For those in California there are multiple opportunities to see San Francisco-based company Alonzo King LINES Ballet in the new few weeks. The first event, and easily the most exciting, takes place this Saturday at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa.
What makes it so interesting? Imagine combining the amazing jazz music of legendary saxophonist Charles Lloyd with the piano stylings of the endlessly creative Jason Moran. Okay, maybe that’s not unique on its own. After all, they did release Hagar’s Song in 2013.
Now combine their brilliance with Alonzo King LINES Ballet and you have the main attraction on Saturday’s program, Azoth. Lloyd and Moran composed the music, performed and recorded it for this work by King which had its world premiere in 2019.
The title is defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “mercury regarded by alchemists as the first principle of metals.” King takes the concept of transforming metals into creating spiritual gold by transforming hearts and minds.
Also on the bill at Segerstrom are works from their repertoire that feature music by Gabriel Fauré, Zakir Hussain and Edgar Meyer. This is a precursor to their 40th anniversary celebrations which begin next year.
I’m personally an enormous fan of both Lloyd and Moran’s work that seeing dancers move to it will certainly be the highlight of my weekend.
By the way, if you are a fan of Jason Moran and live in the Southern California area, he has an intimate show on Monday, September 13th at 2220 Arts & Archives (formerly the Bootleg Theater). The show is presented by Just Jazz Presents and LeRoy Downs. For tickets please go here.
On October 1st, Alonzo King LINES Ballet will perform at the San Francisco Symphony’s Re-Opening Night Gala. They will be performing Alberto Ginastera’s Estancia Suite. Also on the program are works by John Adams, Silvestre Revueltas and songs performed by Esperanza Spalding that were written by Wayne Shorter. Esa-Pekka Salonen leads the orchestra. This concert will also be performed on October 2nd.
For tickets at Segerstrom Hall please go here. For tickets to Re-Opening Night Gala at San Francisco Symphony, please go here. For tickets to San Francisco Symphony’s October 2nd performance, please go here.
To attend any of these events, including Moran’s solo piano show, you must show proof of vaccination.
Update: This post has been updated to more accurately reflect the COVID vaccination requirements at all three venues.
Photo: James Gowan of Alonzo King LINES Ballet (Photo by RJ Muna/Courtesy Alonzo King Lines Ballet)