FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 9th, 2024

Satchel Peterson and Rachel Smith | Jazz Department Heads | jazz@wkcr.org Tanvi Krishnamurthy | Publicity Director | publicity@wkcr.org

WKCR-FM Proudly Presents:

Charles Mingus Birthday Broadcast April 22nd, 2024

WKCR is thrilled to announce a birthday broadcast in honor of bassist, composer, and cultural icon Charles Mingus, born April 22, 1922, in Nogales, AZ. The broadcast is scheduled for 24 hours on Monday, April 22.

One of the most fascinating artists of the 20th century, Charles Mingus was a prolific and skilled composer, a virtuosic bass player, an accomplished pianist, and a strong bandleader…He carried with him an aura of unpredictability, and communicated in a way that required the audience and listeners to decipher his unique lexicon, moving to his plane of understanding and navigating his terms of communication.

The result is a musical legacy that transcends mere notes on a page, weaving intricate tapestries of raw emotion and genius intellect. Mingus’s compositions are like a journey, and they force us to explore the depths of our own human experience through the process of trying to decipher what exactly he is trying to say (who else is capable of naming a song “The Shoes of the Fisherman's Wife Are Some Jive Ass Slippers”?). Whether or not one can actually get to the bottom of what Mingus’s true artistic vision was, it is clear that he had a unique understanding deeper than most people of himself, society, and how he wanted to express that in his compositions and playing. His music is a celebration of life's complexities, embracing the chaos and beauty of existence with equal fervor. In the realm of Black American Music, Mingus stands as a towering figure, and his music will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of innovation and inspiration for generations to come.

Stay tuned for a programming schedule which will be released in the coming weeks leading up to the broadcast. Listeners can tune in to the WKCR birthday broadcast of Charles Mingus on 89.9FM or stream it live on our website, wkcr.org. Follow WKCR on Instagram (@wkcr) and Twitter (@WKCRFM) for updates about the special broadcast and future events. Online listening is available 24/7 at wkcr.org via our web stream.

$15 STUDENT TIX FOR 9:30PM SET- PRESENT ID AT DOOR

Mingus Big Band performs exclusively the music of composer/bassist Charles Mingus who celebrated his Centennial year in 2022. Building off the strengths of Mingus Dynasty septet Sue Mingus formed after Mingus’ death in 1979, and 1989’s Epitaph orchestra, in 1991 she created this 14-piece band to feature new arrangements of Mingus compositions in a larger band format that Mingus wanted, but was not always able to organize in his lifetime. The dynamic structure encourages deep explorations and ever-evolving ideations of Mingus Music and provides a platform for individual artistic expression.

Drawing from a rotation of the best established and rising musicians, Mingus Big Band is highly sought-after by festivals and prestigious venues around the world. The band has twelve recordings to its credit, seven nominated for Grammys, and one win in 2011 with Live at Jazz Standard. A new album, The Charles Mingus Centennial Sessions, was released in October 2022 and nominated for a Grammy. The second volume will be released in 2024.

The band has become a New York institution for locals and tourists alike, with a weekly residency now in its fourth decade. From Thursday nights at Fez under Time Cafe, to Joe’s Pub, Iridium, and landing finally at Mingus Mondays at Jazz Standard until its pandemic closure. Please join us at our new home DROM, moving to Wednesdays in March 2024.

Mingus Big Band manager Robert Ungaro stated, “We are thrilled to be back in Mingus’ old Village stomping grounds with the wonderful team at Drom. In this Centennial year, Mingus’ music and message is more essential than ever, as we showcase the talents of the best veteran and young musicians, striving to promote racial, gender and generational diversity. We are keeping the music of Mingus alive.”

