WWW.JAZZINCHICAGO.ORGJUNE 2017

JAZZ PROMOTING AND NURTURING JAZZ IN CHICAGO

gram

JAZZCITY: GWENDOLYN BROOKS IN WORDS & MUSIC: CELEBRATING 100

JUNE 9 | 7PM

Columbus Park Refectory

5701 W. Jackson Blvd.

W I T H 1 0 0 T H B I R T H DAY T R I B U T E S T O D I Z Z Y Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald and Thelonious Monk, has there been a better year for jazz centennials? And with a tribute to Chicago treasure Gwendolyn Brooks on June 9 (she would turn 100 on June 7) at 7 p.m. at Columbus Park Refectory located at 5701 W. Jackson Blvd., the year gets even better.

Brooks, of course, was a poet - one of the greatest to come out of Chicago, Illinois and the USA. But her work drew inspiration from jazz’s edgy improvisations in works such as “We Real Cool,” with its much-discussed term, “Jazz June.” And her poems, in turn inspired many jazz musicians, including the extraordinary flutist and AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians) luminary Nicole Mitchell, who will lead her Black Earth Ensemble in a blissful collision of jazz and poetry.

Co-commissioned by the Jazz Institute of Chicago and the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts at the University of Chicago, Mitchell’s Gwendolyn Brooks:

New Art and Anthem is a suite of new music performed by her Black Earth Ensemble featuring selected poems by Gwendolyn Brooks, read by Chicago poets. The poems, curated by Quraysh Ali Lansana, artistic director of OMB (Our Miss Brooks 100), illuminate Brooks’ as a major thinker of Chicago’s Black Arts movement.

The Black Earth Ensemble, founded in 1998, mixes swing, blues, avant-garde jazz, bebop, African rhythms, Eastern modes and Western classical sounds to “paint visions of a positive future.” The ensemble for the June 9 installment of JazzCity (which is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary) includes Nicole Mitchell (flutes, composition), Miguel de la Cerna (piano), Alex Wing (bass) and Avreeayl Ra (drumset) and features poets CM Burroughs, Kristiana Rae Colon, Roger Reeves and avery r. young.

If Brooks had an overriding mission as an artist it was, in her words, “to find the extraordinary in the ordinary.” Said Lansana, a Brooks protégé and leading authority on her writings, “I believe her powers of observation, her ability to distill black life, in all its various hues, is what makes her work timeless and special.”

But, he added, “She’s woefully understudied. A big important part of all of this for me is to reintroduce her.”

Brooks was a profound voice for poor and working-class African Americans during the civil rights movement and beyond. During these trying times, the positive, socially minded reflections of great poets like Gwendolyn Brooks, and those carrying on her legacy, like Quraysh Ali Lansana, couldn’t be more welcome. n

JazzCity is a free concert series initiated in 1997 by the Jazz Institute of Chicago in collaboration with the Chicago Park District now in its 20th season of bringing people together from across 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 in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information visit jazzinchicago.org or call 312.427.1676.

A CENTENNIAL SALUTE TO CHICAGO’S BELOVED, PULITZER-WINNING POET

JUNE 2017 2J A Z Z I N C H I C A G O

KENTHANEY REDMOND’S JOURNEY TO CONNECTION SEEKS NO STOPS FOR THE WEAK S E E I N G L I G H T N I N G G E N E R A T E D B Y H A N D S holding a flute fueled the preteen musician’s mind. This cover image, which comes from Storm Then the Calm, Hubert Laws’ 1994 album, along with its content, left its listener determined to create such artistry through his flute.

“There are so many amazing songs on that recording,” said Kenthaney Redmond, during a recent discussion with the JazzGram. “That recording has been my biggest influence in terms of soloing and proficiency.”

Redmond leads the Infrared Quintet, which, minus its trumpeter, played Big Sounds at the Tiny Tavern series, programmed by the Jazz Institute of Chicago, in February and March. The ensemble includes trumpeter Connor Bernhard, guitarist Cesar Martinez, bassist Nicholas Davis, and drummer Josh Ross. The quintet’s songbook currently contains Redmond’s compositions, along with an adventurous vehicle by Bernhard entitled “Dr. Frank.”

When closing out their most recent performance in the Big Sounds series, the quartet stretched out on Kanye West’s “No Church for the Wild.” Redmond credited Martinez for suggesting that this song be played to surprise and inspire the audience.

“The crowd went wild! They were like, ‘Yeah, we know this tune!’” Redmond recalled. “This proved to me that people want something they can connect to, something that they know. You can’t always hit them with...jazz. They still want hip hop and pop.”

The tune itself, sans scats, begins: “Human beings in a mob/What’s a mob to a king?/What’s a king to a god?/What’s a god to a non-believer?/Who don’t believe in anything?”

“It’s a simple tune that has about four chord changes in it,” Martinez said. “It’s fun to play. Sometimes playing all standards can get a little tiring.”

Redmond is currently composing more original material for the quintet. These new songs will be featured on September 3, when the Infrared Quintet plays the Young Lions stage at the Chicago Jazz Festival. Two original tunes currently in the songbook that Redmond discussed were “LTWP/Library Time with Priscilla,” and “…” which is still awaiting an official title. The first song came from a suggestion by Priscilla, Redmond’s friend, to write a song in 4/4 (common) time, something he usually avoids. While he did compose it in common time, the

song’s structure still has uncommon elements.“This tune has fifteen bars, but I still feel that

it is standard-ish,” he said. “It’s swing heavy, and the chords are cool. It flows naturally, but it doesn’t feel as if it does.”

