(((folkYEAH!))) & KALW 91.7 FM Present: Sun Ra founded the Sun Ra Arkestra in Chicago in the mid-1950s. Sun Ra was among the earliest pioneers of the synthesizer and the free jazz revolution of 1960s. Sun Ra sent a strong spiritual and musical message to his Arkestra wanting them to help make the universe better through positive vibrations and music. The Sun Ra Arkestra are known worldwide for their live shows that combine big-band swing, space-age free jazz, be-bop, singing, dancing, chanting and Afro-pageantry. The Arkestra has been at the forefront of Afro-futurism since their inception. The Arkestra have recorded more than 100 albums. Their 2020 album “Swirling” was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Big Band Jazz Ensemble recording. Their newest album “Lights On A Satellite” was released in February 2025.