Henry Louis Gates Jr. on Cross That River
Powerful storytelling, memorable music, and deep humanity
Before I share some reflections from our wonderful ten days here in Perugia, I have some exciting news.
As many of you know, Cross That River will be appearing on one of the main stages at the International Black Theatre Festival later this month. As we prepare for rehearsals in New York, I recently had the privilege of speaking with Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., whose groundbreaking scholarship has brought so much of Black American history into the national conversation.
He generously offered to endorse the production. Here’s what he wrote…
“Recovering the overlooked stories of our past is essential to understanding the full American story. Cross That River does exactly that, illuminating the remarkable history of Black cowboys with powerful storytelling, memorable music, and deep humanity.”
— Henry Louis Gates Jr.
For someone who has dedicated his career to uncovering the hidden chapters of American history to recognize a musical about the Black cowboys of the American West is both humbling and deeply affirming. It reminds me why Pat and I created Cross That River in the first place: to tell a story that deserves its rightful place in our nation’s history.
When we return to New York, the work begins immediately as we prepare for one of the greatest honors of my career: Cross That River will make its International Black Theatre Festival debut on one of the festival’s main stages in Winston-Salem. Pat and I have been living with this musical for many years, and now we’ll spend long days in rehearsal bringing this story to life with our incredible cast and musicians.
Tickets are on sale now, and we’d love to see many of you there.
International Black Theatre Festival
July 31 and August 1, 2026
Cross That River
Tickets: https://ncblackrep.my.salesforcesites.com/ticket/#/events/a0SVT00000EIgOv2AL
As another extraordinary Umbria Jazz Festival comes to a close, I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who makes this remarkable festival possible, especially Carlo Pagnotta, who founded Umbria Jazz in 1973 and has guided it as its artistic director for more than fifty years. His vision has created one of the world’s great jazz festivals, transforming the beautiful medieval city of Perugia into an annual gathering place for artists and audiences from every corner of the globe.
Perugia itself is magical. Its winding stone streets, breathtaking views, warm people, and beautiful piazzas provide the perfect backdrop for music. Every night we’ve performed for audiences of more than 5,000 enthusiastic music lovers, and their energy has been unforgettable. Harlem After Dark has become a tremendous success here, and watching Italian audiences embrace the music, the stories, and the spirit of Harlem has been one of the great joys of this tour.
A heartfelt thank you also goes to Radio Monte Carlo and my good friend Nick the Nightfly, who continue to champion jazz and welcome artists with such generosity. Their support means so much to those of us bringing American music across the Atlantic.
Watch a short clip of “I Grew Up” live at Umbria Jazz Festival
Being in Italy creates an interesting perspective. The beauty, history, and rhythm of life here can almost make the turmoil back home feel very far away. But of course, it isn’t. Every day I continue to follow the news from the United States, and my heart has been heavy reading about the killing of Nolan Wells and the death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who was reportedly shot and killed during an ICE operation. We seem to be living in a moment where too many people fear simply walking down the street, wondering whether they’ll make it home safely.
What is happening to our country?
America has always struggled to live up to its highest ideals. As someone who has spent much of my career telling stories about freedom, justice, and the ongoing pursuit of equality, I believe we have to keep asking difficult questions. We have to keep demanding compassion, accountability, and humanity from ourselves and from our leaders. Silence has never moved history forward.
Thankfully, music continues to give me hope.
Before heading to Winston-Salem, however, Harlem After Dark is coming home—well, almost. We’ll be bringing the show to Midtown Manhattan for six performances at the legendary Birdland Jazz Club on July 17, 18, and 19. After the overwhelming response we’ve received here in Perugia, I cannot wait for New Yorkers to experience the same celebration of Harlem’s music, history, and joy that has captivated audiences in Italy.
And there’s even more exciting news on the horizon.
My new album, Swingin’ Love Songs, arrives on August 28, but you’ll get a preview with two singles before then. The first, “How Wrong They Were,” will be released on July 17, followed by “I’m Hooked On You” on August 14.
We’ll also be opening pre-orders for the CD starting July 24, and I can’t wait for you to hear these wonderful songs written by the late Ike Joseph. They’ve been waiting a long time to find their audience, and I’m honored to finally bring them to life.
As always, thank you for reading, for listening, and for traveling this incredible journey with us. Whether we’re in Perugia, New York, Winston-Salem, or somewhere in between, your support makes every stage feel like home.
Until next week...
Allan
ALLAN HARRIS MERCH