“…” begins in 7/8 time, Redmond continued, but it does not stay there.

“It’s very smooth and has long tones that swell,” he explained. “Then, once it hits the (big change in the) 5/8 section, that’s when it gets sporadic. The music builds, and the drums go crazy.”

“Dr. Frank,” Bernhard’s tune, came from a day-dreaming jam session held in the author’s mind while the song’s namesake lectured during a college English class. “Dr. Frank” begins with flute and trumpet playing different lines simultaneously. Then they arrive at the melody. The real excitement happens when the floor drops from the foundation.

“Then the chord changes we were playing before don’t matter, and the soloist can go anywhere he wants,” Redmond said. “It’s a difficult tune, because it requires communication from everyone. We have to constantly bounce ideas off each other to make the music sound authentic.”

Bernhard’s presence, Redmond added, is a welcome challenge that keeps him on the highest alert.

“Connor is the one with the most experience. He plays better than anybody in the group in terms of proficiency and solo ideas,” Redmond said. “Anytime a question comes up, or we’re trying to build an arrangement, he’s the big-idea guy. If you consider me the leader, he’s the hidden leader,”

When discussing the future path his music may embrace, Redmond stated how he wants to erase the distance between jazz and the general public. Musicians like Herbie Hancock and Robert Glasper have made a connection between the two by employing hip hop and vocalists into their art. Establishing his own connection is on his mind as well.

“Jazz is definitely a good stepping stone, but you still have to delve into those other art forms, or you’re not going to be successful,” he said. “I can’t guarantee that I’m going to stay a jazz purist. I’m going to integrate other styles into my playing. It’s inevitable.” n

B Y COREY HALL

JUNE 2017 3J A Z Z I N C H I C A G O

A monthly newsletter published by the Jazz Institute of Chicago for its members. The Jazzgram represents the views of the authors and the editorial staff, and, unless so designated, does not reflect official policy of the Jazz Institute. We welcome news and articles with differing opinions.

Editor: Jason Koransky | Managing Editor: JIC CommunicationsDesign: Letterform | Production: Barbara Ciurej DesignCorrespondents: Rahsaan Clark Morris, Corey Hall

Board of Directors:President: David HelversonVice Presidents: Timuel Black, Warren Chapman, Roxana Espoz, Brian MyerholtzSecretary: Jim DeJongTreasurer: Darryl WilsonPast President: Rik GeiersbachBoard Members: David Bloomberg, Thomas Burrell, Miguel de la Cerna, Dan Epstein, Joe Glossberg, Rajiv Halim, Jarrard Harris, Bill King, Jason Koransky, Howard Mandel, Terry Martin, William Norris, Ted Oppenheimer, Bethany Pickens, Keyonn Pope, Mike Reed, Kent Richmond, Harold Rogers, Judith E. Stein, Conrad Terry, Neil Tesser

Founded in 1969, the Jazz Institute of Chicago, a not-for-profit corporation, promotes and nurtures jazz in Chicago by providing jazz education, developing and supporting musicians, building Chicago audiences and fostering a thriving jazz scene.410 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 500, Chicago IL 60605312-427-1676 • Fax: 312-427-1684 • JazzInChicago.org

The Jazz Institute of Chicago is supported by the Alphawood Foundation, The Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, a CityArts grant from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, The Benjamin Rosenthal Foundation, The Polk Bros. Foundation, The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, The Oppenheimer Family Foundation, The MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince, Crown Family Philanthropies, The Chicago Community Trust, The Arts Work Fund, The Francis Beidler Foundation, The Helen Doria Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies and The Boeing Company.

J A Z Z G R A M Newsletter for the Jazz Institute of Chicago

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION PARTYOn May 7, 2017, JIC celebrated the work of our 2016 volunteers! We gathered at the M Lounge for appetizers, drinks, and good company. This party featured a wonderful performance by three of our Jazz Links Alumni: Derek Duleba (guitar), John Foster-Brooks (tenor sax), and Morgan Pirtle (vocalist). The Jazz Institute greatly appreciates the constant hard work and dedication that our volunteers give to our organization. If you are interested in future volunteer opportunities, please email volunteer@jazzinchicago.org. n

MEMBERS-ONLY JAZZCHAT ABOUT “CARMEN SINGS MONK” ALBUMJUNE 14 | 7PM

Fulton Street Collective

1821 W. Hubbard, 3rd Floor

In partnership with the Jazz Record Art Collective, the Jazz Institute of Chicago will host a Members-Only JazzChat at the Fulton Street Collective on June 14 at 7pm. Join us for a chat and live tribute performance (9:00pm) of Carmen Sings Monk album with musicians Alyssa Allgood, Dan Chase and Joe Policastro complete light refreshments!

There is a $5 non-refundable donation requested to access the JazzChat and the concert. Contact Adriana at adriana@jazzinchicago.org or 312-427-1676 x1 to register.

