Freedom Riders

In reverence to the courage and struggle of the original Freedom Rides — organized by Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) in 1961 — the Freedom Riders band are a groundbreaking new international jazz collective sharing the history of previous civil rights struggles, and amplifying current messages of social justice through music. As a project of NYC Winter Jazzfest, the ensemble features a new generation of composers performing powerful standards and original music that continue in the tradition of providing a soundtrack to the global civil rights movement. Grounded by the weight of musicians and activists that came before us, Freedom Riders offer vital inspiration through music uniting audiences with the energy and spirit of shared humanity.