Photography by Kamau Amen-Ra

Opening Reception June 4th 5:30PM

Oakland Marriott Lobby

1001 Broadway

Oakland, CA

Spirits Known and Unknown

Spirits Known and Unknown is a homage to the known and unknown greats of the music industry with artists like Miles Davis, Marshall Allen, Dizzy Gillespie, Charles Lloyd. Kamau Amen-Ra’s body of  work is a continuation of Joyce Gordon’s curated exhibitions on Jazz music and Oakland local artists at the Oakland Marriott City Center lobby.

Kamau’s photographs have been printed in various magazines, newspapers, album covers and books.   He is a historian that writes with his camera lens.

“The very first Jazz Band I seriously tried to photograph was Miles Davis.  This was at the Chicago Opera House.   The funny part about it was that Miles wasn’t the Headliner.  It was Mariam Makeba.  The year was (1965).  I remember someone telling me to buy some fast film.  At that time, film speed of 400ASA was really fast.  To make a long story short, I didn’t have good luck at that shoot. Over the years I’ve learn how to be able to tell a story about the music.  What a honor to be able to photograph these great musicians… I believe that that UNIVERSE knows these spirits.  Let your spirits go and free yourself. ” – Kamau Amen-Ra