WBGO After Work Jazz Series: Godwin Louis

Join us Wednesday, August 21th, in the courtyard of the Newark Main Library for some great After Work Jazz! Grammy Award-nominated saxophonist, composer, arranger, educator, philanthropist, humanitarian and entrepreneur Godwin Louis is a trailblazer in the world of music and beyond. Born in Harlem, New York, and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Port Au Prince, Haiti, his music taps all corners of his multicultural background rooted in Haitian heritage. An acclaimed alto saxophonist, Louis has graced stages around the globe including: Mali, Senegal, France, Finland, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, South Korea and Australia.

A graduate of Berklee College of Music and the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance, Louis has studied and performed with Herbie Hancock, Clark Terry, Ron Carter, Al Foster, Toni Braxton, Prince, Babyface, Madonna, Wynton Marsalis and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, to name a few. As a composer and arranger, he received a Grammy nomination for his work on world-renowned vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant's album Mélusine;

Louis has cultivated a diverse musical palette, seamlessly blending jazz, gospel, classical, Afro-Caribbean rhythms and global sounds. His compositions serve as a testament to his creative depth, exploring the intersections of tradition and innovation. A professor at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, he has conducted clinics and master classes worldwide. His work as a humanitarian and ambassador includes his having traveled from Benin to China to help promote cross-cultural understanding and introduce thousands to America’s indigenous art form — jazz — through public concerts, master classes and jam sessions. He is the founder of Experience Ayiti, a nonprofit educational, multidisciplinary arts organization in Haiti.

His album Psalms and Proverbs will be released in August 2024 on the Blue Room Music label.

Godwin Louis - Saxophone

Philip Dizack - Trumpet

Axel Tosca - Piano

Or Bareket - Bass

Harvel Nakundi - Drums

This event is free to the public but requires registration.

Seats are general admission and first come first serve.

Sets start at 4:45 and 6:15 pm in the outdoor courtyard of the Newark Main Library.

This event is made possible with the support of Audible and the Newark Public Library.
*In the event of inclement weather, this event will happen indoors, in the Library.

Host or Publisher WBGO Travel & Member Events