The Sun Ra Arkestra

"Arkestra" redirects here. For the restaurant, see Arkestra (restaurant).
The Sun Ra Arkestra
2023 Burlington Discover Jazz Festival
Background information
OriginPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
GenresJazz
Years activemid-1950s - present
Past membersSun Ra, Atakatune (Stanley Morgan), Danny Ray Thompson
Websitesunraarkestra.com

The Sun Ra Arkestra is an American jazz group formed in the mid-1950s and originally led by keyboardist/composer Sun Ra until his death in 1993. Sun Ra, and the Arkestra, are considered pioneers of Afrofuturism. Since 1995 the Arkestra has been led by saxophonist Marshall Allen, a member since 1958. Most recent lineups consist of more than one dozen members. They were nominated for a Grammy Award in 2026.

The Arkestra draws from a range of musical genres: swing, rock 'n' roll, Chicago blues, improvisation, and electronic. When the Arkestra performs, the band members wear Afrofuturist-inspired outfits dominated by colorful capes and headdresses.

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