Afrofuturism will be on full display when the Sun Ra Arkestra descends upon Music Box Village on November 16 and 17 for the interstellar group’s first shows in New Orleans in 15 years.

Founded by big-band innovator Sun Ra, his Arkestra has performed since the 1950s and made a name for itself in its adaptation of improvisational and modal jazz within the conceptual framework of cosmic philosophy. Sun Ra was a bandleader, pianist, poet and philosopher  himself. His pioneering work with keyboards and synthesizers has earned him a place in history as one of the earliest experimenters in electronic instruments.

Today, the Sun Ra Arkestra is comprised of Danny Thompson, Tara Middleton, Noel Scott, Cecil Brooks, Elson Nascimento, Atakatune, Ronnie Burrage, Tyler Mitchell, DHotep, Farid Barron, Vincent Chancey, YahYah Abdoul, Dave Davis, James Stewart and Director Marshall Allen. Allen is a founding member of the Sun Ra Arkestra.

Of special note is the Saturday, November 17 performance, which will be preceded by a Q&A with Allen.

$30 advance tickets and $75 VIP packages for the November 17 show are available here.