Photo courtesy of Gerald Clayton

Photo courtesy of Gerald Clayton

Art & Music: Gerald Clayton

April 3, 2019
Mitch Glickman, Director of Music Programs

In conjunction with the exhibition Charles White: A Retrospective, LACMA's Art & Music concert series presents a special performance with four-time Grammy Award nominated pianist and composer, Gerald Clayton, this Saturday, April 6.

Clayton has titled the concert "White Cities" A Musical Tribute to Charles White. A single life spread across three vibrant American cities: Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. "The title also refers to the artist himself,” says Clayton. “It is my intention to represent musically the evolution of White’s heart and mind—not just the subjects and messages of his works, but an accompanying examination of the person who created the works." White's paintings will be featured along with the music specially created by Clayton and his quintet. Clayton has assembled a non-traditional jazz quintet comprised of today's top jazz artists from each of the three cities where White worked during his historic career.

Another very special element of this Art & Music event is the chance to view the exhibition prior to the concert. Curatorial assistant of American Art Devi Noor will lead a special tour of Charles White: A Retrospective at 6 pm, prior to the 7:30 pm start of the concert. The tour is included as part of the concert ticket.