"Smith is one of the most vital musicians on the planet today." Coda Magazine

Renowned trumpeter, composer and improviser Wadada Leo Smith is joined by distinguished artists from the music and dance worlds for a three-day celebration of his influential work. A recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jazz Journalists Association, Smith has performed around the world to great acclaim since first joining the AACM in the 1960s. The festival features three compelling programs:

Smith performs with some of the most unconventional composers and improvisers working in Los Angeles. Guest artists include Johnny Chang, Eric km Clark, Vinny Golia, April Guthrie, Hardedge, David Rosenboom, Adam Rudolph, Dorothy Stone and Cassia Streb. World premiere of all works including String Quartet #4. 

November 18

ENSEMBLE MUSIC AND DANCE
World premieres

Butoh dance innovator Oguri and performers Gustavo Aguilar, Diane Barkauskas, Jacqueline Bobak, Thomas Buckner, Philip Curtis, Nina Eidsheim, David Johnson, Vicki Ray and Mark Trayle appear on the second night of the festival. The program includes the debut performances of Smith's Amazing and Three Sufi Songs; and of Barry Schrader's Wu Xing. Smith's Luminous Axis and Water, Light, Pacificawill also be played. 

November 19

QUARTET MUSIC
World premieres

Smith lines up alongside Alpert Award-winning pianist Vijay Iyer, drummer Ronald Shannon Jackson and bassist John Lindberg in this new incarnation of the famed Golden Quartet ensemble, here giving its first performance on the West Coast. Film introduction: Eclipse, featuring Wadada Leo Smith and the Golden Quartet, by Jacques Goldstein.