• In honor of the courage and struggle of the first Freedom Ride organized by the Conference on Racial Equality (CORE) in 1961, the Freedom Riders Band shares the history of the past civil rights movement as a groundbreaking new international jazz collective. It expands the message of modern social justice through music. As a project of the NYC Winter Jazz Fest, this ensemble welcomes a new generation of composers and performs powerful standard songs and original music. It inherits the tradition of providing soundtracks to the global civil rights movement. Based on the weight of our ancestors, musicians and activists, Freedom Riders connects the audience through music and provides important inspiration to convey the energy and spirit of shared humanity. Music director and bassist Luke Stewart, drummer Joe Dyson, pianist Carmen Staaf, and alto saxophonist Alfredo Colon participate. In addition, special guests will also appear.