Charles McPherson: The Journey Home is the celebratory homecoming of acclaimed jazz musician Charles McPherson, who is from Joplin, Missouri, and will be held February 18-19, 2022 (though it was initially scheduled as a Bicentennial event). Events include a free public performance featuring McPherson and his band and a public art piece featuring McPherson and other Black Americans influential in the performing and literary arts. The Minnie Hackney Community Service Center of Joplin is collaborating with several community stakeholders to organize this week-long celebration, including Connect2Culture, George Washington Carver National Monument, Joplin Emancipation Park Days, Missouri Southern State University, Post Art Library, Pro Musica, Spiva Center for the Arts, and Visit Joplin.

Charles McPherson – alto saxophone
Javon Jackson – tenor saxophone
Ben Leifer – bass
Roger Wilder – piano
Chuck McPherson – drums