September 17, 2024
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is excited to announce “Dizzy Spellz,”
a captivating performance blending jazz, tap, and hip-hop, presented by MOSAIC, MCLA’s
public program dedicated to open arts and intersectional culture.
Featuring the celebrated trumpeter Sean Jones and the dynamic tap dancer Brinae Ali,
“Dizzy Spellz” will take place at the MCLA’s Venable Theatre on September 27 and 28,
2024, at 7:30 p.m.
“Dizzy Spellz” explores the themes of Afro-Futurism, a genre that envisions a future
through the prism of Black culture and identity, while paying homage to the groundbreaking
legacy of jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie. This performance fuses the innovative spirit
of jazz with the rhythmic precision of tap and the energetic flair of hip-hop, creating
a multi-faceted artistic experience.
Sean Jones, acclaimed trumpeter and Artistic Director of Carnegie Hall’s NYO Jazz,
will honor Dizzy Gillespie’s influential contributions to jazz. Gillespie’s pioneering
work in bebop and his role in shaping the evolution of jazz serve as a key inspiration
for the performance. Joining Jones is Brinae Ali, internationally renowned for tap
work on Broadway’s Shuffle Along and many other projects. Ali is acclaimed for her
mesmerizing footwork and seamless integration of hip-hop elements. Her performance
will highlight the future-facing vision of Afro-Futurism, celebrating both historical
roots and innovative possibilities through her exceptional dance.
Presented by MOSAIC, this performance is part of MCLA’s commitment to fostering an
inclusive and dynamic cultural dialogue. Tickets for “Dizzy Spellz” are on sale now
and can be purchased through a link on the MOSAIC website at www.mcla.edu/mosiac. Tickets are $20 for the general public, $10 for MCLA alumni, and free to MCLA student,
staff and faculty.
“We are thrilled to bring this groundbreaking performance to our community,” said
Director of the MCLA’s MOSAIC program Jeremy Winchester. “Sean Jones and Brinae Ali
are remarkable artists whose work pushes creative boundaries and celebrates the rich
legacy of Dizzy Gillespie and Afro-Futurism.”
For more information about “Dizzy Spellz” and to purchase tickets, please visit www.mcla.edu/mosiac.
About MCLA
At MCLA, we’re here for all — and focused on each — of our students. Classes are taught
by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive
on every level of their lives. In nearly every way possible, the experience at MCLA
is designed to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully
empowered to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 129-year commitment
to public education, we have fortified our commitment to equitable academic excellence.
MCLA has appeared on U.S. News’ list of Top Ten Public Colleges for nine consecutive
years, ranking No. 7 for Liberal Arts Schools in the nation for a third year. The
College's continued commitment to affordable education and economic prosperity is
reflected in its inclusion on U.S. News' list of National Liberal Arts Colleges for
Social Mobility since the organization adopted this ranking in 2019; MCLA is No. 1
in the state, No. 2 in the country, and No. 22 for National Liberal Arts Colleges.
These rankings measure how well schools graduate students who receive Federal Pell
Grants. Learn more at www.mcla.edu.
