Sun Ra Arkestra - the most-exciting jazz ensemble in the world return to Union Chapel in June 2026.
When Sun Ra passed away in 1993, the Arkestra did not fade into history. Saxophonist John Gilmore became the first to carry the mantle of leadership; while after his death, the torch was passed to Marshall Allen, who continues to steer the ensemble today — well beyond his 100th birthday. With the same spirit that defined its earliest years, the Arkestra still tours the globe: Seriousness and virtuosity exist side by side with humour; dance becomes ritual, and spirituality remains at the heart of it all.
Longtime bandleader Marshall Allen now shares the musical direction of the Arkestra with
veteran saxophonist Knoel Scott. While Allen continues to lead the band in the United States,
he is unable to travel overseas due to his remarkable advanced age (turning 102years on May
2026). Since 2021, Knoel Scott has been responsible for the musical direction of the
Arkestra’s international concerts.
The Arkestra continues to move forward as a true spirit band, maintaining a disciplined
practice devoted to the study, exploration, and further development of Sun Ra’s precepts.
Under the guidance of Marshall Allen and Knoel Scott, the spirit of Sun Ra remains alive and
vibrant in the current incarnation of the Sun Ra Arkestra, presenting a powerful blend of
classic Sun Ra compositions and arrangements alongside Allen’s own works, all deeply
rooted in Sun Ra’s visionary legacy.
