MEET OUR MEMBERS! Say hello to Craig Harris (@craigsharris), who rejoined Local 802 to network with his fellow musicians. He tells us that “Local 802 is important to me because unions protect musicians and help our careers.”

Craig is a trombonist, composer, bandleader, and self-styled “sonic shaman.” Seeking an inspired career, he skillfully navigated his musical journey that included a tour with the inimitable Sun Ra, a path that affirmed Craig’s place among the ranks of creative music’s most progressive thought leaders.

With a repertoire of various-sized ensembles, including Nation of Imagination, Tailgater’s Tales and Harlem Nightsongs, Craig has amassed an extensive discography of his own recorded work in addition to contributing to the musical projects of his many esteemed colleagues.

Steeped in the tradition of using art as cultural facilitation to promote change, he has flexed his musical voice to comment on social injustice and humanity with influential original works including “God’s Trombones,” based on James Weldon Johnson’s book of sermons; “Souls Within the Veil,” commemorating the 100th anniversary of W.E.B. DuBois’s seminal work; “TriHarlenium,” a sound portrait and 30-year musical time capsule of Harlem; “Brown Butterfly,” a tribute to the exquisite movements of Muhammad Ali; and “BREATHE,” a sonic statement in response to the injustices inflicted upon African American people.

An award-winning composer, Craig’s recent projects include the stage premiere of his own work “FESTAC ’77,” plus Harlem Sonic Communiversity, featuring open rehearsals and free public concerts introducing his compositions to new and established audiences.

In 2022, Craig won a Jazz Hero award from the Jazz Journalists Association, which honors “activists, advocates, altruists, aiders and abettors of jazz who have had significant impact in their local communities.” Craig earned the designation in part for his longstanding curation of Harlem concerts and his commitment to presenting music in the iconic communities where it was created. Learn more about Craig at craigsharris.com.

Welcome back to Local 802, Craig! Musicians can join Local 802 at www.local802afm.org/join