Black Earth Ensemble Premieres ‘Xenogenesis Suite’

  I  

Flutist Nicole Mitchell’s Black Earth Ensemble will debut “Xenogenesis Suite: A Tribute To Octavia Butler” Dec. 7 at the Chicago Cultural Center.

Composed and directed by Mitchell, “Xenogenesis Suite” is inspired by science fiction author and Afro-Futurist Octavia Butler.

The nine-piece Black Earth Ensemble includes:
Nicole Mitchell, flute
David Boykin, saxophone
David Young, trumpet
Mankwe Ndosi, vocals
Tomeka Reid, cello
Josh Abrams, bass
Justin Dillard, piano
Marcus Evans, drumset
Arveeayl Ra, percussion.

More info: ChicagoCulturalCenter.org



  • Flea_by_Gus_Van_Sant_copy.jpg

    “Cerebral and academic thought is a different way to approach music,” Flea says of his continuing dive into jazz. “I’ve always relied on emotion and intuition and physicality.”

  • Maria_Schneider_%C2%A92026_Mark_Sheldon_-07_copy.jpg

    “These days, with curated news, where people only get half the story, people can’t even speak to family members anymore,” Schneider laments.

  • 2026_Cecil_McLorin_Salvant_Sullivan_Fortner_Big_Ears.jpg

    Cécile McLorin Salvant busts out Jelly Roll Morton’s “The Murder Ballad” at Big Ears, here with pianist Sullivan Fortner.

  • JAM_posters_-_a_selection_cropped.jpg

    Each of the 25 JAMs has delivered a poster featuring a jazz legend that is sent out to schools across the nation. This year’s poster features Tony Bennett.

  • NikBaertschs_RONIN_by_Christian_Senti.jpg

    “We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”