Afro Latin Jazz and Soul Experience – Community Residency with Sekou McMiller & Friends

Workshop: A Joyful Celebration of Rhythm, Culture, and Movement
Paterson Field House, Berkshire Community College | 1-2:30pm
Join us for an energizing, full-body experience that blends movement, music, and culture! Sekou’s Afro Latin Jazz and Soul Experience invites you on a rhythmic journey through African American, Afro Latino, and other African Diasporic cultures, highlighting the deep connections, shared histories, and vibrant fusions that continue to evolve today. Rooted in the rich traditions of Caribbean dance and music—like Salsa, Mambo, Cha-cha-cha, and Rumba—this class weaves in African American Jazz, West African social dances, and African modern dance to create a joyful, community-centered movement experience. Together, we’ll explore the fundamentals of social dance and Embodied Africanist Aesthetics in a welcoming space that celebrates connection, culture, and expression. Open to all levels and all ages—come ready to move, groove, and feel the soul!

Jacob’s Pillow welcomes Sekou McMiller’s Afro Latin Jazz and Soul Experience to Pittsfield for a multi-day community residency. This dynamic series of movement workshops, listening sessions, and dance parties, led by Sekou and his collaborators Adriel Flete, Khary Kamau, and Miriam Gallardo, will immerse participants in themes from his upcoming premiere Urban Love Suite, which will be performed during Week 6 of the Festival. The residency will explore the joy of celebration, parades, and rituals across cultures, from Mardi Gras in New Orleans to Carnival in Trinidad and other global festivities. Participants of all ages are invited to join in the fun, learn, and celebrate through movement and sound.