MINGUS BIG BAND PERFORMS 6 SHOWS DURING CHARLES MINGUS FESTIVAL AND HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITION WEEKEND

Any proceeds after expenses will be donated to Let My Children Hear Music (The Charles Mingus Institute) to support The Charles Mingus Festival and High School Competition and other educational projects. Donations may also be made here: https://www.paypal.me/mingusinstitute

The Mingus Big Band celebrates the music of composer/bassist Charles Mingus who celebrated his Centennial year in 2022.  Founded under the artistic direction of Sue Mingus in 1991 to build off the Mingus Dynasty septet that she formed after Mingus’ death in 1979, this 14-piece band features new arrangements of Mingus compositions in a larger band format that Mingus was not always able to organize in his lifetime. The dynamic structure encourages deep explorations and ever-evolving ideations of Mingus Music and provides a platform for individual artistic expression.

Drawing from a rotation of the best established and rising musicians, the Mingus Big Band is highly sought-after by festivals and prestigious venues around the world. The band has eleven recordings to its credit, six nominated for Grammys, and one win in 2011 with Live at Jazz Standard. A new album, The Charles Mingus Centennial Sessions, was released in October 2022. The second volume will be released in 2023.

The band has held down a weekly residency in New York City for three decades, beginning in 1991 Thursday nights at Fez under Time Cafe, then Joe’s Pub, City Hall, Iridium, and landing finally at Jazz Standard.

Mingus Big Band manager Robert Ungaro stated, “We are thrilled to partner again with Seth Abramson for Mingus Mondays — we shared 15 years at Jazz Standard (and a Grammy!) And back in Mingus’ old Village stomping grounds with the wonderful team at Drom. In this Centennial year, Mingus’ music and message is more essential than ever, as we showcase the talents of the best veteran and young musicians, striving to promote racial, gender and generational diversity. We are keeping the music of Mingus alive.”

MINGUS BIG BAND PERFORMS 6 SHOWS DURING CHARLES MINGUS FESTIVAL AND HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITION WEEKEND

Any proceeds after expenses will be donated to Let My Children Hear Music (The Charles Mingus Institute) to support The Charles Mingus Festival and High School Competition and other educational projects. Donations may also be made here: https://www.paypal.me/mingusinstitute

The Mingus Big Band celebrates the music of composer/bassist Charles Mingus who celebrated his Centennial year in 2022.  Founded under the artistic direction of Sue Mingus in 1991 to build off the Mingus Dynasty septet that she formed after Mingus’ death in 1979, this 14-piece band features new arrangements of Mingus compositions in a larger band format that Mingus was not always able to organize in his lifetime. The dynamic structure encourages deep explorations and ever-evolving ideations of Mingus Music and provides a platform for individual artistic expression.

Drawing from a rotation of the best established and rising musicians, the Mingus Big Band is highly sought-after by festivals and prestigious venues around the world. The band has eleven recordings to its credit, six nominated for Grammys, and one win in 2011 with Live at Jazz Standard. A new album, The Charles Mingus Centennial Sessions, was released in October 2022. The second volume will be released in 2023.

The band has held down a weekly residency in New York City for three decades, beginning in 1991 Thursday nights at Fez under Time Cafe, then Joe’s Pub, City Hall, Iridium, and landing finally at Jazz Standard.

Mingus Big Band manager Robert Ungaro stated, “We are thrilled to partner again with Seth Abramson for Mingus Mondays — we shared 15 years at Jazz Standard (and a Grammy!) And back in Mingus’ old Village stomping grounds with the wonderful team at Drom. In this Centennial year, Mingus’ music and message is more essential than ever, as we showcase the talents of the best veteran and young musicians, striving to promote racial, gender and generational diversity. We are keeping the music of Mingus alive.”

FREE full day of High School big bands and combos playing Mingus and competing against other bands from around the county.

Livestream link updated livestream link

The 16th Annual Charles Mingus High School Competition & Festival will take place from Friday, February 16th - Monday, February 19th, 2024, with essential Competition events taking place on Saturday and Sunday at The New School of Jazz.

All events are open to the public, daytime events are FREE.

