Exploring the life and music of Miles Davis at Castleton
Grammy-nominated music historian John Hasse will be joined by members of the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra (SJMO) Octet as they perform and discuss the life, times and music of Miles Davis, 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, at Castleton’s Theatre House.
Hasse’s presentation recounts Davis’s life, struggles against racism, convention and his own demons, richly illustrated with photos, audio, and video clips, some of which have never before been seen in the United States. His talk will be followed by a performance of some of Davis’ most famous works by the SJMO Octet, including “On Green Dolphin Street,” “Fran Dance,” “Love for Sale,” “So What” and “Blue In Green.”
“We see Miles Davis as one of the greatest American trumpeters ever,” said Hasse. “Miles is someone who transformed the aesthetic a number of times, whose sound on his instrument became a unique aural trademark, instantly identifiable, and came to dominate jazz during the second half of the 20th century more so than anyone else. His importance goes far beyond jazz, for he was one of the great American musicians, period.”
Tickets for the Castleton in Performance (CiP) 20th Anniversary concerts range from $20 to $40; the Theatre House (663 Castleton View Rd.) is an intimate, state-ofthe-art 140-seat proscenium theater. There will be one intermission. Call the box office at 540-937-3454 or visit castletonfestival.org for more information or to purchase tickets.