Our special two-day celebration of the life and legacy of jazz pianist, composer, and mentor Yusuf Salim continues with a special lunch reception and sneak peek preview of “Moonchild,” a documentary film in production about Salim’s life by Durham filmmaker Kenny Dalsheimer. The conversation will be moderated by Darrell Stover and will feature Raciim Ausar-Sahu, Eve Cornelious, Kenny Dalsheimer, Nnenna Freelon and Noah Powell. It will touch upon Brother Yusuf’s lifelong musical and spiritual journey, his deep connections and powerful impact on many artists — including his approach to building community through music, a force for lasting connection and transformation.
Yusuf Salim (known by the community as Brother Yusuf), was born in Baltimore, immersed in the booming jazz scene there and spent the last three decades of his life transforming the musical landscape in Durham, NC. In his adopted hometown, Brother Yusuf became a cultural catalyst and community builder, helping to establish a thriving, nationally visible jazz scene by nurturing and launching the careers of many younger vocalists and musicians in his orbit.
Part of the Building Bridges: Muslims in America series at Duke University, this two-day celebration of Brother Yusuf Salim includes two concerts. Evening 1 features an all-star big band with renowned jazz musicians and friends of Brother Yusuf; Evening 2 focuses on Brother Yusuf’s role in cultivating and mentoring jazz vocalists and features five renowned jazz singers. Advance tickets are $20 ($25 for day-of tickets) for the associated concerts.
