Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz
MADE IN CHICAGO: WORLD CLASS JAZZ
ACCLAIMED SERIES RETURNS TO MILLENNIUM PARK JULY 28—SEPT. 1, 2011
The celebrated Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz series returns to Millennium Park featuring Chicago’s leading jazz artists and concerts that explore jazz connections to Africa, Latin America and the rhythm and roots of the South Side of Chicago. The 2011 series includes tribute concerts and retrospectives, along with opening night of the 33rd Annual Chicago Jazz Festival. Presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, in partnership with the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture, and the Jazz Institute of Chicago.
Thursday, July 28 at 6:30 PM
Truth Be Told: Celebrating the Legacy of Von Freeman
Some say you can hear all of Chicago in Von Freeman’s playing—from skyscrapers to el trains to the deep waters of Lake Michigan. Freeman is a true jazz master who mentored a generation of equally inquisitive players, including Steve Coleman and an all star line-up of special guests who have been invited to arrange and perform Freeman’s original music under the artistic direction of drummer Michael Raynor and guitarist Michael Allemana.
Thursday, August 4 at 6:30 PM
Otis Clay: The Gospel of Jazz and Soul
In Otis Clay’s 50 years of singing he has crossed musical paths with musicians from Sam Cooke to Curtis Mayfield to Duke Ellington. Partnering with arranger/drummer Tom Tom Washington, Clay will be joined by tenor saxophone player Gene “Daddy G” Barge, trumpet player Burgess Gardner, baritone saxophone player Willie Henderson and vocalists Sue Conway and Willie Rogers (of the Soul Stirrers) to present a musical salute for Mahalia Jackson’s centennial and Sam Cooke’s 85th birthdays.
Thursday, August 11 at 6:30 PM
African Journeys featuring Ryan Cohan and Geof Bradfield
In 2008, pianist Ryan Cohan’s quartet was selected by the Rhythm Road program (co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and Jazz at Lincoln Center) to perform as cultural ambassadors in Africa. The experience profoundly affected all members of the band, and inspired Cohan and saxophonist Geof Bradfield to each compose music describing what they had experienced in their travels. Heard together for the first time on one stage, Cohan’s The River and Bradfield’s African Flowers share reflections on the universal joys and sadness of the human experience.
Thursday August 18 at 6:30 PM
Latin Inspiration: Howard Levy with Chevere, Trio Globo and Special Guests
Composer and virtuoso pianist (and harmonica player) Howard Levy’s imagination is inspired by many muses including the Blues, but closest to his heart is the amalgam of the rhythms of the Americas known as Latin Jazz. This evening includes the premiere of a new suite with his long-time comrades in Chévere, selections from Steering by the Stars, a new recording of his Trio Globo group, and feature several duets with the astounding guitarist Chris Siebold.
Thursday, August 25 at 6:30 PM
Kindred Spirits of the Horn: Corey Wilkes Celebrates Miles Davis and Roy Eldridge
Known for igniting the spark that became Bebop, Roy Eldridge and Miles Davis’ influences also loom large in the multi-directional work of trumpeter Corey Wilkes. Past meets future in a centennial tribute to the men who set the standard for the modern jazz trumpet. Wilkes will premiere a new work in collaboration with electronics artist and DJ Osunlade and his Chicago cohorts, Robert Irving III, De’Sean Jones, Fareed Haque, Junius Paul, Kahil El’Zabar and Makaya McCraven.
Thursday, September 1 at 6:30 PM OPENING NIGHT OF THE CHICAGO JAZZ FESTIVAL
Spiritual Source: Randy Weston and the Chicago Jazz Ensemble featuring the arrangements of Melba Liston
Randy Weston collaborated with trombonist/composer/arranger Melba Liston to create a new music that explores cultures, connectedness and music of the African Diaspora. For this special occasion, Weston will partner with the Center for Black Music Research and the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, both resident at Columbia College Chicago, to illuminate and perform works from his dynamic union with Melba Liston, and premier new compositions inspired by their music collaborations.
The 33rd Annual Chicago Jazz Festival will once again be free admission, produced by the City of Chicago and programmed with the Jazz Institute of Chicago. This year’s event will run from September 1-4 and will be held in three locations: the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Grant Park.
