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gram PROMOTING AND NURTURING JAZZ IN SEPTEMBER 2020 WWW.JAZZINCHICAGO.ORG BIRD’S BROTHER GOES HOME JOE SEGAL, JIC CO-FOUNDER, 2015 NEA JAZZ MASTER, REMEMBERED BY MUSICIANS AND MUSIC LOVERS

BY COREY HALL

While our current reality resembles Orson Welles’ War of the Worlds on steroids, let us escape and celebrate Joe Segal -- April 24, 1926-August 10, 2020 -- who brought jazz to Chicago for more than seven decades. Imagine…

Scene: August 10, 2020. Place: Tadd’s Hot House. , firm, fit, and poison-free since March 12, 1955, is sheddin’ “Just Friends” when in walks Joe.

“Hey, man! It’s about time!” Bird exclaims, embracing his brother in bop. “What were you up to? Reading the list of upcoming cats?”

“I was busy saving the youth,” Joe replies, while readjusting his Cubs cap. “Keeping them safe from the ‘Yookey Dukes!’”

Both brothers laugh, embrace again, and then cast their sights down at this page, now a stage, where dudes and dudettes carrying voices, horns and guitars gather to take on this thought prompter: “What song sums up your experience with and/or appreciation of Joe Segal?” (The tunes designated with an asterisk are accompanied by a video available by clicking on the link or thumbnail).

Solitaire Anna Miles, vocalist: (*) “I did every gig at with . We always opened with “Exactly Like You," and if Joe was there, he would sing it with me from the audience, so I think he liked the tune…or at least the way Willie and I did it. He liked the tune, and it reminds me of him.” Joe Segal (1926-2020) Click here to watch video. photo by Laird Scott

Ahmed Benbayla, former assistant and confidant: (Ax: Grey Goose and Tonic with a squeeze of lime, please.) “ ‘Perhaps,’ by Bird, and ‘More Than You Know.’ (On August 10,) I lost a friend, mentor, and man who was like a father. He opened doors for me and introduced me to a world of Jazz luminaries who became friends and close associates. Like a father, he would advise, reprimand, console, and honor me with his guidance. I'm already missing him and will miss our reminiscing about people and a time gone, and all the laughs we shared. Oh…and the secrets! Know that I loved you, Joe. Your indirect son, Ahmed.”

Barry Winograd, baritone saxophonist: “A song my eight-piece band does is called ‘Old Man Jazz.’ It is a great classic. That was Joe.”

Larry Gray, bassist: “Joe Segal is vitally important to me and all of Chicago. He was a tireless advocate for jazz his entire life and brought the city so much music for so long, since 1947. Any song describing or celebrating

continued on page 2 JAZZ IN CHICAGO SEPTEMBER 2020 2 continued from page 1 Joe should have something in there about purity of thought, truth, fidelity, etc. And he was such a character. I can never say enough thanks to Joe for the many musical connections which came my way through working at his club, starting in 1976, with , Willie Pickens and Wilbur Campbell. What a wonderful ride it all was, but most important is what Joe did for the music, for its creators and the audience. So many of us heard our first jazz concerts at various incarnations of the club. We didn’t even know each other…but it was the music and the fact that Joe brought it to us. For many of us who have traveled the world and still share musical connections, the Jazz Showcase was always home and school. Joe created that center, an oasis, really, and that in itself is quite unique.

“Many tunes remind me of Joe. Despite the focus of his musical tastes, he was widely experienced, highly educated, and open in his likes. He could surprise you with his appreciation for music outside of bebop. In my mind, anything by Charlie Parker comes to mind, tunes like 'Salt Peanuts,' or 'Dewey Square,' or 'Quasimodo,' 'Old Folks,' and 'Confirmation.' ”

Adriana Prieto, vocalist: “ ‘Yardbird Suite’! We all know that Joe was a bebop fan and admirer of Charlie Parker’s work. I read that he passed listening to Bird. On August 11, we (the JIC staff) were at the Jazz Showcase filming some speeches for our gala. It was the first day of the Showcase without Joe. We asked Miguel delaCerna to play something on the piano for an improvised segment, and he played ‘Yardbird Suite.’ I imagined it was Joe’s ghost who whispered, “Play ‘Yardbird Suite,’ Miguel,” as it was the first song played at the Showcase after he left us.”

