WCLK is teaming up with the FunkJazz Kafé Arts & Music Festival on Saturday, August 3 for a 30th Anniversary like none other!
The station continues its "WCLKAT50" celebration while FunkJazz Kafé commemorates 30 years of cultivating and promoting Black music and its artists. In addition, WCLK's Jamal Ahmad is celebrating 30 years of hosting the nationally-syndicated radio program, S.O.U.L. of Jazz (Sounds of Universal Love).
Festivities take place at The Ray Charles Performing Arts Center at Morehouse College beginning at 5pm with the premiere of “FunkJazz Kafé: Diary Of A Decade (The Story Of A Phenomenon) – 2024 REDUX.” Director and creator, Jason Orr, has re-edited the 2014 film which features narration by Chuck D. and appearances by Jill Scott, Cornel West, Erykah Badu, Jamie Foxx, Roy Ayers, Dick Gregory, Cee Lo Green, Dallas Austin, Joi, Ray Murray (Organized Noize), Speech (Arrested Development), Caron Wheeler (Soul II Soul). The project explores the counter culture that grew out of the evolution of Jazz and Soul music in Atlanta’s live music scene from the early '90s to the early 2000s and features live performances by Scott along with Public Enemy, Goodie Mob with Andre 3000, Doug E. Fresh, Raphael Saadiq, Loose Ends and Janelle Monae.
FunkJazz Kafé: will also preview the upcoming 2025 Jazz Funk documentary “Stepping Into Tomorrow: The Story of Jazz Funk And The Music That Changed The World,” that is co-directed by Orr and Ahmad. This 90-minute film features interviews with such music icons as George Duke, Roy Ayers, George Benson, Bob James, Larry Mizell, Al Jarreau, Cee Lo Green, Ramsey Lewis, Greg Tate, Marley Marl and others.
Check out the FULL UPFRONT conversation Ray Cornelius had this week with Jason Orr and Jamal Ahmad about their film projects, FunkJazz Kafé, WCLK, Atlanta's influence on music and more.
CLICK HERE for tickets and more information.