Equinox Jazz Fest: OJS All Stars Big Band with Camille Thurman: A Tribute to the Narcotic Farm

One of the most fascinating historical aspects of Lexington’s jazz history is the Narcotic Farm, America’s first drug rehabilitation prison facility. Jazz musicians from around the country found themselves at the “Farm” and the facility’s residential big band has been referred to "as the best band you never heard." This concert will draw from repertoire associated with the great that spent time at the Farm including Chet Baker, Sonny Rollins, Tadd Dameron, and Elvin Jones. 

This concert will pay tribute to the artists that stayed at the Narcotic Farm. In that spirit, 10% of ticket sales will be directed to the Chrysalis House, Kentucky’s oldest and largest licensed residential treatment program for women with substance use disorders allowing women to keep their infants and toddlers with them while in treatment. Learn more about them here.

About the Artists:

Wynton Marsalis describes Camille Thurman simply as a “force of nature” comparing her rare ability on tenor sax and voice to the great Louis Armstrong. Downbeat magazine might have been even more effusive in their praise, “imagine if Sarah Vaughan played saxophone like Dexter Gordon”. Suffice to say the Thurman is a star in two mediums of Jazz. 

The OJS All Stars formed in 2019 for a special performance of the Duke Ellington Nutcracker. Since 2023 the band has continued the tradition each December and crafted a cohesive big band sound. The group is comprised of past Origins Jazz Series bandleaders and supporting artists and draws from the immense jazz talent in our region. 

Who will be into this?

It’s no surprise that Big Band Jazz aficionados won’t want to miss this one. Additionally, lovers of jazz history will be inspired by the story of the Narcotic farm and the repertoire drawn from all-time jazz greats.