Bobby Broom, guitarist: (*) “It took me a minute, but then the great Joe Segal story that I have dawned on me. It’s one that greatly affected my life. He was responsible for my connecting with and the Jazz Guitar Band being formed. That said, the song that best sums up my experience with Joe is ‘Generation,’ the title song from our album for . It was recorded live at the Village Vanguard in 1987.” Click here to watch the video.

Daniel Gayden, drummer: “The song that I want to dedicate to Mr. Segal is ‘On the Sunny Side of the Street,’ from the album Sonny Side NEA Jazz Masters: Tribute to Joe Segal (2015). Click here to watch video. Up: , Sonny Stitt, . I saw a great picture of Mr. Segal and Dizzy at Wrigley Field for a Cubs game. Dizzy had his trumpet in hand; Mr. Segal had his Cubs hat on. Dizzy was an integral part of Chicago’s music in some form or fashion, especially when he came to the Showcase. ‘On the Sunny Side of the Street’ is as swinging as anything you’re ever going to find. That’s what represents him: something that is swinging, something that’s right in there. That recording will last forever, legacy-wise. And I’m very thankful to Mr. Segal for all his contributions.”

Marc Piane, bassist: “When I was initially presented with this question, my mind instantly started to think of the hippest classic bebop tune I could. In thinking about it, I realized that I didn’t really know Joe all that well. I have been in his club both as an audience member and performer countless times, but I’m not sure our conversations ever got past small talk. I then thought back to the first time I set foot in the Jazz Showcase. It was in the Blackstone Hotel at the time. It was the early ‘90s, and I was 16 or 17 years old. The great bassist Chuck Webb, who was a student of my father, was playing with . I have always been musically inclined, but that definitely stands out as a day when I first thought that being a professional musician would be cool. I know the meaning of the song is different, but ‘What a Difference a Day Makes’ keeps popping in my head. That day did make a difference, and I’ll forever remember Joe for providing so many young people an opportunity to hear great music.”

Maia, Multi-Dimensional Expressionist: (*) “Copeland’s ‘Fanfare for the Common Man.’ Joe’s intention resonates with this piece for me as did the late Mayor Harold Washington’s. This piece was played during memorial salutes for our beloved Mayor Washington in 1987. Joe symbolized Chicago pretty much the same way

continued on page 3

JAZZ IN CHICAGO SEPTEMBER 2020 3 continued from page 2

as Harold. Joe loved Chicago and jazz with full passion. Chicago loved him. Yes. This is the song.” Click here to watch the video

Paul Marinaro, vocalist: My first important booking at The Showcase was in 2013 for the release of my album Without a Song, a tribute to my dad. I had heard that Joe was not particularly fond of singers in general, and knowing his immense history in Chicago, I was a bit insecure about what he would think of me. During the set, he sat alongside the stage, listening and watching rather gruffly, and gave the impression that since he'd heard the best there was and had been, why should I bother. But he was listening. After the set, he came up to me, complimented the players, and as he walked away said, "Good singing." I was elated.

The next time I saw him, I was on break after another performance. We sat at the bar and had a wonderful conversation about music, vocalists, and Sinatra, and he recounted stories about some of the giants that he'd crossed paths with. I immediately noticed that he was not only gladly sharing his vast knowledge of this music, but was tailoring the conversation to what he thought I'd personally find value in. Among the many songs that he suggested I do was ‘Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out to Dry’ and ‘Corner Pocket (Until I Met You),’ neither of which I'd performed before.

“Because the musicians were iffy on the former, we settled on trying the latter for Joe. I decided that since it was a Basie/ staple, it just needed to swing like hell. From his spot in front of the stage and off to the side, I noticed him tapping along. When we finished, he caught my eye, gave me a thumbs up, flashed his quick, toothy grin, and walked away.”

Brad Goode, trumpeter: “Billie’s Bounce,” by Charlie Parker. (*) “I woke up today thinking about two amazing people I encountered in this lifetime: Joe Segal…and , who passed eight years ago today, (August 11). Both men knew and always honored Charlie Parker. Joe made every August ‘Charlie Parker Month’ at the Jazz Showcase, and he featured musicians associated with Bird, most notably my mentor, .