Donations may also be made here: https://www.paypal.me/mingusinstitute

MINGUS BIG BAND PERFORMS 6 SHOWS DURING CHARLES MINGUS FESTIVAL AND HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITION WEEKEND

Any proceeds after expenses will be donated to Let My Children Hear Music (The Charles Mingus Institute) to support The Charles Mingus Festival and High School Competition and other educational projects. Donations may also be made here: https://www.paypal.me/mingusinstitute

The Mingus Big Band celebrates the music of composer/bassist Charles Mingus who celebrated his Centennial year in 2022.  Founded under the artistic direction of Sue Mingus in 1991 to build off the Mingus Dynasty septet that she formed after Mingus’ death in 1979, this 14-piece band features new arrangements of Mingus compositions in a larger band format that Mingus was not always able to organize in his lifetime. The dynamic structure encourages deep explorations and ever-evolving ideations of Mingus Music and provides a platform for individual artistic expression.

Drawing from a rotation of the best established and rising musicians, the Mingus Big Band is highly sought-after by festivals and prestigious venues around the world. The band has eleven recordings to its credit, six nominated for Grammys, and one win in 2011 with Live at Jazz Standard. A new album, The Charles Mingus Centennial Sessions, was released in October 2022. The second volume will be released in 2023.

The band has held down a weekly residency in New York City for three decades, beginning in 1991 Thursday nights at Fez under Time Cafe, then Joe’s Pub, City Hall, Iridium, and landing finally at Jazz Standard.

Mingus Big Band manager Robert Ungaro stated, “We are thrilled to partner again with Seth Abramson for Mingus Mondays — we shared 15 years at Jazz Standard (and a Grammy!) And back in Mingus’ old Village stomping grounds with the wonderful team at Drom. In this Centennial year, Mingus’ music and message is more essential than ever, as we showcase the talents of the best veteran and young musicians, striving to promote racial, gender and generational diversity. We are keeping the music of Mingus alive.”

The Artistry and Humanity of Charles Mingus with Eric Mingus

The Music of CHARLES MINGUS is like nothing else that came before it, but it was influenced by the rich variety of music and art in his young life in Watts. This class provides a holistic overview of some of the factors that shaped him as an artist and helped form his unique musical voice. Charles’ youngest son Eric will tell the story of his father’s early education, and play recordings of the music his father was inspired by, and music they listened to together at home, with consideration given to the historical context of the works. Students are invited to ask questions and engage in discussion of the class material.

FREE and open to the public-RSVP by clicking below

An extended Mingus Dynasty performs to kick of the days events! FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC but RSVP to get on security list.

Open rehearsal/master class and Q&A FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC but requires RSVP! LIVESTREAM LINK

Mingus Big Band celebrates the music of composer/bassist Charles Mingus who celebrated his Centennial year in 2022.  Founded under the artistic direction of Sue Mingus in 1991 to build off the Mingus Dynasty septet that she formed after Mingus’ death in 1979, this 14-piece band features new arrangements of Mingus compositions in a larger band format that Mingus was not always able to organize in his lifetime. The dynamic structure encourages deep explorations and ever-evolving ideations of Mingus Music and provides a platform for individual artistic expression.

Drawing from a rotation of the best established and rising musicians, the Mingus Big Band is highly sought-after by festivals and prestigious venues around the world. The band has eleven recordings to its credit, six nominated for Grammys, and one win in 2011 with Live at Jazz Standard. A new album, The Charles Mingus Centennial Sessions, was released in October 2022 and nominated for a Grammy. The second volume will be released in 2024.

The band has become a New York institution for locals and tourists alike, with a weekly residency now in its fourth decade. From Thursday nights at Fez under Time Cafe, to Joe’s Pub, Iridium, and landing finally at Mingus Mondays at Jazz Standard until its pandemic closure. Please join us at our new home DROM moving to Wednesdays in March.

