The Magic City: Birmingham according to Sun Ra

Herman Poole Blount arrived on Earth in Birmingham, Alabama on May 22, 1914 and became known as Sun Ra, one of the most extraordinary jazz musicians.

“The Magic City” known as Birmingham was a segregated city in the industrial South. Hostile at first glance, it was there that Sun Ra laid the foundations of his mystical thinking and his music, seeing in his city an incredible world full of signs. He left it for Chicago at the age of 32 and did not return until 1992, shortly before his death.

Portraying this artist as a young man as much as portraying a city, The Magic City tells the story of Sun Ra’s early years in this urban universe that was both political and magical, common and fantastic, disturbing and fascinating.

Directors – Guillaume Maupin, Pablo Guarise
1h 40m

All proceeds support WFMU
A large selection of Records CD’s and Swag will be available for purchase.

WFMU Radio’s Monty Hall, located at 43 Montgomery Street in downtown Jersey City (mere steps from the Exchange Place PATH station).

Monty Hall is ADA-friendly with wheel chair ramps, accessible restrooms, seating on request, and advance arrangements for assistive services.

Our volunteers are always on hand to assist and make your experience welcoming.