Appropriate for all ages, this special concert was the debut performance of a previously unfinished work. Composed with the concept of an “animal ballet” in mind, Wynton Marsalis’s SPACES will attempt to recapture the natural fascination we have with the sounds and movements of animals. Movement is an essential aspect of both jazz music and natural life itself, and two extraordinary dance geniuses represent this connection in their work: Lil Buck, a groundbreaking young artist recently seen with Yo-Yo Ma, Madonna, and Cirque du Soleil; and Jared Grimes, a quadruple-threat tap dancer who in 2014 won the Astaire Award and choreographed on Broadway for After Midnight and Holler If Ya Hear Me. Damian Woetzel, choreographer and retired Principal Dancer with New York City Ballet, acts as choreographic consultant and worked with both dancers on the overall structure and choreography for SPACES seamlessly integrating it with Marsalis's musical composition. They joined the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis in the world premiere of this visually captivating performance.

Originally performed on April 2nd, 2016.

Personnel
REEDS
Sherman Irby – alto & soprano saxophone, flute, piccolo, Bb clarinet
Ted Nash – alto & tenor saxophones, flute, alto flute, piccolo, Bb clarinet
Dan Block – tenor saxophone, Bb & Eb clarinets
Walter Blanding – tenor & soprano saxophone, Bb clarinet
Paul Nedzela – baritone & alto saxophone, bass clarinet

TRUMPETS
Ryan Kisor
Kenny Rampton
Marcus Printup
Wynton Marsalis

TROMBONES
Vincent Gardner
Elliot Mason
Chris Crenshaw

RHYTHM
Dan Nimmer – piano
Carlos Henriquez – bass
Ali Jackson – drums

SPECIAL GUESTS
Lil Buck
Jared Grimes

CONDUCTOR
Damien Sneed