Considered a groundbreaking work of the civil rights era, legendary jazz drummer Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite was recorded in the summer of 1960, just over a month after the sit-in movement desegregated the Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro. Unapologetically political, the composition begins with the slave chants of “Driva’ Man” and closes in Africa with “Tears for Johannesburg,” weaving in the powerful vocals of Roach’s partner Abbey Lincoln along the way. Under the title We Insist!, Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center hosts a restaging of the work by the New York City/Philadelphia-based Fresh Cut Orchestra with Melanie Charles handling the singing. Performances take place Friday, Feb. 22, and Saturday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m. $10-20 suggested donation. blackmountaincollege.org. Photo of Melanie Charles by Sean Pressley
Smart Bets: We Insist!

Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.