Blues to Africa: The Randy Weston Centennial at John Knowles Paine Concert Hall – Cambridge, MA

“In Africa I discovered what the true purpose of a musician is.
We are historians, and it is our purpose to tell the people the true story of our past,
and to extend a better vision of the future.”
-Randy Weston

April 6, 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of pianist and composer Randy Weston. A visionary artist whose work bridged musical connections between jazz and his ancestral African roots, Weston left an enduring global legacy. This includes his archival collection which was acquired by Harvard in 2016.

Join us for the first event in this centennial celebration: a special concert honoring Weston’s contributions to the jazz canon. Acclaimed pianists Vijay Iyer, Marc Cary, and Rodney Kendrick will explore and celebrate Weston’s powerful pianism and enduring musical legacy.

The concert will be followed by a Q&A with the artists.

Earlier in the afternoon, at 2:00 PM, attendees are invited to tour a special exhibition in the Eda Kuhn Loeb Music Library, featuring photographs, letters, and recordings from the Randy Weston Collection. We are honored to welcome distinguished scholars and writers Willard Jenkins and Ingrid Monson, along with Weston’s widow, Mrs. Fatoumata Weston, at this commemorative exhibition. They will be present to answer questions and reflect on the items showcased in the Randy Weston Collection.

Image Credit: Carol Friedman