James Brandon Lewis live in North Adams

Experience James Brandon Lewis live on June 27th

James Brandon Lewis will perform at Mass MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts on June 27, 2026. Lewis is a contemporary jazz saxophonist and composer known for his deeply spiritual and often politically charged music. His work blends elements of post-bop improvisation with influences from blues, gospel, and free jazz, frequently incorporating spoken word and exploring themes of Black American history and identity. He’s recognized for a sound that is both intensely personal and broadly resonant, often utilizing extended techniques and a raw emotionality in his playing.

Mass MoCA (Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art) is one of the largest centers for contemporary visual art in the United States. Located in a renovated 19th-century factory complex – formerly the Sprague Electric Company – the museum opened to the public in 1999. Its expansive galleries are housed within the brick mill buildings, retaining much of the original industrial architecture. The museum’s programming encompasses visual arts, performing arts, music, dance, film, and educational initiatives. It is notable for its site-specific installations and large-scale works by both established and emerging artists, frequently commissioning new pieces designed for its unique spaces.