$15 STUDENT TIX FOR 9:30PM SET- PRESENT ID AT DOOR

The Mingus Big Band celebrates the music of composer/bassist Charles Mingus who celebrated his Centennial year in 2022.  Founded under the artistic direction of Sue Mingus in 1991 to build off the Mingus Dynasty septet that she formed after Mingus’ death in 1979, this 14-piece band features new arrangements of Mingus compositions in a larger band format that Mingus was not always able to organize in his lifetime. The dynamic structure encourages deep explorations and ever-evolving ideations of Mingus Music and provides a platform for individual artistic expression.

Drawing from a rotation of the best established and rising musicians, the Mingus Big Band is highly sought-after by festivals and prestigious venues around the world. The band has eleven recordings to its credit, six nominated for Grammys, and one win in 2011 with Live at Jazz Standard. A new album, The Charles Mingus Centennial Sessions, was released in October 2022. The second volume will be released in 2023.

The band has held down a weekly residency in New York City for three decades, beginning in 1991 Thursday nights at Fez under Time Cafe, then Joe’s Pub, City Hall, Iridium, and landing finally at Jazz Standard.

Mingus Big Band manager Robert Ungaro stated, “We are thrilled to partner again with Seth Abramson for Mingus Mondays — we shared 15 years at Jazz Standard (and a Grammy!) And back in Mingus’ old Village stomping grounds with the wonderful team at Drom. In this Centennial year, Mingus’ music and message is more essential than ever, as we showcase the talents of the best veteran and young musicians, striving to promote racial, gender and generational diversity. We are keeping the music of Mingus alive.”

$15 STUDENT TIX FOR 9:30PM SET- PRESENT ID AT DOOR

The Mingus Big Band celebrates the music of composer/bassist Charles Mingus who celebrated his Centennial year in 2022.  Founded under the artistic direction of Sue Mingus in 1991 to build off the Mingus Dynasty septet that she formed after Mingus’ death in 1979, this 14-piece band features new arrangements of Mingus compositions in a larger band format that Mingus was not always able to organize in his lifetime. The dynamic structure encourages deep explorations and ever-evolving ideations of Mingus Music and provides a platform for individual artistic expression.

Drawing from a rotation of the best established and rising musicians, the Mingus Big Band is highly sought-after by festivals and prestigious venues around the world. The band has eleven recordings to its credit, six nominated for Grammys, and one win in 2011 with Live at Jazz Standard. A new album, The Charles Mingus Centennial Sessions, was released in October 2022. The second volume will be released in 2023.

The band has held down a weekly residency in New York City for three decades, beginning in 1991 Thursday nights at Fez under Time Cafe, then Joe’s Pub, City Hall, Iridium, and landing finally at Jazz Standard.

Mingus Big Band manager Robert Ungaro stated, “We are thrilled to partner again with Seth Abramson for Mingus Mondays — we shared 15 years at Jazz Standard (and a Grammy!) And back in Mingus’ old Village stomping grounds with the wonderful team at Drom. In this Centennial year, Mingus’ music and message is more essential than ever, as we showcase the talents of the best veteran and young musicians, striving to promote racial, gender and generational diversity. We are keeping the music of Mingus alive.”

Congratulations to our fellow #GRAMMYs nominees and thank you @RecordingAcademy for this honor! Mingus Big Band is thrilled to be included as part of Music’s Biggest Night on @CBStv and can’t wait to celebrate alongside you on Feb. 4.  

Co-musical directors:

MINGUS BIG BAND

GUEST VOCALISTS

WILL APPEAR ON VOLUME 2

$15 STUDENT TIX FOR 9:30PM SET- PRESENT ID AT DOOR

Under 21+ ok when seated with chaperone

The Mingus Big Band celebrates the music of composer/bassist Charles Mingus who celebrated his Centennial year in 2022.  Founded under the artistic direction of Sue Mingus in 1991 to build off the Mingus Dynasty septet that she formed after Mingus’ death in 1979, this 14-piece band features new arrangements of Mingus compositions in a larger band format that Mingus was not always able to organize in his lifetime. The dynamic structure encourages deep explorations and ever-evolving ideations of Mingus Music and provides a platform for individual artistic expression.

