Art Ensemble of Chicago 50th Anniversary

The champions of what they called the ‘Great Black Music’ celebrate their 50th Anniversary with special guests in a tribute to co-founders Lester Bowie, Joseph Jarman and Malachi Favors Maghostut.

Known for their live collaborative performances – visual, auditory and sensual spectacles with elaborate costumes, face paint, poetry, dance and more, the group pioneered free jazz in America and further afield since their formation in 1969. The ensemble evolved from founder Roscoe Mitchell's musical vision of adventurous collaborations, and integrated musical styles spanning the history of jazz and improvisation.

Now with eighteen members – still led by Mitchell – the group recently released a two-disc masterpiece We are on the Edge, after a recording hiatus of fifteen years. Appearing here with special guests to be announced, they remember their founding members no longer with us as they look back on 50 years redefining improvisation.