Richard Habib Evans and The Makanda Project - Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park August 7, 2007

The Franklin Park Coalition (FPC) partners with the National Center of Afro-American Artists (NCAAA) and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department's ParkARTS Program to present a performing arts series named for the founder and director of the Elma Lewis School of Fine Arts. Lewis, a beloved Boston icon, established Playhouse in the Park in 1966, and presented artists like Duke Ellington, Olatunji, Billy Taylor, the Boston Ballet and Odetta. In its original inception, it ran through 1978.

Richard Evans feels most at home with smooth jazz ballads. When he was barely of age, Richard embarked on daring excursions to Boston’s jazz clubs. This led to studies at the Berklee College of Music. Richard has also appeared in “Black Nativity” as a vocalist and has performed at major venues throughout the state.

Prolific jazz artist Makanda Ken McIntyre, a native Bostonian who performed with such greats as Cecil Taylor and Eric Doply, left behind some 400 compositions when he died in 2001. The Makanda Project, a nine piece ensemble, keeps these compositions alive. Led by pianist and former student John Kordalewski, the band has dedicated itself to the rich body of McIntyre’s work. The other ensemble members are Salim Washington, Kurtis Rivers, Sean Berry, Charlie Kohlhase, Josiah Woodson, Bill Lowe,John Lockwood and Yoron Israel

Official Website: http://www.franklinparkcoalition.org