Roxbury residents bask in the arts during John Eliot Square jazz concert

Curtis DeSmith, photo staff

September 20, 2024

Trees and tents provide shade on a sunny afternoon in Roxbury. Jazz on the Green was hosted in John Eliot Square. (Curtis DeSmith)

The Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry, or UUUM, held a concert of the arts for local neighbors to enjoy jazz, poetry and painting in John Eliot Square park Sept. 14. The event provided a relaxed atmosphere in which friends and family could retreat from the city in favor of a calm afternoon interacting with art.

The UUUM is a non-sectarian, non-profit organization committed to promoting freedom, dignity and equity in the Roxbury community and beyond, according to its website. Since 1826, the organization has been driven by its desire to empower and transform Boston residents through education, direct service and advocacy. Today, the group focuses on social justice initiatives and the promotion of the humanities, leading to quaint local events such as its “Jazz on the Green” series.

The arts showcase featured a nearly three-hour long performance by The Makanda Project. Formed in 2005 to honor the work of its namesake, the ensemble extends Dr. Makanda Ken McIntyre’s legacy by reinterpreting his compositions while forging a distinct musical identity of its own.

Jazz musicians soothe the audience, performing the work of McIntyre, a Boston native. The Makanda Project was assembled to continue the composer’s work following his death in 2001. (Curtis DeSmith)

The audience relaxes as music fills John Eliot Square. Admittance was free and visitors were provided complimentary snacks. (Curtis DeSmith)

Audience members applaud as conductor John Kordalewski introduces the musicians. The group has valued making its music accessible on a community level. (Curtis DeSmith)

A painter composes a portrait of Dee Alexander, The Makanda Project’s vocalist. Artists shared the space in a literal harmony. (Curtis DeSmith)

Also present on the UUUM greenspace was sparc! the ArtMobile, a free arts initiative run by the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. The program invites individuals to pick up a paintbrush and express their creativity with supplies directly from its van. Sharing similar principles with the UUUM, sparc! was able to help establish a space of artistry, enriching the spirit of the event altogether.

People enjoy painting activities hosted by sparc! the ArtMobile. Massachusetts College of Art and Design provided painting supplies through its mobile art and design program. (Curtis DeSmith)

Artisan shirts are put on display for the concert. Through the assistance of the ministry, artists were given a space to present and sell their work. (Curtis DeSmith)

A poet performs their work among a respectful audience. Audience members were invited to share poems, even if they had not planned to present one. (Curtis DeSmith)

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Curtis DeSmith, Photo Staff