The Multicultural Arts Center is honored to present an unforgettable evening with legendary jazz drummer Carl Allen. With over 200 recordings to his name, Allen’s career spans nearly three decades, embodying the rich legacy of jazz and offering profound, propulsive rhythms that have supported and shaped countless performances.

Born in Milwaukee and based in New York, Carl Allen’s musical journey began with gospel, R&B, and funk before he turned to jazz—a path inspired by hearing the iconic sounds of saxophonist Benny Carter. From early collaborations with Sonny Stitt and James Moody to becoming Musical Director for trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, Allen has brought his soulful and syncopated style to performances with some of jazz’s greatest artists, including Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Branford Marsalis.

Join us for an evening that celebrates Carl Allen’s musical mastery and influence on the world of jazz. This performance promises to captivate and inspire, as Allen brings his vast experience and passion to the stage for an intimate night of live music.

Performers:

CARL ALLEN was born in Milwaukee and is currently based in New York. Allen’s musical journey began with gospel, R&B, and funk before he turned to jazz—a path inspired by hearing the iconic sounds of saxophonist Benny Carter. From early collaborations with Sonny Stitt and James Moody to becoming Musical Director for trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, Allen has brought his soulful and syncopated style to performances with some of jazz’s greatest artists, including Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Branford Marsalis.

EDDIE ALLEN is one of the most versatile musicians on the New York scene. The Milwaukee-born Jazz trumpeter and flugelhornist has played everything from jazz to R&B to Latin Pop. A talented composer and arranger, Eddie Allen has collaborated with notable artists such as Louis Hayes, Lester Bowie, and Jack McDuff. Allen currently leads a quartet, a quintet, and a large ensemble that combines acoustic and electric/electronic instruments.

RODNEY JONES is an American jazz guitarist who worked with Jaki Byard, Chico Hamilton, Dizzy Gillespie, and Lena Horne and as a bandleader. He is cited as a jazz guitarist who uses modern quartal harmony. Jones is a faculty member at Juilliard.

Venue Information:

The Multicultural Arts Center is located at 41 Second Street in Cambridge, MA. Please enter at the ground floor entrance and visit the Box Office on your right as you enter.

Once you check in, you will head upstairs to the theater. There is an elevator and staircase for access to the theater.

Seating is general admission. Box Office will open an hour before the show starts, so you are welcome to arrive early. Feel free to visit our gallery before the show begins.

Getting There:

The Multicultural Arts Center is located just a few blocks from the Green line Lechmere MBTA Station.

The East Cambridge Parking Garage is entered off Spring Street, between First & Second Streets, one block away from us, and open 24/7.