositions will continue to expand on the reservoir of E-Collective tunes, utilizing a string quartet that is uniquely equipped for the full range of color and expression of the Blanchard sonic and stylistic sphere. Original compositions from the band include new contributions from Almazan, and for the first time on a recording, Ginyard. A heart-stopping string quartet work titled “Second Wave,” written by Turtle Island’s own David Balakrishnan, perfectly rounds out the recording.

COVID Protocols Update

As the number of COVID transmissions continues to rise, we are thankful for your help in keeping our staff, volunteers, artists, and community members safe and healthy.

Effective September 1, 2021, for entrance to Music Hall indoor, full-capacity events (e.g. concerts, comedy, festivals): patrons, staff, and volunteers will need to show proof of full vaccination – 14 days past their final vaccination shot – OR proof of a negative COVID-19 test within three days of the event. Proof of vaccination can be your physical vaccine card or a photo/scan of your card or via an app such as Bindle. Masks are encouraged for everyone. Children under 12 years of age are exempt from this policy but must wear masks indoors. Masks are highly encouraged for those who are unvaccinated.

Please note: Safety protocols for offsite Music Hall events will be developed in conjunction with those venues and will be communicated in advance.

All Music Hall events will be presented in accordance with applicable public health mandates and artist’s requirements as of the date of the event. These could include changes to mask requirements, capacity, attendance prerequisites, procedures, and other protective measures. Thank you for your understanding and support throughout this uncertain time.

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