Newport Live Presents: Steve Dyer Quartet - Freedom Melody

“Steve Dyer… is a visionary, a pioneer and a symbol of a new Africa.” - Vasco Zama Ndebele, Cue magazine

South African composer and saxophonist Steve Dyer presents his latest project Freedom Melody (co-commissioned by Lincoln Center, NY), alongside the celebration of his new album, Multipolar (Ropeadope, released on Oct 31st, 2025). The performance by the quartet, which includes the Kenyan pianist Aaron Rimbui, puts the spotlight on the rich heritage of South and Southern African vocal and instrumental music within a contemporary setting.

40 years ago In Gaborone, Botswana, April 1985 a Freedom Melody festival was held. Musicians based in Botswana as well as other parts of Southern Africa and from other locations converged for a memorable weekend of cultural events headlined by Hugh Masekela and Jonas Gwangwa. The repertoire performed included vocal and instrumental music that was symbolic of the liberation struggle. Through this festival the power of music to become a decisive unifying force for change became apparent.

2 months later on June 14th 1985 the apartheid SADF (South African Defence Force) raided Gaborone killing 12 people. The cultural initiatives over a number of years by the Medu Art Ensemble collective (who had organized the festival) were abruptly terminated as a result.

In 2025 Steve Dyer releases an album where he reflects on the urgent need for new and/or alternative ways of thinking and acting. The title, Multipolar refers to the global world shift from the falsehood perception of a unipolar power dynamic world to one with many centers of decentralized spheres of influence and power. Parallel lives have always been lived but often unrecognized and/or marginalized. The music on Multipolar reflects different elements of Steve Dyer’s cultural makeup as an Anglo-African. Born into, and influenced and shaped by Africa, this music originates here and casts its creative eyes outward to a global world of accessibility and connection. We all have our stories to tell, and we can all learn from each other’s stories.

Conceptualized by Steve Dyer, who was part of the original Freedom Melody, the concert promises to be a night of cultural intersection and celebration to remember.

About the Venue

Channing is located on Pelham Street near the intersection of Memorial Boulevard and Bellevue Avenue. If heading east on Memorial, turn left onto Bellevue, away from the mansions. If heading west there, turn right. The third street on the left, across from the Newport Art Museum, is Pelham Street. The church is directly opposite the Old Stone Tower and the statue of William Ellery Channing.

Where Do I Park?

Channing Memorial Church does not have a parking lot, but there is generally parking on Pelham Street and Bellevue Ave.

Refreshments

Beer and wine will be available for sale from our sponsors at Greenvale Vineyards and Narragansett Beer. Please note that outside drink is NOT permitted. There are many nice restaurants in Newport for an early or late dinner if you book ahead.

Disruptive and Improper Conduct

Participants are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and to refrain from conduct and language that would be offensive and/or disruptive to performers or other event participants. Participants who violate these rules may be asked to leave.

Host or Publisher Newport Live