Just Buffalo Literary Center’s BABEL series featuring James McBride

Join us for the exciting season finale of Just Buffalo Literary Center’s BABEL series featuring James McBride—award-winning author, saxophonist & composer whose work is infused with the soulful cadence of jazz. Adding to the evening’s magic, we’ll have a special performance by GEORGE CALDWELL, CHUCK BROWN, & PRESTON BROWN—an ensemble of extraordinary local jazz artists whose music will set the perfect tone for this unforgettable gathering.

JAMES McBRIDE is an accomplished jazz musician who has written songs (music & lyrics) for Anita Baker, Grover Washington Jr., Purafe, Gary Burton, and many others. He author of the #1 New York Times bestselling classic memoir, The Color of Water; National Book Award–winning novel, The Good Lord Bird, the bestsellers Song Yet Sung and Miracle at St. Anna as well as the Oprah Book Club pick, Deacon King Kong. His films have been adapted for the screen by Spike Lee & Ethan Hawke. In 2016, he was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Obama and he is one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People.

McBride’s latest novel, Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, is a moving tale of community, secrets, and resilience in a small Pennsylvania town in the 1920s. The story hums with the music of survival and solidarity—much like the jazz traditions we celebrate here in Buffalo.

James McBride has toured the world. Let’s show up in strength, style & spirit to show him what Buffalo is all about!

Event Details:
Wed, April 30th, 2025
Kleinhans Music Hall
Doors open at 7 pm | Event starts at 8 pm
Tickets are going fast!
Learn more at: justbuffalo.org