Brooklyn Peace Center, a nonprofit peacebuilding community space in Bedford-Stuyvesant, is set to host its Fifth Annual Jazz Night on Saturday, Dec. 12. The event is headlined by keyboardist and composer Surya Botofasina, who played keys on André 3000’s album New Blue Sun.
At the event, Botofasina will be presented with Brooklyn Peace Center’s Turiya Sings Award. This honor recognizes artists who carry on Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda’s legacy of interfaith peacebuilding and spiritual exploration. Botofasina grew up in Alice Coltrane’s ashram community, and her work helped shape him as a musician.
Jason Storbakken, the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Brooklyn Peace Center, expressed admiration of Alice Coltrane and her continuing legacy. “Alice Coltrane was a spiritual pioneer and intercultural innovator whose work and witness are awakening a new generation,” he said. “Surya grew up in her community and carries that witness forward. We’re honored to celebrate him here in Bed-Stuy.”
A performance by flutist and vocalist Melanie Charles will precede Botofasina’s show. Charles, born and raised in Brooklyn, is a Haitian-American artist who brings an innovative, imaginative approach to jazz traditions.
This year’s Jazz Night is themed around a quotation from Psalm 42:7: “Deep calls to deep.” The organizers intend this theme to represent the attention and care necessary for both jazz improvisation and building relationships.
