Frederick Experimental Music Association to honor Julius Hemphill

Two-concert retrospective celebrates pioneering avant-garde saxophonist and composer

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:08pm

An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring bold, jagged black silhouettes against a bright red background, conceptually representing the experimental and boundary-pushing nature of Julius Hemphill's influential music.A retrospective concert series celebrates the innovative jazz compositions of the late, great Julius Hemphill.Frederick Today

The Frederick Experimental Music Association will host a two-concert series titled 'Steppin': The Music of Julius Hemphill' at Hodson Auditorium, Rosenstock Hall, Hood College in Frederick, Maryland. The retrospective will highlight the work of the late Julius Hemphill, a renowned avant-garde saxophonist and composer who helped shape the free jazz movement.

Why it matters

Hemphill was a pioneering figure in the 1960s and 70s free jazz scene, known for his innovative compositions that blended African-American musical traditions with avant-garde experimentation. This retrospective provides an opportunity to celebrate Hemphill's lasting influence on contemporary jazz and experimental music.

The details

The two-concert series will feature performances of Hemphill's compositions by a variety of musicians and ensembles, offering audiences a comprehensive look at the breadth of his groundbreaking work.

  • The concerts will take place on April 18 and April 19, 2026 at Hodson Auditorium in Frederick, Maryland.

The players

Frederick Experimental Music Association

A local organization dedicated to promoting and presenting experimental and avant-garde music in the Frederick, Maryland area.

Julius Hemphill

An acclaimed American composer and saxophonist who was a key figure in the free jazz movement of the 1960s and 70s, known for his innovative and genre-blending compositions.

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The takeaway

This retrospective celebrates the enduring legacy of Julius Hemphill, whose visionary music helped expand the boundaries of jazz and paved the way for future generations of experimental composers and performers.