Drawing from a rotation of the best established and rising musicians, the Mingus Big Band is highly sought-after by festivals and prestigious venues around the world. The band has eleven recordings to its credit, six nominated for Grammys, and one win in 2011 with Live at Jazz Standard. A new album, The Charles Mingus Centennial Sessions, was released in October 2022. The second volume will be released in 2023.

The band has held down a weekly residency in New York City for three decades, beginning in 1991 Thursday nights at Fez under Time Cafe, then Joe’s Pub, City Hall, Iridium, and landing finally at Jazz Standard.

Mingus Big Band manager Robert Ungaro stated, “We are thrilled to partner again with Seth Abramson for Mingus Mondays — we shared 15 years at Jazz Standard (and a Grammy!) And back in Mingus’ old Village stomping grounds with the wonderful team at Drom. In this Centennial year, Mingus’ music and message is more essential than ever, as we showcase the talents of the best veteran and young musicians, striving to promote racial, gender and generational diversity. We are keeping the music of Mingus alive.”

$15 STUDENT TIX FOR 9:30PM SET- PRESENT ID AT DOOR

Under 21+ ok when seated with chaperone

The Mingus Big Band celebrates the music of composer/bassist Charles Mingus who celebrated his Centennial year in 2022.  Founded under the artistic direction of Sue Mingus in 1991 to build off the Mingus Dynasty septet that she formed after Mingus’ death in 1979, this 14-piece band features new arrangements of Mingus compositions in a larger band format that Mingus was not always able to organize in his lifetime. The dynamic structure encourages deep explorations and ever-evolving ideations of Mingus Music and provides a platform for individual artistic expression.

Drawing from a rotation of the best established and rising musicians, the Mingus Big Band is highly sought-after by festivals and prestigious venues around the world. The band has eleven recordings to its credit, six nominated for Grammys, and one win in 2011 with Live at Jazz Standard. A new album, The Charles Mingus Centennial Sessions, was released in October 2022. The second volume will be released in 2023.

The band has held down a weekly residency in New York City for three decades, beginning in 1991 Thursday nights at Fez under Time Cafe, then Joe’s Pub, City Hall, Iridium, and landing finally at Jazz Standard.

Mingus Big Band manager Robert Ungaro stated, “We are thrilled to partner again with Seth Abramson for Mingus Mondays — we shared 15 years at Jazz Standard (and a Grammy!) And back in Mingus’ old Village stomping grounds with the wonderful team at Drom. In this Centennial year, Mingus’ music and message is more essential than ever, as we showcase the talents of the best veteran and young musicians, striving to promote racial, gender and generational diversity. We are keeping the music of Mingus alive.”

$15 STUDENT TIX FOR 9:30PM SET- PRESENT ID AT DOOR

Under 21+ ok when seated with chaperone

The Mingus Big Band celebrates the music of composer/bassist Charles Mingus who celebrated his Centennial year in 2022.  Founded under the artistic direction of Sue Mingus in 1991 to build off the Mingus Dynasty septet that she formed after Mingus’ death in 1979, this 14-piece band features new arrangements of Mingus compositions in a larger band format that Mingus was not always able to organize in his lifetime. The dynamic structure encourages deep explorations and ever-evolving ideations of Mingus Music and provides a platform for individual artistic expression.

Drawing from a rotation of the best established and rising musicians, the Mingus Big Band is highly sought-after by festivals and prestigious venues around the world. The band has eleven recordings to its credit, six nominated for Grammys, and one win in 2011 with Live at Jazz Standard. A new album, The Charles Mingus Centennial Sessions, was released in October 2022. The second volume will be released in 2024.

