Jazz in the Loft

Curated by Grammy Award-winning producer John Lee, Jazz in the Loft features award-winning artists from the greater SOMA area and beyond who are master improvisers and consummate band leaders. Blues, Bebop, Bossa — as long as it’s swinging, you’ll hear it at SOPAC! This performance features Winard Harper & Jeli Posse.

Winard Harper

Drummer Winard Harper’s first major gig was with Dexter Gordon in 1982; shortly after, he began playing with Johnny Griffin. Before long, his drumming skills captured the attention of Betty Carter, in whose storied band he spent four years, working with such legends as Ray Bryant, Abdullah Ibrahim, Pharoah Sanders, and Clifford Jordan. Around that time, he also established The Harper Brothers, a band he led with his brother, trumpet player Philip Harper, which became one of the hottest Post-Bop era bands from the late ’80s through the early ’90s. Further inspired by the musicianship and leadership of Dr. Billy Taylor and Billy Higgins, Harper went on to record a number of albums featuring collaborations with a range of icons, while refining his sextet sound. “A lot of the concept of my band was inspired by Billy Higgins,” says Harper. “A lot of the African influences and different instruments I use in my band, Billy was exploring as well.” Showing reverence for his predecessors while remaining innovative, Harper has been among the music’s most celebrated drummers, demonstrating mastery on the drum set and the balafon, “the West African equivalent of the marimba.” He remains a highly sought collaborator at home and abroad, and a compelling leader for his quartet, his quintet, and his project the Jeli Posse. Harper regularly appears at famed New York clubs, and serves as and an events organizer, successfully running the weekly Fish Fry Jazz Jam and the Sunday Meet the Artist Series at Moore’s Lounge in Jersey City.

SOPAC Loft

Experience the best of SOPAC’s iconic LOFT series when you attend multiple events of your choosing! Whether you love Comedy, Jazz, or Healing Sounds, you’ll find incredible programming all season long.

Choose 3 or more events across 4 series: Laughs in the Loft, Cabaret in the Loft, Jazz in the Loft, and Healing Sounds in the Loft, and unlock exclusive discounts tailored to your tastes.

Discount Levels
– 3 Events: Save 15%
– 5 Events: Save 20%

Opt-in now and access dynamic offerings from the SOPAC LOFT while enjoying elite savings.

Accessibility & Accommodation

If you or a member of your party needs assistance, please notify SOPAC at the time your tickets are purchased. Contact the SOPAC Box Office at (973) 313-2787 or boxoffice@SOPACnow.org.