“Von and Charlie Parker squared-off in legendary sax battles. ( once told me that Bird was fascinated with Von's playing, as were all of us who came under his spell.) I wish I could have heard that! People who did hear it, like Wilbur Campbell and Billy Brad Goode plays "Billie's Bounce". Click here to watch video. Wallace, talked about it for the rest of their lives. Von closed each of his famous jam sessions with ‘Billie's Bounce.’ Now, I close each of my jam sessions with Von's F Blues, ‘Jug Ain't Gone.’

“There is a particular way of playing bebop that is endemic to Chicago. I was fortunate that Joe Segal and Von Freeman invited me to learn in that school. It shaped my musical personality. Not only does 'Billie's Bounce' represent Joe Segal’s impact on my life, it also speaks to his decades as a jazz presenter and all of the generations of jazz lovers that he helped to serve, satisfy and influence.”

Rose Colella, vocalist: “ ‘Thanks for the Memory...for candle lights and wine..." by Rainger/Robin: I spent the first 20 years of my career in Chicago, including some nights I’ll never forget performing at the Jazz Showcase, most recently this past Christmas Eve. I'd like to thank Joe Segal for everything he did for the city of Chicago and for Chicago jazz musicians, specifically. Some of my most favorite nights hanging out and listening to music were at his fine establishment. I also want to thank Joe for the opportunities he gave to young jazz musicians. He not only allowed for all ages to enjoy this music and to learn from it live, but he also allowed student jazz musicians to perform at this legendary club on select evenings. That is completely rare today and is truly the best way for a young jazz musician to learn this art form. For the countless memories over the past two decades of my life, I say thank you to both Joe and Wayne for carrying on this legacy we hold dear so beautifully.”

Marc Berner, flutist and saxophonist: "This lyric from the Fred Astaire song entitled Pick Yourself Up best reflects my experience with Joe." Click here to listen to the recording. n

JAZZ IN CHICAGO SEPTEMBER 2020 4 MILLENNIUM PARK AT HOME: CHICAGO JAZZ SEPTEMBER 3–6, 2020 JAZZ IN THE KEY OF CHICAGO: ONLINE PERFORMANCES AND ARCHIVAL DELIGHTS KEEP THE MUSIC AND THE – MOVING FORWARD!

Got a case of the blues because, thanks to the pandemic, there will be no Chicago Jazz Festival this year? With freshly recorded YouTube performances by some of the city's leading artists and rising "Next Gen" stars, and memorable sets by legends from the festival's archives, Labor Day weekend will be as bright and tuneful as ever.

Produced by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and programmed by the Jazz Institute of Chicago (JIC), the four-day virtual event will feature sets by a diverse collection of artists including Matt Ulery's Pollinator, the Trio, the Nick Mazzerella Trio, Twin Talk, 's People, Places and Things and the Marlene Rosenberg Trio.

The Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians' Great Black Music Ensemble, led by , will perform a tribute to Black Lives Matter. There also will be citywide jazz presentations featuring Dee Alexander, Mai Sugimoto, Josh Berman, Anjali Ray and Isaiah Collier and the Chosen Few.

The lineup will include daily showings of archival video performances from the Chicago Jazz Festival's illustrious past by beloved artists including Von Freeman, Clifford Jordan, , , Charlie Rouse, the Arkestra, Doc Cheatham and Tootie Heath – and more recent favorites including Myra Melford and Fred Hersch.

The daily proceedings will be hosted by DCASE Commissioner Mark Kelly, JIC Executive Director Heather Ireland Robinson and WDCB Public Radio jazz director Dan Bindert. As with this year's Straight Ahead Jazz Exchange (SAJX), the presenters face steep challenges in transitioning to a virtual event. But a combination of high spirits, dedication and the need for connection during these times has propelled everyone involved.

“During these Years of Chicago Music, DCASE and our partners are committed to showcasing and lifting up the incredible musicians, organizations, and venues that comprise our diverse and legendary music scene,” said Commissioner Kelly. “While celebrating Chicago’s rich music legacy, we will also welcome artists from across the globe virtually, because music has the power to unite us.”