The band has held down a weekly residency in New York City for three decades, beginning in 1991 Thursday nights at Fez under Time Cafe, then Joe’s Pub, City Hall, Iridium, and landing finally at Jazz Standard.

Mingus Big Band manager Robert Ungaro stated, “We are thrilled to partner again with Seth Abramson for Mingus Mondays — we shared 15 years at Jazz Standard (and a Grammy!) And back in Mingus’ old Village stomping grounds with the wonderful team at Drom. In this Centennial year, Mingus’ music and message is more essential than ever, as we showcase the talents of the best veteran and young musicians, striving to promote racial, gender and generational diversity. We are keeping the music of Mingus alive.”

$15 STUDENT TIX FOR 9:30PM SET- PRESENT ID AT DOOR

The Mingus Big Band celebrates the music of composer/bassist Charles Mingus who celebrated his Centennial year in 2022.  Founded under the artistic direction of Sue Mingus in 1991 to build off the Mingus Dynasty septet that she formed after Mingus’ death in 1979, this 14-piece band features new arrangements of Mingus compositions in a larger band format that Mingus was not always able to organize in his lifetime. The dynamic structure encourages deep explorations and ever-evolving ideations of Mingus Music and provides a platform for individual artistic expression.

Drawing from a rotation of the best established and rising musicians, the Mingus Big Band is highly sought-after by festivals and prestigious venues around the world. The band has eleven recordings to its credit, six nominated for Grammys, and one win in 2011 with Live at Jazz Standard. A new album, The Charles Mingus Centennial Sessions, was released in October 2022. The second volume will be released in 2023.

The band has held down a weekly residency in New York City for three decades, beginning in 1991 Thursday nights at Fez under Time Cafe, then Joe’s Pub, City Hall, Iridium, and landing finally at Jazz Standard.

Mingus Big Band manager Robert Ungaro stated, “We are thrilled to partner again with Seth Abramson for Mingus Mondays — we shared 15 years at Jazz Standard (and a Grammy!) And back in Mingus’ old Village stomping grounds with the wonderful team at Drom. In this Centennial year, Mingus’ music and message is more essential than ever, as we showcase the talents of the best veteran and young musicians, striving to promote racial, gender and generational diversity. We are keeping the music of Mingus alive.”

$15 STUDENT TIX FOR 9:30PM SET- PRESENT ID AT DOOR

The Mingus Big Band celebrates the music of composer/bassist Charles Mingus who celebrated his Centennial year in 2022.  Founded under the artistic direction of Sue Mingus in 1991 to build off the Mingus Dynasty septet that she formed after Mingus’ death in 1979, this 14-piece band features new arrangements of Mingus compositions in a larger band format that Mingus was not always able to organize in his lifetime. The dynamic structure encourages deep explorations and ever-evolving ideations of Mingus Music and provides a platform for individual artistic expression.

Drawing from a rotation of the best established and rising musicians, the Mingus Big Band is highly sought-after by festivals and prestigious venues around the world. The band has eleven recordings to its credit, six nominated for Grammys, and one win in 2011 with Live at Jazz Standard. A new album, The Charles Mingus Centennial Sessions, was released in October 2022. The second volume will be released in 2023.

The band has held down a weekly residency in New York City for three decades, beginning in 1991 Thursday nights at Fez under Time Cafe, then Joe’s Pub, City Hall, Iridium, and landing finally at Jazz Standard.

Mingus Big Band manager Robert Ungaro stated, “We are thrilled to partner again with Seth Abramson for Mingus Mondays — we shared 15 years at Jazz Standard (and a Grammy!) And back in Mingus’ old Village stomping grounds with the wonderful team at Drom. In this Centennial year, Mingus’ music and message is more essential than ever, as we showcase the talents of the best veteran and young musicians, striving to promote racial, gender and generational diversity. We are keeping the music of Mingus alive.”

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