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About
Legendary drummer Marvin “Bugalu” Smith returns to his old musical home, The Falcon, on Sunday night, November 1st. His profoundly natural, distinctly spiritual touch and larger-than-life persona have made him a hero in every room he’s played for what will soon be 77 years. During that time, he performed and recorded with artists including Archie Shepp, Sun Ra, James Brown, Rocky Roberts, Lola Falana, Charles Mingus, Chet Baker, George Benson, Betty Carter, Pharoah Sanders, Lee Morgan, Woody Shaw, Ron Carter, Phineas Newborn, Sam and Dave, Wilson Pickett, B. B. King, and Earl “Buster” Smith.
Smith’s special relationship with The Falcon began with more than a decade of performances at the club starting in the 2000s. After years away, he returns to reunite with his 1980s Archie Shepp Quartet bandmate, legendary bassist Asante Santi Debriano, after 40 years apart.
Smith was diagnosed with lung cancer one year ago. His unwavering commitment to uplifting audiences and people keeps his playing as breathtaking, moving, and healing as ever.
The show opens with the debut screening of a short, intimate documentary portrait of Smith, shot last October. Joining him onstage will be an all-star ensemble, including pianist Esteban Castro and other masterful friends, to help Marvin bless the room once again.
Come to celebrate and come to witness—Bugalu’s upstate homecoming approaches. Make it the night this master deserves.