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“The relationship of jazz to the work song, songs that slaves once sang, spurred my own exploration of how this music was used in environments that slaves were accustomed to.” - Jason Moran

Moran’s contemplation of work songs ultimately led the jazz pianist and MacArthur Fellow to create a multimedia exhibit at this summer’s Venice Biennale titled STAGED. The three-dimensional, freestanding sculptural installation reconstructs architectural elements of the Savoy Ballroom and the Three Deuces, two legendary New York City jazz venues that were home to some of the greatest jazz performances of their day.