A member of the band since 1958, Allen became the leading force and core of the Arkestra after Sun Ra’s death in 1993. Carrying out Sun Ra’s vision through the ensemble, Allen directs fifteen musicians at a time, keeping with the Arkestra’s big-band traditionalism.

For much of his career, Sun Ra led the Arkestra—an ensemble with an ever-changing and flexible line-up. The legendary Sun Ra, born Herman Poole Blount in Alabama in 1914, was a jazz composer and improvisor, bandleader, visionary piano and synthesizer player, performance artist and poet known for his cutting-edge sound, cosmic philosophy, and avant-garde theatrical performances.

In his music, Sun Ra combined big-band swing with free jazz, the blues, electronics, and African musical and visual cultural practices, while also creating a performative style that combined Egyptian iconography and new futuristic worlds.

Claiming to be an alien messenger from Saturn sent to Earth to promote a politics of peace through art, Sun Ra is known as one of the leading figures of Afro-futurism.




FACE MASKS REQUIRED AT THE VIRGINIA THEATRE
Per an Executive Order signed by Illinois Governor Pritzker on August 26, 2021, all individuals age 2 and up who are medically able are required to wear a face mask while indoors in public settings, regardless of vaccination status.


VIRGINIA THEATRE CONCESSIONS SUSPENSED
Please note that due to the recent increases in active COVID-19 cases in Champaign County the Virginia Theatre has suspended the sale of food and beverages, including liquor, at all public events.

Patrons may, if they choose, bring in a single bottle of water (20 oz or less) for consumption during an event, provided they resume wearing their mask after taking a drink. No other outside food or beverage items are allowed into the theatre.

The Virginia has taken these steps to help ensure that all individuals are wearing a mask at all times while inside the facility.

For more, please visit this page.




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