JUNE 2017 4J A Z Z I N C H I C A G O

JIC EVENTS & AROUND TOWNJune 5: Noteworthy Jazz Ensemble Annual Concert, 7pm. The Jazz Showcase | 806 S. Plymouth Court | $10June 8: Chicago Latin Jazz Festival @ Latinicity (see insert)June 9: NextGenJazz Emerging Artists Project: Anastasiya Kadukov, Alejandro Salazar & Teddy Schupack, 6:30pm. Fine Arts Building, William Harris Lee & Co, Suite 560 | 410 S. Michigan Ave. (see page 7)June 9: JazzCity: Gwendolyn Brooks In Words & Music: Celebrating 100, 7pm. Columbus Park Refectory, 5701 W. Jackson Blvd. (see page 1) June 14: Members-Only JazzChat featuring Alyssa Allgood’s reinterpretation of Carmen Sings Monk by Carmen McRae, 7pm. Fulton Street Collective, 1821 W Hubbard St., ste. 307, $5, 312-427-1676 x.1 or email adriana@jazzinchicago.org to register. (see page 2)

CLUBS*210 RESTAURANT & LIVE MUSIC LOUNGE .... 210 Green Bay Rd, Highwood, IL/847-433-0304/210restaurant.com

The JazzLive@210 series is every Thursday 7-10pm. We also offer jazz or acoustic music Wednesdays 7-10pm. No coverJune 4 (6pm): Keri Johnsrud Quartet - Live@210June 7 (7:30pm): Highland Park Pops Big BandJune 11 (6pm): Soul MessageJune 14 (7pm): Judy RobertsJune 18 (6pm): Father’s Day BBQ Bluegrass & Pig Roast with the Windy City Bluegrass BandJune 22 (7pm): ALMA AfrobeatJune 25 (6pm): Judy Night QuartetJune 28 (7pm): Judy Roberts

ANDY’S..........................................................11 E. Hubbard/312-642-6805 First Show @ 5pm & 7pm. Second Show @ 9:30pm & 11:30pm

Sundays: Charles Heath’s Early Risers Jazz Jam, Pharez Whitted’s Late Night Jam

Mondays: 5pm, vocalist Joan Collaso*; 9:30pm, Trumpet SummitTuesdays: vocalist Typhanie Monique, East Hubbard Jazz

OrchestraWednesdays: Andy Brown Quartet*, Mike Smith Quartet. Thursdays: George Fludas Presents! Eric Schneider – Pat Mallinger

Quartet Fridays & Sundays:June 2 & 3: Bassist Ivan Taylor/ Mike Smith Quintet feat. Tom

Garling June 9 & 10: Drummer Greg Atry/ Vocalist Jon ReganJune 16 & 17: Drummer Samuel Jewel/ Fareed Haque & The Funk

BrothersJune 23 & 24: Dana Hall’s SPRING/ Trumpeter Brian LynchJune 30: Pianist Rob Clearfiled/ Lowdown Brass Band w/MC Billa

CampBACKROOM ...............................................937 N. Rush St./312-751-2433

Music 7 nights a weekBAR DEVILLE ............................................. 701 N. Damen/312-929-2349/

Tuesdays: 9:30pm, Jazz SeriesBENNY’S CHOP HOUSE ..................... 444 N. Wabash/312-626-2444/ www.bennyschophouse.comBUDDY GUY’S LEGENDS CHICAGO ............... 700 S. Wabash Ave./ 312-427-1190/www.buddyguy.com Sundays: 5pm-8pmCALIFORNIA CLIPPER ............... 1002 N California Ave., Live music Tuesdays-Sundays: 8pm-1:30am CHARLES HEATH PRESENTS JAZZ’N ON THE SOUTHSIDE .....www.charlesheathpresents.com. 8020 S. King Drive, great live jazz the last Wednesday of the month, Doors: 6pm/Show: 7pm, $10 per personCITY LIFE ...........................................................712 E. 83rd/312-723-6700

Sundays: 8:30pm-12:30amCITY WINERY .................................1200 W. Randolph St/312-733-WINE www.citywinery.comCLOSE UP 2 .....................................................416 S. Clark/312-385-1111

Nightly: Contemporary (Smooth) JazzCONSTELLATION .................. 3111 N. Western/www.constellation.org

Show times and cover charges vary. Most shows 18 and over.June 1 (8:30pm): Alexis Lombre June 2 (8:30pm): Hugh RaginJune 6 (8:30pm): Record Release Show for “Triangulum”: Meridian

Trio/ Makaya McCraven SoloJune 16 (8:30pm): Record Release Show for “Into a Myth”: Hanging

Hearts/ Sun SpeakJune 17 (8:30pm): Linda May Han OhJune 21 (8:30pm): Yonatan GatJune 22 (8:30pm): Daniel Levin, Tim Daisy & Josh BermanJune 23 (8:30pm): Record Release Show!: Charles Rumback with

Jim Baker & John TateJune 30 (8:30pm): Jacob Garchik’s Ye Olde

DRAKE HOTEL CHICAGO ...............................................140 E. Walton Coq d’Or at the Drake Hotel/312-932-4622

Saturdays and Sundays: Jazz Vocalists, call for details.ELASTIC ARTS ..................................2830 N. Milwaukee/elasticarts.orgEVERYPEOPLE WORKSHOP ....................................................For location, visit everypeopleworkshop.org, 8pmFITZ’S SPARE KEYS .............119 N. York St., Elmhurst /630-379-5007

4th Tuesday of every month: Jazz Community Big Band, 7-10:30pm. Reservations taken and suggested.

