Special to the American
BAG is back for the new year with “One for King” at Scott Joplin House State Historic Site on Sunday, January 20 from 7 – 9 p.m. This tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will feature a line-up of poets, musicians and artists including Michael Castro and the BAG Trio.
The BAG Trio will feature several improvised compositions in honor of the struggle and the work of Dr. King. Jazz has always been a part of the civil
rights movement, especially the more revolutionary style jazz that was born in the late 50’s and early 60’s. The music of the original BAG musicians evolved at a time that the Civil Rights and Black Arts movements intertwined. The new BAG Trio is dedicated to continuing this important legacy of
original, creative work in the black tradition.
Gary Sykes will feature a solo drum composition in remembrance of the struggle, and Zimbabwe Nkenya will offer a piece based on the composition “Dr. King, The Peaceful Warrior” composed by Cal Massey featured on
the Archie Shepp Album Things Have Got to Change (Impulse). “Baba” Mike Nelson will also present one of his original pieces in memory of Dr. King.
The event will also feature poets and artists, including Michael Castro presenting his signature piece honoring Dr. King.
BAG’s resurgence on the St. Louis scene last year was marked by stellar performances by Shirley LeFlore, Marsha Cann, Eugene B. Redmond, K. Curtis Lyle, Percy Wells, Jerome “Scrooge” Harris, Glenn “Papa” Wright,
Aaron “Strayhorn” Parker and even a surprise appearance by Oliver Lake. The BAG Trio hosted a standing room only crowd for “Baba” Mike Nelson’s Talking with Drums. Other featured performances included LeFlore’s April poetry extravaganza as well as tributes to John Coltrane, Maurice Malik King and St. Louis drummers Sunny Hamp, Joe Charles and Phillip Wilson.
This year BAG is gearing up to incorporate as a non-profit organization, and CD’s will be available for anyone who contributes $20 or more in support of
this effort.
Scott Joplin House State Historic Site is located at 2658 Delmar Blvd. The event is free and family-friendly. For more information call Scott Joplin
House at 314-340-5790 or email bag_blackartistgroup@yahoo.com.