McNeese Banners Presents Film and Concert on Jazz Master

Two special events featuring international jazz legend Abdullah Ibrahim are up next for Banners at McNeese State University.

A free showing of the biographical documentary, “Abdullah Ibrahim: A Struggle for Love,” will be presented at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 31, in Stokes Auditorium in Hardtner Hall. Seating for the documentary is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

This film will provide an intimate inside glimpse of the artist just one week prior to his special live performance with his acclaimed band Ekaya at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 6, in F.G. Bulber Auditorium.

Born in 1934, Ibrahim is an internationally renowned composer and pianist. Known for a distinctive style influenced by his childhood in Cape Town, South Africa, Ibrahim’s music is a blend of modern jazz, African sons, gospel, CapeMalay and classical music.

Under the name Dollar Brand, he spearheaded Cape Town’s be-bop infused jazz movement, and has played alongside musical greats such as John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman and Duke Ellington. Ibrahim has been the recipient of the South African Music Lifetime Achievement Award.

On April 15, Ibrahim will receive the Jazz Master Fellowship – our nation’s highest award for jazz musicianship – from the National Endowment of the Arts at the Kennedy Center in New York.

 “A Struggle for Love” (2005) chronicles Ibrahim’s life and contributions to international world music and features artists Sathima Bea Benjamin, Belden Bullock, Sammy Martiz, Cups Nkanuka, Ben Riley and Horace Alexander. The film is presented by special permission from the filmmaker, Ciro Cappellari.

Tickets for the live performance are $20 for adults, $5 for students under 18 and free for McNeese and Sowela students with current IDs.

Persons needing accommodations as provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the ADA Coordinator at 337-475-5428, voice; 337-456-5960, fax; 337-562-4227, TDD/TTY, hearing impaired or by email at cdo@mcneese.edu.