FITZGERALD’S ........................... 6615 Roosevelt, Berwyn/708-788-2118Wednesday SideBar Sessions sponsored by WDCB 90.9 Chicago’s Jazz Station, 8pm, $10 suggested donationJune 4 (6pm): Chicago Grandstand Big BandJune 7 (8pm): SideBar Sessions with Jeannie Lambert & Judy

RobertsJune 10 (8pm): BLUES FEST SPECIAL: Nikki Hill, Nick Moss Band,

The JimmysJune 11 (6pm): Bill O’Connell’s Chicago SkylinersJune 14 (8pm): SideBar Sessions with Peter Lerner/Joe Rendon

Latin Jazz CoalitionJune 18 (7pm): Jazz Community Big Band with Ava LoganJune 21 (8pm): SideBar Sessions with Mike Benning TrioJune 28 (8pm): SideBar Sessions with Jarod Bufe Quartet

GOOD LIFE CAFÉ .......... 2057 Ridge Road, Homewood/708-960-0418 Every Thursday at 7pmGREEN MILL ........................................4802 N. Broadway/773-878-5552

Sundays: 7-10pm, Uptown Poetry Slam, 11pm, Soul Jazz Night with the Joel Paterson Trio featuring Chris Foreman on the Hammond B-3 Organ

Mondays: June 5 & 12 (9pm-1am): Patricia Barber Quartet June 19 (9pm-midnight): Chicago Jazz Orchestra-2 sets

Tuesdays: 9pm-1am, The Fat BabiesWednesdays*: 9pm-1am, Alfonso Ponticelli and Swing Gitan/ 2am,

Late Night Industry Set with Frank Catalano SextetThursdays: 5:30pm-8pm, Andy Brown Solo Jazz Guitar Cocktail

Hour Show/ 9pm-1am, Alan Gresik Swing Shift OrchestraFridays: 5pm-8pm, “Flipside Show” with Chris Foreman on

Hammond B-3 Organ/ 1am-4am), After Hours Green Mill Quartet Jazz Jam Session

Saturdays: 3pm-5pm, The Paper Machete/ (midnight-5am) After Hours Jazz Party with Sabertooth Organ Quartet

June 2 (9pm-1am) & 3 (8pm-midnight): Ben Allison QuartetJune 9 (9pm-1am) & 10 (8pm-midnight): Oscar Wilson with the Joel

Patterson GroupJune 16 (9pm-1am) & 17 (8pm-midnight): Rob Clearfield QuartetJune 23 (9pm-1am) & 24 (8pm-midnight): Mike Jones TrioJune 30 (9pm-1am): Clark Sommers Record Release Party featuring

Jeff ParkerHIDEOUT .............................................. 1354 W. Wabansia/773-227-4433

Two sets, 9:30pm (unless otherwise noted)HONKY TONK BBQ................................. 1800 S. Racine/312-226-7427

Wednesday & Sunday Jazz (check website for schedule)HUNGRY BRAIN .........10pm, 2319 W Belmont Ave/773-935-2118, $10HYDE PARK JAZZ SOCIETY SUNDAY JAZZ AT ROOM 43 ........ 1043 E. 43rd, hydeparkjazzsociety.com, Sundays, 7:30-11:30pm, $10 cash

June 4: Orbert Davis, trumpet–preceded by conversation with Ron O.J. Parson

June 11: Eric Schneider, saxes/clarinetJune 14 (7pm): Benefit for Diane Ellis at the Logan Center for the Arts with over 30 Chicago musicians. Tickets ($250, $100) at the Logan Center online box office: http://ticketsweb.uchicago.edu (go

* PLEASE NOTE: Not all clubs have their schedules set by our deadlines or present jazz exclusively. Call ahead or check their websites.

JUNE 2017 5J A Z Z I N C H I C A G O

MUSIC INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO ........................Nicholas Concert Hall 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston/ 800-838-3006 / musicinst.org/jazz-festivalMYOPIC BOOKS ...............................1564 N. Milwaukee/773-862-4882

Mondays: 7:30pm, Improvised Jazz SeriesNIRVANA WINE & GRILLERIE ............... 701 N. Milwaukee, Ste. 280, Vernon Hills/847-918-7828, Fridays: 7pm, Matt Persin AcousticNORMAN’S BISTRO ...................................1001 E. 43rd/773-966-5821

Sundays: 9pm-midnight, Open Jam Sessions featuring Ernest Dawkins with Dennis Luxion, Michael Lough, and Isaiah Spencer

OLD TOWN ALE HOUSE ..........................219 W. North/312-944-7020PETE MILLER’S ..................1557 Sherman, Evanston/847-328-0399 and 412 N. Milwaukee, Wheeling/847-243-3700 Mon.-Sat. evenings: Live jazzPIANO FORTE ................................ 1335 S. Michigan Ave/312-291-0000PHYLLIS’ MUSICAL INN .....................1800 W. Division/773-486-9862POPS FOR CHAMPAGNE ......................... 601 N. State/ 312-266-7677

Sunday-Tuesday: 9pm, Joe Policastro TrioTHE PROMONTORY ........................ 5311 South Lake Park Ave. West Chicago (Hyde Park) promontorychicago.com THE RHYTHM ROOM ..............................1715 Maple Ave. Evanston, IL

Friday and Saturday: 7pm-11pm, live jazzRODAN ................................................. 1530 N. Milwaukee/773-276-7036

Tuesday Evenings: Jeff Parker, Josh Abrams, John Herndon, & Selina Trepp–weekly Experimental Live Jazz Set

SALT CREEK WINE BAR ......8900 Fairview, Brookfield/708-387-2432 Every fourth Tuesday: 8-11pmSABOR A CAFE ...................... 2435 W Peterson Ave./ 773-878-6327 saboracaferestaurant.com. Live music Thurs to Fri: 9 & 10:30pm setsSERBIAN VILLAGE ....................................................3144 W. Irving Park

Mondays: 9pm-1am, Pro Jazz Jam, Tom Muellner, piano, Jim Cox, bass, and Phil Gratteau, jam session

SKYLARK .........................................2149 S. Halsted/312-948-5275/10pm Monday Night: Improvised Music Series

STUDIO 914 .....................................................................914 N. CaliforniaSundays: 8/9:30pm Open Jam Jazz jam session, featuring Scott Hesse,

John Goldman, Kendall Moore, Sam Jewell, Andrew VogtTIMELINE THEATRE presents the Midwest premiere of Paradise Blue by Dominique Morisseau .....615 W. Wellington Ave.

