Every spring, a New York City community organization puts on a month's worth of jazz events centered around the neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. The Central Brooklyn Jazz Festival turns the spotlight on a historically African-American region, and often some lesser-heard talents. Though Akua Dixon has played in just about every situation open to a cellist, less frequently does she lead a band bearing her own name. Her music often features her compositions and arrangements for a string ensemble, and occasionally adds her own voice to the mix as well.
Jazz Night In America visits the coffee shop and jazz club Sistas' Place — one of the key venues for the Central Brooklyn Jazz Festival — to take in a set led by Akua Dixon. In addition to the band featured on her latest album, Dixon is also joined by her two children: vocalist Andromeda Turre and drummer Orion Turre. Watch a full set here.
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