WBTT, Modern Marimba Present the Jalen Baker Quartet

August 23, 2023 – Sarasota

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and Modern Marimba are collaborating to present an incredible evening of jazz featuring the Jalen Baker Quartet, with Jalen Baker on vibraphone, Paul Cornish on the piano, Gavin Moolchan on the drums, and Gabriel Godoy on bass (please see below for bios on Cornish, Moolchan and Godoy). The concert takes place on Saturday, September 9 at 7:30 p.m. in The Donelly Theatre at WBTT (1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota).

Baker, born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Houston, Tex., is a vibraphonist, percussionist, educator, and composer whose early training involved both classical and jazz genres. Since 2019, he has continued to distinguish himself as a performer as a Ravinia Jazz Fellow, where he studied with Rufus Reid, Billy Childs, and Tim Haggins. 

Baker has been an active performer with the Ulysses Owens Jr. Big Band, Jeremy Pelt, Michael Mwenso and The Shakes, Leon Anderson, and Amina Scott Quartet, while also leading his own band in venues in and around Georgia, Florida, Texas, and Chicago, Ill. Baker’s unique blend of original modern jazz compositions and standards makes for exciting live performances.

As a band leader, Baker received the prestigious South Arts Jazz Roads Touring Grant in 2021. He has been a featured artist with various organizations such as the Savannah Jazz Orchestra, Houston’s Da Camera, Miami’s WDNA Jazz Hour, Live Music Movement Houston, and Sarasota’s own Modern Marimba. 

Since 2021, he has released two albums: “This is Me, This is Us” on Outside In Music in June of 2021, and “Be Still” on Cellar Live in July of 2023; both have garnered positive recognition from various jazz blogs and magazines. 
He decided early on to focus on jazz and, in May 2017, received his Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Studies from Columbia College in Chicago. He was a graduate assistant in the Jazz Performance program at Florida State University and, in 2019, earned his Master of Music in Jazz Studies. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Modern Marimba to present this talented quartet on WBTT’s stage,” said Nate Jacobs, WBTT’s founder/artistic director. “Jalen has serious performance and educational chops, and is an example of an artist who is relentless about honing his craft. We look forward to welcoming community members to what should be an exquisite and inspirational musical performance!”

Tickets are $27 (includes all applicable fees); visit westcoastblacktheatre.org or call the Box Office at 941-366-1505.