May 4 – July 23: Tickets and information: timelinetheatre.com or (773) 281-8463 x6. A jazz-infused drama about a gifted but troubled trumpeter in Detroit’s Black Bottom neighborhood. Directed by Ron OJ Parson. Featuring original music by Orbert Davis, conductor and artistic director, Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, recorded by Davis and members of Chicago Jazz Philharmonic. Recording features Rajiv Halim.

TUMBAO ....................................... 3213 West Armitage, Thursdays/9pm Thursdays: Music at 9pm, Live Latin Jazz, dinner and performances by

some of Chicago’s best Jazz/Latin Jazz EnsemblesUNDERGROUND WONDER BAR ........... 810 N. Clark/312-266-7761

Nightly, Live MusicWATER HOLE ........................................................... 14th & Western Ave.

Wednesdays: 8-11:30pm, Weekly jam sessions on Thursdays – Velvet Sounds Series: A Tribute to Fred Anderson, house band: Scott Hesse, guitar, Michael Lough, bass, Justin Thomas, vibes. Every last Friday of the month is Jazz Night

WHISTLER ................. 2421 N. Milwaukee, Logan Square/773-227-3530Tuesdays: 10pm, Relax Attack Jazz Series

WINTER’S JAZZ CLUB ....465 N. McClurg Court (on the promenade)312.344.1270, www.wintersjazzclub.com, info@wintersjazzclub.com

Tues. - Thurs. 7, 8:30, 10:00pm, Friday and Saturday 8, 9:30, 11:00pmJune 1: Elaine Dame | June 2: Russ Phillips Quartet feat. Andy Brown | June 3: Alfonso Ponticelli | June 4: Andy Brown trio | June 6: Girls Like us vocal trio | June 7: White Bartolotta trio | June 8: Spider Saloff | |June 9: Jeremy Kahn quartet | June 10: Dee Alexander quartetJune 11: George Fludas trio | June 13: Rose Colella trio | June 14: Guy King trio | June 15: Hinda Hoffman trio | June 16: Ryan Cohan quartetJune 17: Fumee Gypsy project | June 18: Andy Brown trio | June 20: Paul Marinaro trio | June 21: Kimberly Gordon trio | June 22: Le Percolateur Gypsy Jazz | June 23: Alyssa Allgood | June 24: Abigail Riccards quartet | June 25: George Fludas trio | June 27: Rose Colella trio | June 28: Guy King | June 29: Geordie Kelly quartet | June 30: Jeremy Kahn quartet

YASSA AFRICAN RESTAURANT .....3511 S. King Drive/773-488-5599

to calendar and choose June 14) or call 773.702.2787. All proceeds go to support Diane “L’il Sax” Ellis’s medical needs expenses.June 18: Pat Mallinger, saxes | June 25: Kirk Brown, piano

HYDE PARK JAZZ SOCIETY & LOGAN CENTER PRESENT3rd Tuesdays at Café Logan, 915 E. 60th St., 7:30 & 9pm. June 20: Ernie Adams, drums

HYDE PARK SHOPPING CENTER COURTYARD JAZZ ............... 55th Lake Park. First Friday of the month, 12 - 2pm

June 2: Isaiah Collier and the Chosen Few ILLIANA CLUB OF TRADITIONAL JAZZ ........ The Glendora House, 102nd and Harlem, Chicago Ridge/708-672-3561, 2-5:00 pm * $18.00 in advance; * $20.00 at door. Students with ID –

free admission *Prices will vary. www.illianajazz.comJune 25: Roy Rubinstein’s Chicago Hot Five

JAZZ COMMUNITY BIG BAND ...www.jazzcommunitybigband.comA swinging 18-piece big band, led by Marianne May Sunday, June 18 (6:00 - 9:30 pm) at FitzGerald’s Nightclub, Father’s Day Special Event with vocalist Ava LoganTuesday, June 27 (7:30 - 10:30 pm) at Fitz’s Spare Keys, 119 N. York St., Elmhurst – free parking lot, No cover, Reservations 630-379-5007

JAZZY MONDAYS AT THE CENTER, A JCI/ICD PRODUCTION 700 E. Oakwood Blvd, Chicago/Reservations: 312-808-0005

Hosted by Joan Collaso & WVON’s Cliff Kelley, every 2nd Monday of the month! 6:30-9:30 pm. Doors open 6pm.

JAZZ RECORD ART COLLECTIVE .1821 W. Hubbard/773-852-2481www.jazzrecordartcollective.com. Wednesdays at Fulton Street Collective. All shows: 8pm Doors/9pm Show. $10 Suggested Donation/$5 with Valid Student ID. All ages. May 17: 9pm, The Scott Hesse Trio will be performing Jim Hall’s 1975 release Jim Hall Live!

