opek
Big Band Opek has performed Sun Ra's 'Discipline 27' and 'Halloween In Harlem' in concert, March 5, 2010. A video registration circulates on YouTube.
Ben Opie - sax *
George Jones - conga and percussion * *Paul Thompson - bass *
Lou Stellute - sax *
Dave Throckmorton - drums *
Ian Gordon - trumpet *
John Purse - guitar *
Daryl Fleming -guitar *
Ralph Guzzi - trumpet *
Chuck Austin - trumpet *
Rick Matt - baritone sax, bass clarinet, flute *
Kevin McManus - trombone
video shot by Dr. Bruce Marion
May 31, 2013, Opek did a Sun Ra tribute concert in their hometown Pittsburgh.
Sun Ra's 'Discipline 27'
Opek at Club Cafe March 5, 2010 10th anniversary concert, opening song,
Sun Ra's 'Calling Planet Earth'.
**Ben Opie says the piece is actually called Discipline 27, but Sun Ra would use
it for his 'calling planet Earth' chant.**
Sun Ra's 'Halloween In Harlem'
2013 05
Ben Opie:
For the few of you stationed on Planet Earth, USA,
western Pennsylvania, you might be interested in the concert on May 31. My band
OPEK has been asked to do an all- (or nearly all-) Sun Ra performance,
"Mostly Sun Ra" (a follow up to last year's "Mostly Miles"
concert). Planned in the concert will be two unrecorded works from the LOC
scores, "Satana" and "Birds Without Wings (Part 2)".
Information can be found at: http://newhazletttheater.org/
2013 05
Mostly
Sun Ra
OPEK
Plays the Music of Sun Ra
Friday,
May 318pm (doors at 7pm)
The
enigmatic and mysterious musician Sun Ra drew inspiration from ancient Egyptian
cultures, spiritualism, and Afro-American history to create a repertoire
encompasses the entire history of American jazz from ragtime to Free.
Though his popularity peaked in the 1960s, his influence as an arranger
and bandleader are still felt today.
OPEK, Pittsburgh's most innovative collective of creative improvising musicians,
perform Sun Ra's music - including several unrecorded compositions - with their own unique musical stamp, just as
it was intended to be played.
Tickets are $12 advance; $16 at door.