Warren Byrd

🎺✨ Jazzkia Meets HipHop – Live at Música Franklin’s Fun Fest! ✨🎤 📅 Saturday, May 10, 2025 🆓 Free event for all ages! 📍 Unity Park, Turners Falls, MA 🕧 Main Festival: 12:30–5:15 PM 🌙 Evening Concerts at The Rendezvous: 7:00–10:00 PM Don’t miss Jazzkia Meets HipHop, a boundary-breaking fusion led by trumpeter Saskia Laroo, blending straight-ahead jazz with hip-hop grooves and freestyle energy. Catch them at 3:15 PM at Unity Park — and join the jam session later that night! 🎷 2025 Fun Fest Schedule of Events: 🕧 12:30–1:00 | Turners Falls Music Department 🕐 1:15–2:00 | Larksgrove 🕑 2:00–2:45 | Música Franklin 🕝 2:45–3:15 | Drum Circle with Abdou Sarr 🕞 3:15–4:00 | Jazzkia Meets HipHop 🎺🎤 🕓 4:00–5:00 | Giant Puppets 🕟 4:30–5:15 | Orquesta Sensacional 🌆 7:00–8:00 | Saskia Laroo Live at The Rendezvous 🎶 8:30–10:00 | Public Jam Session with Jazzkia @ The Rendezvous This event is made possible in part by NEFA, the Mass Cultural Council, and a host of local sponsors. 🎉 Fun Fest is funded in part by the New England States Touring program of the New England Foundation for the Arts, made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts Regional Touring Program and the six New England state arts agencies. ​ This program is also funded in part by grants from the Greenfield, Montague, and Gill Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. ​ Fun Fest is also made possible by the generous support of the following businesses and institutions: River Culture, Greenfield Savings Bank, Greenfield Cooperative Bank, Paul Redeker Rental Company, Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, Coldwell Banker Community Realtors, Franklin County Community Development Corporation, PV Squared, Artspace, A Journey in Jazz, Franklin Community Coop, Communities that Care Coalition, Liberty Tax, and Ruggeri Real Estate, Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters, Kharma Salon, and Greenfield BJ's Wholesale Club. Jazzkia Meets Hiphop is an innovative evolution of the acclaimed Jazzkia Quartet, conceived by renowned trumpeter and bandleader Saskia Laroo. Born out of the creative energy of Laroo’s third CD, "Jazzkia," this project reimagines traditional acoustic jazz by infusing it with the modern beats and rhythms of hip-hop. A Fusion of Traditions and Innovation: Jazzkia Meets Hiphop transforms the classic quartet setup into a vibrant quintet with the addition of a rap vocalist. This bold collaboration seamlessly blends the improvisational and soulful qualities of straight-ahead jazz with the raw, energetic pulse of hip-hop, creating a unique musical dialogue that honors jazz’s rich heritage while pushing its boundaries. Musical Journey and Vision: Drawing inspiration from jazz legends like Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, and John Coltrane, the ensemble reinterprets timeless standards and original compositions alike. Their performances capture the essence of jazz—its spontaneity, creativity, and deep cultural roots—while embracing the contemporary spirit of hip-hop. This synthesis not only reinvigorates the classic jazz repertoire but also resonates with a modern audience, bridging generational gaps with a shared love for musical innovation. A Signature Experience: At its core, Jazzkia Meets Hiphop is more than just a musical act; it’s a dynamic experience. It celebrates the fusion of diverse musical influences, inviting listeners on a journey where tradition meets modernity in a compelling, boundary-breaking performance. With Saskia Laroo’s visionary leadership, Jazzkia Meets Hiphop continues to redefine the landscape of jazz, proving that the genre is ever-evolving, inclusive, and timeless. This project stands as a testament to Laroo’s pioneering spirit and her commitment to keeping jazz alive and relevant for audiences around the world, aimed to all ages and backgrounds.