JAZZ SHOWCASE ...........................806 S. Plymouth Ct./312-360-0234 Visit www.jazzshowcase.com for weekday JIC member discounts! JIC member card required. Two sets: 8 & 10pm & Sun.matinee at 4pm.Two sets at 8pm & 10pm & Sunday matinee at 4pm.June 1 - 4 (4pm*, 8pm, & 10pm): Saxophonist Chris Potter QuartetJune 8 - 11 (4pm*, 8pm, & 10pm): Vocalist/Pianist Judy Roberts

Quartet with Saxophonist Greg FishmanJune 15 - 18 (4pm*, 8pm, & 10pm): Flutist and Soprano Saxophonist

Jane Bunnett & MaquequeJune 22 (8pm & 10pm): The Bucky Pizzarelli Quartet – Featuring

Ed Laub-Guitar/Vocals, Martin Pizzarelli- Bass, Gene Bertoncini- Guitar

June 23 - 25 ( 4pm*, 8pm, & 10pm): Trumpeter Marquis Hill Blacktet: Christopher McBride, alto saxophone; Justin Thomas, vibes; Joshua Ramos, bass; Makaya McCraven, drums.

June 29 & 30 (8pm & 10pm): Pianist Chuchito Valdes trioJERRY’S SANDWICHES MUSIC ROOM 1938 W. Division / 773-235-1006 / jerryssandwiches.com/Monday-Wed.: 8:30-11:30pm, All ages. JIMMY’S WOODLAWN TAP .....................1172 E. 55th/773-643-5516

Sundays: 9pm, Curtis Black Quartet/Jam Session Second SetTHE LIGHTHOUSE ....................................1236 W. Chase/773-764-9414

Every other Thursday (free) featuring Jimmy BenningtonLILLY’S ........................................................ 2513 N. Lincoln/773-525-2422

Wednesdays: 9pm, Jazz Jam Session featuring the Corbin Andrick, Quintet with Marquis Hill, Dan Bruce, Katie Ernst, David Agee

LOGAN SQUARE STUDIO ............ 2341 N. Milwaukee /847-962-5999Wednesdays: 8:30-11:30pm., Grilly Brothers. Shows every Thurs 9-11:30pm

M LOUNGE ...............................................1520 S. Wabash/312-447-0201Tuesday/Wednesday: 7pm, Jazz

MAYNE STAGE ............................................. 1328 W. Morse/866-468-3401 www.maynestage.com, 9pmMISKA’S .................................................. 2156 W. Belmont/773-935-5373

Sundays: 5:30pm-7pm. Improvisation jam session hosted by Josh Beatty/Michael Baker/Henry Mayer

MULLEN’S BAR AND GRILL .......3080 Warrenville Rd., Lisle/630-505-0240Thursdays: 8pm, Pete Ellman’s Big Band

MULLIGANS ............................................. 5155 N. Lincoln/773-728-2354Wednesday’s featuring Shelly Yoelin Jazz Workshop, 7pm-10pm (free)

MULTI KULTI .......................................1000 N. Milwaukee, 4th Floor, 10pm,Tuesdays: Jazz with Vincent DavisSundays: Improvisation jam session hosted by Henry MayerMusic Monday: Inner City Studies, 700 E. Oakwood Blvd, 773-752-3955Second Monday of the month: 7pm-10pm (doors open at 6:30pm). Hosted by Joan Collaso and WVON Radio personality Cliff Kelley

JUNE 2017 6J A Z Z I N C H I C A G O

PARADISE BLUE IS HEREWHAT HAPPENS WHEN ONE OF THE BEST AFRICAN American theatrical directors gets together with one of the premiere trumpet players, composers and orchestra directors around? The answer will come when the collaboration between Ron O.J.Parson and trumpeter Orbert Davis opens May 4 at Timeline Theater, 615 W. Wellington, on the city’s Northside. The play, entitled Paradise Blue, is the most recent work by playwright Dominique Morisseau. Morisseau wrote last year’s hit Sunset Baby – also presented at Timeline – about a couple living and hustling in an apartment which could have been located in any urban Black community in this country, but was set in New York City, while the woman’s father also works to rebuild a strained relationship caused by many years of parental neglect. Paradise Blue addresses the ever-present struggle between culture and reality in the Black Bottom neighborhood of Detroit, circa 1949, where a jazz club fights to remain open in the face of urban renewal in the form of an expressway that needs to come through. Despite the overarching theme, like so many of the plays by Morisseau, her characters and their inner struggles remain in the forefront.

Portraying these characters to the stage are some of the most accomplished actors around, among them Tyla Abercrumbie; part of Ron O.J.’s hit written by Eugene Lee, East Texas Hot Links, presented at Writer’s Theater earlier this season. Ronald L. Conner who played in Court Theater’s 2014 production of August Wilson’s 7 Guitars, (also directed by Parson.) also makes an appearance. Portraying the lead is Al’Jaleel McGhee who appeared in Court’s recent revival of Pearl Cleage’s Blues for an Alabama Sky, another Parson project. Among McGhee’s various talents is his ability to play the trumpet, a talent which will be on display as the lead character, a trumpeter and owner of the Paradise Club.

With music written and arranged by Orbert Davis, this project promises to encompass the many talents of all involved. Along with composing music for the introduction, the transitions in the action, and during the intermission, Davis and his group recorded a CD of the music from Paradise Blue, making this one of the very few Black-produced plays with original music that stands

alone as a work of art. (The only other one that comes to mind is music from Regina Taylor’s 2012 Gospel musical Crowns.)

