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Updated 1/1/2023

Makanda Project

  • M

    MA

Institution/Business Type: Performing Group

The Makanda Project is a 13 piece ensemble that includes some of Boston's most renowned jazz musicians. The group, formed in 2005, performs its own arrangements of previously unheard compositions by Boston-born multi-instrumentalist Makanda Ken McIntyre (1931-2001), along with pieces by selected other composers. Dr. McIntyre had a distinguished career as a performer and educator, yet remained under-recognized. His distinctive compositions are both challenging and accessible, lyrical and provocative. Leader, arranger, and pianist John Kordalewski studied and performed with him. The other members of the group are Kurtis Rivers, Lee Odom, Sean Berry, Temidayo Balogun, and Charlie Kohlhase, saxophones; Jerry Sabatini and Haneef Nelson, trumpets; Bill Lowe, Sarah Politz, and Alfred Patterson, trombones; Avery Sharpe, bass; and Yoron Israel, drums. Renowned guest artists such as Ricky Ford, Chico Freeman, Craig Harris, Dee Alexander, and Michael Gregory Jackson join the group for some performances, and for others the group collaborates with dancer/choreographer Mickey Davidson or poet Askia Toure. The group also collaborates with visual artists to present concerts that involve live painting by professional artists, art students, and audience members.

Find Me

John Kordalewski
Job Title: Leader
Phone: 617-298-6551
Address:
40 Artwill Street
Milton, MA 02186

Social Media:

Additional Content:

  • "Why Not"

    The Makanda Project Multiple Percussion Edition, 3-28-2019, Boston MA. Composition by Makanda Ken McIntyre; solos by John Kordalewski (piano), Charlie Kohlhase (baritone sax), Kurtis Rivers (alto sax), Warren Smith/Yoron Israel/Thurman Barker (drums).

  • "0602"

    The Makanda Project, 8-7-2021, Schwaz, Austria. Composition by Makanda Ken McIntyre, arrangement by John Kordalewski; solos by Sarah Politz (trombone), Paavo Carey (flute), Sean Berry (trombone).

  • "Seeing Autumn"

    The Makanda Project featuring Dee Alexander, 11-12-2022, Roxbury MA. Composition by Makanda Ken McIntyre, lyrics by Cyril Chapman, arrangement by John Kordalewski; solos by Richard Harper (trombone), Haneef Nelson (trumpet).

  • "Enchance"

    The Makanda Project featuring Chico Freeman, 8-7-2021, Schwaz, Austria. Composition by Chico Freeman, arrangement by John Kordalewski; solos by John Kordalewski (piano), Chico Freeman (soprano saxophone).

  • "Caribe"

    The Makanda Project Multiple Percussion Edition, 3-28-2019, Boston MA. Composition by Makanda Ken McIntyre; solos by Paavo Carey (flute), Alfred Patterson/Ku-umba Frank Lacy/Bill Lowe (trombones), Warren Smith/Yoron Israel/Thurman Barker (drums).

  • "It Takes a While"

    The Makanda Project, 10-4-2014, Springfield MA. Composition by Makanda Ken McIntyre, arrangement by John Kordalewski; solos by Kurtis Rivers (introduction), Jason Robinson (tenor saxophone), Bill Lowe (bass trombone), Joe Ford (alto saxophone).

  • "Lickety Split"

    The Makanda Project, 10-4-2014, Springfield MA. Composition by Makanda Ken McIntyre, arrangement by John Kordalewski; solos by Eddie Allen (trumpet), Sean Berry (tenor saxophone), Ku-umba Frank Lacy (trombone)

  • "Well I See" (video): The Makanda Project with dancers

    The Makanda Project with Dancers, 11-6-2011, Roxbury MA. Composition by Makanda Ken McIntyre, arrangement by John Kordalewski, choreography by Mickey Davidson; solos by Kurtis Rivers (alto sax), Charlie Kohlhase (baritone sax), Jerry Sabatini (trumpet).

About

Overview

Institution/Business Type:

Performing Group

Legal Status:

Nonprofit - Independent

Year Founded:

2005

Overview

Institution/Business Type:

Performing Group

Legal Status:

Nonprofit - Independent

Year Founded:

2005

Disciplines

Primary Discipline:

Music - Jazz

Additional Disciplines:

  • Music - Jazz

Activities and Services

Activities and Services:

  • Residency - In School
  • Workshops / Demonstrations / Master Class
  • Performance / Concert / Reading
  • Residency - Community
Seasons Active: spring, summer, fall, winter
Events Per Year: 15

Communities

Populations Engaged:

  • Adults
  • Elders
  • Families
  • General Public

Languages Available:

  • English

Geographic Reach:

  • International

Accessibility of Services

Accessibility of Services:

  • Access accommodations for people who use a wheelchair and have limited mobility

Media Gallery

I Have Worked With

Affiliations and Accomplishments

Awards

Awards:

  • Boston Cultural Council grant recipient (2011, 2013, 2015-2022)
  • Boston Foundation Live Arts Boston grant recipient (2017, 2019)
  • Creative City Grantee/Alum Network

Awards

Awards:

  • Boston Cultural Council grant recipient (2011, 2013, 2015-2022)
  • Boston Foundation Live Arts Boston grant recipient (2017, 2019)
  • Creative City Grantee/Alum Network

Special Designations

Special Designations:

  • NEFA Grant Recipient

Artist Info

Touring Artist

NEST Eligible Artist

Technical Requirements:

  • A piano, bass, bass amp, drum set, and sound system are needed for a performance. For some performances the presenter provides some or all of these; for others the group provides its own.

Fee Range:

$2,000 - $8,000

State of Residence:

Massachusetts

Minimum Number of Performers:

13

Maximum Number of Performers:

18

Touring Artist

NEST Eligible Artist

Technical Requirements:

  • A piano, bass, bass amp, drum set, and sound system are needed for a performance. For some performances the presenter provides some or all of these; for others the group provides its own.

Fee Range:

$2,000 - $8,000

State of Residence:

Massachusetts

Minimum Number of Performers:

13

Maximum Number of Performers:

18