Jazz Institute of Chicago rolls out 18th JazzCity season!
The Jazz Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Park District have built one of the city’s strongest cultural partnerships through their JazzCity free concert series, now in its 18th year. “In 1997 the Jazz Institute was looking for a way to bring jazz to Chicago neighborhoods and we figured the Park District would be the best avenue to do that” Lauren Deutsch, JIC Executive Director remembers.
It was a perfect fit. Chicago Park District’s Program and Event Manager, Krista Bryski Richard, who has collaborated from the Park District for 12 years agrees. “There are hidden gems within the Park District— many with incredible auditoriums. We’re excited to showcase these areas with events like JazzCity, bringing free entertainment and world-class musicians into peoples’ back yards for nearly two decades”. Many projects developed for JazzCity have gone on to appear on stages at the Chicago Jazz Festival and across the pond at the Jazz Institute’s Made in Chicago Festival in Poland.
The 18th season opens on Friday February 20, at the South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S Shore Drive at 7PM with a Bebop Brass salute to bebop pioneer Clark Terry.
When Bebop Brass gathers at South Shore Cultural Center to pay tribute to the inimitable Mr. Mumbles, they'll fill the air with more than musical excitement. They'll also be sending out heaps of love and admiration to a jazz legend who has influenced generations of musicians not only with his amazing trumpet playing, but also his humanity and wisdom. If you've seen "Keep On, Keepin' On," the new documentary about his relationship with young pianist Justin Kauflin, you know what a force he is.
Veteran trumpeter and mumbler Art Hoyle will join trumpeters Art Davis and Shaun Johnson, trombonists Adam Thornburg, Tracy Kirk and Steve Berry, pianist (and JazzCity co-curator) Miguel De La Cerna, bassist Eric Hochberg and drummer Xavier Breaker. Expect to hear some Duke Ellington music to mark Terry's years with him, some standards and some of Terry's own pieces.
The season continues with programs that range from a tribute to poet Gil Scott-Heron to early swing music, to Latin jazz to a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the AACM. All concerts are family friendly and free! For more information visit www.jazzinchicago.org
March 13, 2015 – Hamilton Park - 513 W. 72nd St
The Revolution has Been Compromised: Honoring the Words and Work of Gil Scott-Heron With electrifying original compositions and renditions of Scott-Heron’s thought-provoking verses, spoken word artist Khari B draws upon the improvisational tradition that links Scott Heron’s music-based work to his roots in Chicago. Featuring Robert Irving III, piano; Shawn Wallace, Keyboards; Charles Heath, drums; Aum Mu Ra, guitar; Junius Paul, bass; Fred Jackson, saxophone; Coco Elysses, percussion
April 10– La Follette Park - 1333 N. Laramie Ave.
Peter Lerner Sextet: Continuation Continuation is the name leader and guitarist Peter Lerner gave to the recording of this impressive assemblage, which indeed represents the continuum of the legacy of Chicago jazz. Featuring originals and beloved standards, the ensemble includes Lerner’s mentor Willie Pickens on piano; Marlene Rosenberg, bass; Tyrone Blair, drums; Geof Bradfield, saxophone and Marquis Hill, trumpet.
May 8 - Independence Park 3945 N Springfield Ave.
Petra's Recession Seven Specializing in Chicago-style trad and early swing music, vocalist Petra Van Nuis formed the band to brighten up those Great Recession years that began in 2008. With Chicago trad icons Kim Cusack on clarinet, Russ Phillips on trombone, Bob Rummage on drums and trumpeter Bob Ojeda, and guitarist Andy Brown and bassist Joe Policastro, this band incites plenty of foot stomping and some fancy dancing!
June 19 – Columbus Park Refectory - 5701 W. Jackson Blvd.
Don’t worry be haRpy French harpist Isabelle Olivier is one of the very few jazz artists who have chosen the harp to express their art. Pushing the classical stringed instrument beyond its normal scope Olivier has cultivated kindred spirits with drummer Paul Wertico and bassist Larry Gray. A perfect fit for the lushly landscaped Refectory in the park!
July 17-18 – Humboldt Park Boathouse 1301 N. Humboldt Blvd.
9th Chicago Latin Jazz Festival Expanded to two days, this community celebration brings Latin Jazz greats from around the country and right here at home to the beautiful Boathouse in Humboldt Park
October 16 Foster Park 1440 W. 84th St.
Robert Irving III Generations Hard to think of a better way to represent the way Chicago’s jazz community interconnects from one generation to the next. Leader and pianist Robert “Baabe” Irving III premieres new compositions written and arranged for this unrestrained ensemble featuring Scott Hesse, guitar; Laurence D’Estival Irving, Rajiv Halim and Irvin Pierce, saxophones; Emma Dayhuff, bass and Charles Heath drums.
November 13 – Austin Town Hall- 5610 W. Lake St.
Song for Horace Silver It’s hard to overestimate one of jazz’s most distinguished composers and pianists’ influence in the historic arc of the development of jazz. Miguel de la Cerna leads an homage that features vocalist Milton Suggs alongside Ari Brown on saxophones; Corey Wilkes on trumpet, Junius Paul on bass and Makaya McCraven on drums.
December 11 – Garfield Park Conservatory- 300 N. Central Park Ave.
Voices Heard!–In Celebration of the AACM’s 50th Anniversary The season culminates with a special commission of women whose important contributions to the AACM include outstanding leadership both organizationally and musically. Artists representing different generations of AACM’s musical influence include world renowned artists flutist Nicole Mitchell, vocalist Dee Alexander, cellist Tomeka Reid, violinist Rene Baker, pianist Ann Ward and percussionist Coco Elysses.
About JazzCity
JazzCity is a free concert series initiated in 1997 by the Jazz Institute in collaboration with the Chicago Park District, now in its 18th season of bringing people together from throughout the city to listen to Chicago’s top jazz musicians. JazzCity is sponsored by WDCB 90.9 FM and WHPK 88.5 FM Radio and supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.
About the Jazz Institute of Chicago
Founded in 1969, The Jazz Institute of Chicago has promoted and nurtured jazz in Chicago by providing jazz education, developing and supporting musicians, building audiences and fostering a thriving jazz scene. For more information on our programs, visit www.jazzinchicago.org.