Parson makes the point, though, that this is not a musical. The music underlies and supports, with the style of the music completely dependent on the time and place of the play’s action. For instance, just as in August Wilson’s 7 Guitars, where Blues music was the undercurrent in the 1940’s in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, now another style of Black music – Jazz – is the prevalent voice of these urban folks. Jazz pianist Barry Harris, the Jones brothers – trumpeter Thad, drummer Elvin, and pianist Hank – along with pianist Alice McLeod, who later married and played alongside the great saxophonist John Coltrane, all came from the Motor City. (Barry Harris is a 2017 Special Guest Artist for Straight Ahead Jazz Camp in July, see the back cover for more information). So Morisseau is not only sharing the drama in the lives of her Detroit inhabitants; she’s also slyly giving us an education about another often overlooked cultural aspect of that city.

Not only is this production complex, when you factor in the other projects that Davis and Parson are responsible for, it becomes mind boggling. Orbert Davis heads the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, an organization he co-founded with Mark Ingram and has lead as Artistic Director since 2004. He also hosts the Real Deal on WDCB- FM 90.9 for three hours every Friday evening starting at 7:00PM. While composing the music for Morisseau’s play, he was simultaneously preparing for the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble’s performance of “The Monk and The First Lady,” a celebration of the centennial birthdays of pianist Thelonious Monk and singer Ella Fitzgerald which premiered this past April 29th at Governor’s State University as part of the ongoing Chicago Southland’s “Let Them Eat Jazz” Festival. This work also brings into focus Davis’ education initiatives, like his annual Jazz Academy, the new edition running this summer July 10 – July 27.

When I talked with Parson about directing Paradise

Blue, he was in production talks for a revival of August Wilson’s Fences which will open at the Kansas City

B Y RAHASSAN CLARK MORRIS

On Sunday June 4, in conjunction with Orbert Davis’ at Room 43 on 43rd and Greenwood, there will be a discussion about music from Paradise Blue. Ron O.J. Parson will be in conversation with Davis at 6PM. For more information visit www.hydeparkjazzsociety.com

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 7)

JUNE 2017 7J A Z Z E D U C AT I O N

STUDENT COUNCILThe final student council meeting for the semester will take place on Friday, June 2nd. The council will have a meet and greet with pianist Jason Moran before attending his performance at the Chicago Symphony Center.

KIEWIT-WANG MENTORSHIP AWARD AUDITIONS

Auditions for the 2017/18 Kiewit-Wang Mentorship Award are scheduled for June 17 at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts located at 915 E. 60th St. Auditions are invitation or nomination only and require participation in our Jazz Links Education programs including the Jazz Masters Residency Program, Student Council, Jazz Ambassadors and Jam Sessions. The award is given to high school students who show excellence in musicianship as jazz instrumentalists. For more information about the invitation or nomination process, email michael@jazzinchicago.org.

JUNE 9 | 5:30-8:15 PM

Fine Arts Building – William Harris Lee & Co

410 S Michigan Ave, Ste 560

Free!

The NextGenJazz: Emerging Artists Project kicked off on Friday, May 12 at the William Harris Lee & Co office. Bandleaders Jahari Stampley and Chris Sanchez played to an enthusiastic audience of about 60 people. Their ensembles featured the talents of other student council members Miles Hardemon, Carmani Edwards, and Andrew Cobb. The series continues on Friday, June 9 with bandleaders Teddy Schupack (5:30PM), Alejandro Salazar (6:30PM), and Anastasiya Kadukov (7:30PM)!

NEXTGENJAZZ: EMERGING ARTISTS PROJECT

EDUCATION PROGRAMS UPDATE

TEDDY SCHUPACK ALEJANDRO SALAZAR

ANASTASIYA KADUKOV

NEXTGENJAZZEMERGING ARTISTS PROJECT

Repertory Theater in Missouri. The play goes into rehearsal in September and will open in October. His busy schedule also includes directing the Obie Award-winning play by Black playwright Dael Orlandersmith, Beauty’s Daughter, starring Chicago actress Wandachristine and opening The American Blues Theater in July. Parson will also open Court Theater’s 2017 -18 season in the fall with Five Guys Named Moe which

IS a musical, based on R&B pioneer, saxophonist and bandleader Louis Jordan (more about that at another time).

So, what will happen when these two artists, Ron O.J. Parson and Orbert Davis, pool their talents on this production written by Dominique Morisseau? Based on past results of both men’s work, the answer is, most assuredly, an exciting and stimulating event. n

PARADISE BLUE IS HERE (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6)

JUNE 17

Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts

915 E. 60th St.

410 S. MICHIGAN AVE.SUITE 500CHICAGO, IL 60605WWW.JAZZINCHICAGO.ORG

DATED MATERIAL

JAZZ

STRAIG

HT

AHEA

D camp

JULY 1

7-21, 2

017

presented by

in collaboration with

35 CPDU’s available for Chicago Public School Teachers

Held at: Columbia College Music Center 1014 S. Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60605 The Jazz Institute of Chicago acknowledges the following for support of this camp: Dan Epstein;

Crown Family Philanthropies; Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency; The Oppenheimer

Family Foundation; The Polk Bros. Foundation; The Beidler Family Foundation; The Gaylord and

Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; The MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince

For educators, college students, musicians and jazz enthusiasts of all levels

With Special Guest Artists:

Monday: RUFUS REID

Tuesday: MONIKA HERZIG

Thursday: ARI BROWN

Friday: DAVE DOUGLAS

Wednesday: BARRY HARRIS

Radio sponsor: To register or for more information, visit JAZZINCHICAGO.ORG or call (312) 427-1676 x4 or x116.

