CREATIVE SOUNDSPACE: Oluyemi Thomas & Henry Grimes

Master jazz musician and poet Henry Grimes has played 274 concerts in 23 countries (including many festivals) since May of 2003, when he made his astonishing return to the music world after 35 years away. Since his return, often working as a leader, he has played, toured, and / or recorded with heroes of the music such as Rashied Ali, Marshall Allen, Fred Anderson, Marilyn Crispell, Ted Curson, Andrew Cyrille, Bill Dixon, Dave Douglas, Andrew Lamb, Joe Lovano, David Murray, William Parker, Marc Ribot, Cecil Taylor, Oluyemi Thomas, and many more. Henry has also given a number of workshops and master classes on major campuses, released several new recordings, and made his professional debut on a second instrument, the violin, at the age of 70. In addition, he has now published the first volume of his poetry and has been creating illustrations to accompany his new recordings and publications. There will be many more Henry Grimes concerts, recordings, books, and other celebrations of life and artistry to follow. Further information: www.henrygrimes.com. Multi-reed player Oluyemi Thomas, was born in Detroit, Michigan. Currently living in the Bay Area, Mr Thomas along with his wife—wordsmith, spoken word artist, poet, vocalist and teacher Ijeoma Thomas— have been members of the music and poetry unit, Positive Knowledge. Oluyemi Thomas’ travels to Africa, the Middle East & Europe all inform his music. His and Henry Grimes’ 2006 CD, The Power of Light, was recorded live in Pittsburgh. As Mr. Thomas put it in regards to his trip to New Mexico, “Henry, Ijeoma and I are really excited about visiting and sharing our world music systems with the general public in New Mexico. We will continue to plough the soil of the hearts to plant and help nurture more clarity for living peaceful, creatively and joyfully.”

$22/$17 Members & Students. Available in advance, by phone or in person, at the Outpost Performance Space (268-0044)

Henry Grimes and Oluyemi Thomas will also perform in Santa Fe at High Mayhem Studio on Saturday, May 17 at 9pm. More info at www.highmayhem.org or call (505)501-3333