In honor of one of the most influential players in the history and development of jazz, 92Y marks the centennial of alto saxophonist and composer, Charlie Parker, on his 100th birthday, August 29, 2020. with Charlie Parker: Now’s the Time – Celebrating Bird at 100. The multidisciplinary celebration features 24 hours of special events on Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29, conceived to highlight the multiple facets of Parker’s genius and its profound influence on jazz and beyond.
Schedule of Events:
Exclusive Screening | CLINT EASTWOOD’S AWARD-WINNING BIRD
Fri, Aug 28, 7 pm ET, Free with registration
Forest Whitaker stars as brilliant jazz saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker in Academy Award-winning director Clint Eastwood’s homage to Bird’s life and genius. Charlie Parker pushes the boundaries of jazz, always ahead of the musical sensibilities of his time—and never willing to compromise his artistry. Wrestling with his twin demons, alcohol and drug abuse, he struggles to gain acceptance for his music. But neither his talent nor the love of his devoted wife, Chan, is enough to save Bird from a tragically untimely death at the age of 34.
Exclusive screening courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures.
CHARLIE PARKER’S MUSIC AS VISUAL ART CATALYST
A Hands-On Virtual Workshop Exploring Art, Music, and Improvisation
Sat, Aug 29, 11 am ET, $25*
Charlie Parker’s music is the catalyst for artistic exploration in a visual art class with artist and curator Melissa Staiger, using Parker’s genius improvisations, melodies and rhythms to explore drawing and color improvisation.
CHARLIE PARKER ONLINE LISTENING PARTY!
Sat, Aug 29, 12 pm ET, FREE with registration
Celebrate Charlie Parker the greatest way possible—with a listening party featuring his most essential recordings, curated and hosted by a leading jazz radio host, who will drop the proverbial needle on seminal Bird tracks like “Now’s the Time,” “Ko-Ko,” “Ornithology,” “Lester Leaps In,” “Star Eyes,” “Embraceable You” and more, all with insights into Parker’s artistry and collaborators, and commentary on what makes these recordings touchstones of jazz.
CELEBRATING BIRD—A CONVERSATION WITH MUSIC
Featuring Jazz Sax Masters Joe Lovano, Charles McPherson, Grace Kelly and Antonio Hart, Hosted by Gary Giddins
Saturday, August 29, 2 ET, $10
Award-winning journalist, jazz critic and Celebrating Bird author Gary Giddins joins us for a dive into the genius of Charlie Parker, as he leads a conversation with a quartet of sax masters hugely influenced by Parker. Giddins talks with Grammy Award-winning tenor sax legend Joe Lovano, who has said, “[Bird’s] fresh and beautiful approach to the art of improvising fuels everything I do in music” … and three outstanding alto players: Charles McPherson, who played Charlie Parker’s solos in Clint Eastwood’s film Bird, the electrifying young Downbeat Critics Poll winner Grace Kelly, and Antonio Hart, about whom The New York Times wrote, “The styles of the masters of his instrument—Parker, Benny Carter, Johnny Hodges—flash through his playing like deft literary allusions.” They discuss Parker’s groundbreaking artistry and legacy, bringing personal reflections and distinct perspectives on the bebop giant, all supported by iconic recordings and historic footage. Each artist then performs one of Parker’s landmark compositions. A Charlie Parker Centennial celebration not to be missed!
…a movement. Journey.
A dance film inspired by the music of Charlie Parker, created by Hope Boykin
Sat, Aug 29, 7 pm ET, $10
Join us for the world premiere of the dance film, …a movement. Journey, featuring a series of short dances choreographed by Hope Boykin (formerly of the Ailey Company, Philadanco and more), who “radiates power in her fearless, generous dancing” (The New York Times). The premiere will be followed by a live Q & A session with the director/choreographer.
For further information and to register for events, go to 92Y.org/charlieparker.
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