Plan to immerse yourself in five days of innovative, hands-on sessions led by world renowned jazz musicians and clinicians who will educate, challenge and inspire you!

In addition to our 2017 Special Guest artists, explore jazz with Reginald Robinson, José Díaz, Donovan Mixon, Dr. Rosita Sands, Roxanne Stevenson, Willie Pickens, Geof Bradfield, Greg Ward, Victor Garcia, Pharez Whitted, Bobbi Wilsyn and others.

FINAL DAYS TO REGISTER!

JUNE 2017J A Z Z I N C H I C A G O

ABOUT NOTEWORTHY: A unique ensemble comprised of Chicago Public School music teachers, Noteworthy serves as a platform for jazz advocacy in public schools and allows music teachers to “practice what they teach.” The ensemble has been featured at the Illinois Music Educators Association conference and has performed for enthusiastic crowds at Millennium Park, South Shore Cultural Center, and Buddy Guy’s Legends.

Monday, June 5

7PM

$10 (all proceeds go directly to the musicians)

Jazz Showcase

806 S. Plymouth Court

PRACTICING WHAT THEY TEACH: NOTEWORTHY PERFORMS AT THE JAZZ SHOWCASE

T H E J A Z Z I N S T I T U T E O F C H I C A G O I N

partnership with the Jazz Showcase presents the “Noteworthy Jazz Ensemble” – an ensemble of Chicago Public School teachers and retirees that is quite possibly the only one of its kind in the country. Led by conductor Chip Gdalman, Noteworthy performs a wide variety of jazz styles and compositions by Duke Ellington, Thad Jones, Oliver Nelson, and Chick Corea, to name a few. Showtime 7:00pm. Admission is $10 with all proceeds going to the band. n

JAZZCITY: CHICAGO LATIN JAZZ FESTIVAL EXPANDED FOR 2017

JUNE 2017J A Z Z I N C H I C A G O

Featuring a variety of artists, the JazzCity: Chicago Latin Jazz Festival has been expanded to include five concerts at Latinicity located at 108 N. State St., in downtown Chicago. Similar to Latinicity’s cultural focus on regions within Latin America, performers will be on-site at the restaurant on Thursdays from 4 – 6 p.m. for two 45-minute sets each week in advance of the 11th annual JazzCity: Chicago Latin Jazz Festival held July 14 and 15 at Humboldt Park (1301 N. Humboldt Drive). The festival has also expanded to Chicago’s lakefront with an additional day on July 16 at Navy Pier. The first concert begins June 8 and is free and open to the public. JazzCity is a free concert series initiated by the Jazz Institute of Chicago in collaboration with the Chicago Park District and now celebrating its 20th anniversary season.

Additional details and a list of performers are included below.

Presenting Sponsor:

Enjoy live music at Latinicity, one of Chicago’s hottest places for latin cuisine. Located on the third floor of Block 37, this multi-sensory experience features 10 innovative kitchens, a tapas restaurant, coffee café, full bar, market and lounge. A truly unique dining experience, Latinicity brings the flavors of Latin America, Spain and Portugal to the heart of Chicago. All performances are free and open to the public and will be held at Latinitcity.

LATINICITY LIVE!THURSDAYS 4:30 PM–6:30 PMLatinicity |108 N. State St.

JUNE 8, 2017 Raices Profunda

JUNE 15, 2017Jose Valdes Ensemble

JUNE 22, 2017Samuel De Real Ensemble

JUNE 29, 2017Edwin Sanchez Project

JULY 6, 2017James Sanders’ Conjunto

2017 CHICAGO LATIN JAZZ FESTIVALDizzy Gillespie’s 1947 trip to Cuba is widely considered to have sparked the fusion of music now called Latin Jazz. The festival celebrates the 100th birthdays of Gillespie and Cuban conguero Mongo Santamaria with top Latin Jazz artists from Chicago and special guest Charlie Sepulveda and the Turn Around direct from Puerto Rico.

JULY 14–15, 2017Humboldt Park Boathouse |1301 North Sacramento

FRIDAY JULY 14, 2017 6:30 PM–7:15 PM Papacho Savon Ensemble (Cuba) Tribute to Mongo Santamaria

7:30 PM–8:15 PMChicago Latin Jazz CollaborativeTribute to Dizzy Gillespie

8:30 PM–10:00 PMCharlie Sepulveda & The Turn Around(Puerto Rico)

SATURDAY JULY 15, 2017AFTERNOON PROGRAM1:30 PM TBA

2:30 PM Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra Steel Drum Ensemble

3:30 PM Segundo Ruiz Belvis After School Jazz Band

EVENING PROGRAM5:30 PM–6:15 PM Claudia Perez-Brown Ensemble (Canada)

6:30 PM–7:15 PM Ruben Alvarez’s Raices Profudas Ensemble (Mexico)

7:30 PM–8:15 PM The Carlos Adames Group (Panama)

SUNDAY JULY 16Navy Pier | 600 E. Grand Ave.3:00 PM Chicago Latin Jazz CollaborativeTribute to Dizzy Gillespie4:30 PM Charlie Sepulveda & The Turn Around (Puerto Rico)