Twenty-two years ago, the Interact Center for Visual and Performing Arts opened its door to embark on the mission of creating art that represents folks with disabilities. Based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the center brings people together to create visual and performing arts programs including theater, drawing, painting, dance, music, and sculpture.

From November 2-18 at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, the Interact production company INTERACT THEATER will present a unique musical production, Hot Funky Butt Jazz. The musical celebrates the resilient pioneers of jazz music who overcame adversity to create what came to be America’s most revered music. With an emphasis on “radical inclusion,” the musical will feature over 50 actors with and without disabilities to celebrate the connection between jazz music and the politics of marginalized communities.

Three New Orleans musicians have been invited to perform in Hot Funky Butt Jazz. Singer/actress Zena Moses and musicians Eugene Harding and Jeremy Philipps will be lending their talents to the show. Both Harding and Philipps descend from New Orleans early jazz musicians. Moses is the goddaughter of Irma Thomas, and her own father was a saxophone player in New Orleans.

The name “Funky Butt” derives from the name of a historic dance joint in early 20th century New Orleans. Church and community center by day and club by night, the venue was named after patrons’ sweaty dance moves to what was called “hot music.” Hot music, which later became jazz, was pioneered by the black cornet player Buddy Bolden. Bolden mixed Afro/Caribbean, Latin, Native American, and European sounds, intoxicating listeners all over the Crescent City.

The musical runs for approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes without intermission. It will began at 7 p.m. each day, except for Saturday, November 10 and Saturday, November 17 (begins at 1 p.m.). Tickets can be purchased for $9 online.