Saxophonist, poet, and composer Oliver Lake has been connected to City of Asylum since the beginning. It’s Oliver who collaborated with our first writer-in-residence Huang Xiang, teaching us the power of poetry + song, and giving life to our annual Jazz Poetry festival. It’s Oliver who reminds us the power of giving voice and Oliver who taught us that the arts are vital to a just and generous community, the very air of our humanity.

Oliver is one of the preeminent saxophonists in the progressive jazz scene and his artistic vision remains daring, unique and uncompromising. Oliver frequently weaves his poetry into the music, raising his voice to speak out against inequality and the systems set on oppression. We’ll revisit this style with JUSTICE performed at City of Asylum as part of Jazz Poetry 2019.

This program also includes a visit with Oliver, safely in his home in New Jersey. Oliver, who has been using his work to fight against discrimination and limited opportunities for black artists for decades, will read new poems and tell us more about this 2019 concert.

The Show Must Go On(line) is made possible thanks to generous support from the Benter Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, the Juliet Lea Hillman Simonds Foundation, the Opportunity Fund, The Pittsburgh Foundation, and an Anonymous Foundation.

Oliver Lake & OGJB: Justice Presented by City of Asylum