Moonchild: Celebrating the Life & Music of Yusuf Salim
Friday, October 27 | Saturday, October 28
Presented by Duke Arts

This two-day celebration of Brother Yusuf’s life and legacy at Durham’s historic Hayti Heritage Center featured the North Carolina Central University jazz studies director Robert Trowers leading an all-star big band assembled for the occasion through new arrangements of Brother Yusuf’s compositions. The ensemble featured legendary, 2024 NEA JAZZ MASTER saxophonist and educator Gary Bartz, multi-GRAMMY-nominated vocalist Nnenna Freelon, international jazz singer Eve Cornelious, NY-based composer and bassist Rachiim Ausar-Sahu, and GRAMMY-winning pianist Chip Crawford. Evening two focused on Brother Yusuf’s role in cultivating and mentoring jazz vocalists. The evening was an intimate set featuring five vocalists Yusuf mentored — Frankie Alexander, Eve Cornelious, Lois Deloatch, Nnenna Freelon, and Adia Ledbetter — spotlighting the lyrical explorations of his music and the jazz standards that linked Brother Yusuf with these women vocalists.

Thanks to everyone who came out for the
Yusuf Salim Celebration Concerts and Panel Discussion October 27th and 28th, 2023. What a beautiful weekend! And big shout outs to all of the musicians and vocalists, Duke Arts crew, Hayti Heritage Center, and everyone who helped in the sharing of Brother Yusuf’s music and legacy. Peace.