Saxofonist

In this collaboration with Independent Film Festival Ypsilanti (iFFY), filmmakers who live or work in Washtenaw County were invited to submit short silent films, all of which will be set to live, improvised music performed by Resonant Soundscapes, a dynamic collective of Michigan-based artists that traverses wide-ranging jazz and electronic aesthetics. The films, marked by vivid and varied expressivity, each suggesting a particular musical world, will be shown back-to-back in a continuous presentation of film and live music lasting about 80 minutes total.

EPSG:4326

Frames and Frequencies Silent Films with Live Music

Ypsilanti Freighthouse

Embrace the transformative power of music with Marcus Elliot's latest offering, 'Broken Seeds Vol. II.' Like seeds breaking open to sprout into towering trees, Elliot's compositions burgeon from humble origins into lush sonic landscapes when performed by his ensemble. Drawing from the rich musical soil of Detroit's burgeoning scene, Elliot assembles a cadre of young, dynamic musicians, some of whom were once his own students. In this symbiotic relationship of mentorship and collaboration, Elliot sees echoes of his own growth, honoring the lineage of artistic development. With each note, 'Broken Seeds Vol. II' becomes not just a collection of songs, but a vehicle for metamorphosis, inviting listeners to embark on a journey of profound musical evolution.

Alluvion Jazz Series: Marcus Elliot Broken Seeds Vol. II

Commongrounds

Balance, the collaborative duo between pianist Michael Malis and saxophonist Marcus Elliot, transforms space and time with a durational performance of intuitive improvisational music at The Shepherd. The day-long continuous performance invites audience members to come and go at their leisure and to explore The Shepherd while experiencing new sonic worlds. Rotating special guests will be featured throughout the performance, creating a rich sonic tapestry for the length of this marathon set.

The Shepherd

The April 5th 2024 Alluvion Jazz Series offering will feature Detroit's own Balance. This incredibly special, talented, and creative duo is made up of Marcus Elliot on saxophones and pianist Michael Malis. You won't find another sound quite like Balance. They are considered among the most compelling Detroit jazz musicians of their generation. Equally prolific as solo musicians, and composers, when they combine forces as a duo, something truly beautiful happens.

Alluvion Jazz Series: Balance with special guest Gerald Cleaver

Stories from this time, and other significant moments in the history of Ypsilanti, will inspire original music compositions that celebrate the bravery of those who sought freedom on the Underground Railroad, and honor the resilience that the African American community in Ypsilanti has shown throughout time.

Sonic Contributions: Honoring the Past, Present, and Future of the African American Community in Ypsilanti, Mi

Returning to the Carr Center for the first time since the CD release of their first album “Odd Expressions”, in the fall of 2012, the Kris Johnson Group presents music from their upcoming EP “Fruition” featuring original compositions from members of the band. Members of the band are products of Detroit’s jazz, gospel, techno, and hiphop scenes and represent the diverse artistic landscape of our city.

Structurally Sound at the Carr Center’s New Performance Studio

The Park Shelton

In celebration of the centennial of John Coltrane, saxophonist Marcus Elliot presents a re-imagining of one of Coltrane’s most visionary works: Africa/Brass for The Alluvion Jazz Series. Featuring newly commissioned arrangements by composer and arranger Kris Johnson, this project reinterprets selections from the landmark Africa/Brass through the lens of contemporary improvisation and orchestration. This rare performance will be played by a ten piece ensemble with Marcus Elliot as featured soloist and woven together through spoken narrative, Africa/Brass honors Coltrane’s enduring legacy while exploring the timeless themes of artistic devotion, spiritual inquiry, and creative possibility.

Saxofonist

Marcus Elliot

Events

Upcoming events

Dec 12, 2026

The Alluvion Jazz Series Presents: Marcus Elliot's Africa/Brass - John Coltrane Tribute · The Alluvion

Past events

Apr 11, 2026

Frames and Frequencies Silent Films with Live Music · University Musical Society

Jun 7, 2025

Alluvion Jazz Series: Marcus Elliot Broken Seeds Vol. II · The Alluvion

About

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