Alfred Bixler
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Gotham Kings

Gotham Kings is a high energy immersive jazz experience! Two-time Grammy nominated trumpeter, Alfred Bixler has put together a band that weaves the sound of New Orleans into a rich musical fabric that demonstrates the history of the trumpet and the story of jazz. Inspired by the music of King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band, Gotham Kings uses the virtuosity of the young Louis Armstrong and innovative genius of King Oliver to take you on a journey of sound that encompasses rags, stomps, shouts and funk! The band has played in venues including Caramoor Jazz Festival, Louis Armstrong House Museum, Jazz at Lincoln Center and many more! Individually, members of the Gotham Kings have compiled a diverse resume of collaborations with top artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Michael Feinstein, Rihanna, Lady Gaga,The Colbert Show and more!


 

Mother Kofi: The Tale of an African Princess

Mother Kofi: The Tale of an African Princess is compilation of musical works with interpretive African dancing dedicated to the Ghanaian princess, activist, and prophetess Laura Adorka Kofi. 

Laura Adorka Kofi, known to her followers as “Mother Kofi” was sent on a mission to travel to America and deliver a message of invitation, union and self-help. Upon arrival to the U.S., Kofi began working with Marcus Garvey in the United Negro Improvement Association, then established her own organization. 

She suffered many prejudices including false accusations causing arrests, to her final assassination while delivering her message to a large crowd in Liberty Hall on March 8, 1928 in Miami, Florida. 

Her congregation called a new pastor from South Africa, Eli Nyombolo to establish a church and community in Jacksonville,FL they called "Adorkaville".
As a descendant of Nyombolo, Alfred has gathered excerpts and hymns from his grandfather and the community in Jacksonville to develop a musical suite that includes interpretive African dancing to depict Laura Adorka Kofi’s life and mission. 

This piece takes you on a Trans-Atlantic journey to the past in order to invoke an inspiring vision of the future!