"Though it pains us not to be able to present the Chicago Jazz Festival in all its glory in Millennium Park," said Robinson. "People from around the world as well as Chicago will be treated to a vibrant collection of music that will give a lift to our virtual attendees. We are all looking forward to the opportunity to share the Chicago sound with the world!"

Here's the complete lineup for Millennium Park at Home: Chicago Jazz:

THURSDAY, September 3, noon–1pm facebook.com/jazzinchicago

What is this Thing Called Jazz? Featuring , Sharel Cassity, Victor Garcia, Alexis Lombré, and Junius Paul.More information on page 8.

THURSDAY, September 3, 4–8pm youtube.com/ChicagoDCASE continued on page 5 NextGenJazz Series: Isabella Isherwood

JAZZ IN CHICAGO SEPTEMBER 2020 4

Citywide Jazz Presentations: Live the Spirit Residency presents the Young Masters directed by Ernest Dawkins; Anagram Series at Elastic Arts presents the Greg Artry Trio; Birdhouse presents Mai Sugimoto Trio at Park.

Jammin' Online: Nick Mazzarella Trio; Dave Rempis//; Tito Carrillo Quintet.

Chicago Jazz Festival Archives: Videos featuring Charlie Rouse, Clark Terry and Buddy DeFranco (1985); Von Freeman and Clifford Jordan (1988); Sun Ra Arkestra and Quintet (2014); Henry Butler, Steven Bernstein & the Hot 9, Fred Hersch Trio and Marquis Hill Blacktet (2015)

FRIDAY, September 4, 4–8pm youtube.com/ChicagoDCASE

NextGenJazz Series: The Swan Collective

Citywide Jazz Presentations: AACM Great Black Music Ensemble's Tribute to Black Lives Matter; South Side Jazz Coalition presents Denise Thimes Quartet; Tito Carrillo

Public Media Institute presents Preservation of Fire photo by John Boughton

Jammin' Online: Abigail Riccards; Bobby Broom Trio; Victor Garcia Band

Chicago Jazz Festival Archives: Orbert Davis Ensemble performing ’ "Sketches of Spain" (2011); Myra Melford (2014); Claudia Quintet with Theo Bleckman and ; Chico Freeman featuring George Freeman; Chicago Jazz Orchestra (2015); (2016); Jo Ann Daugherty Quartet (2017)

SATURDAY, September 5, 4–8pm youtube.com/ChicagoDCASE

NextGenJazz Series: Alejandro Salazar

Citywide Jazz Presentations: Kalapriya Foundation presents Anjali Ray; Museum of Contemporary Art's Tuesday on the Terrace presents Isaiah Collier and The Bobby Broom Chosen Few; Constellation presents Mike Reed's People, Places & Things photo by Magnus Contzen

Jammin' Online: Matt Ulery Pollinator; Marlene Rosenberg Trio; Reggie Thomas and Trio Nexus

Chicago Jazz Festival Archives: Doc Cheatham, Stu Katz, John Bany and Barrett Deems (1985); Tootie Heath Trio (2014); Jane Bunnett & Maqueque, Mark Turner Quartet, Muhal Richard Abrams' Experimental Band, & Inventions (2015)

SUNDAY, September 6, 4–8pm youtube.com/ChicagoDCASE

NextGenJazz Series: Aaron Kaufman-Levine

Citywide Jazz Presentations: Hungry Brain presents Josh Berman Quartet; 51st Street Business Association presents Bronzeville Jazz; Jazz Showcase presents Dee Marlene Rosenberg Alexander

Jammin' Online: Charles Rumback with Jim Baker and John Tate; Bethany Pickens Trio); Twin Talk.

Chicago Jazz Festival Archives: Charlie Rouse, Clark Terry, Buddy DeFranco (1985); Von Freeman and Clifford Jordan (1988); Sun Ra Arkestra, Ari Brown Quintet (2014); Henry Butler, Steven Bernstein & the Hot 9, Marquis Hill Blacktet, Fred Hersch Trio (2015) n

JAZZ IN CHICAGO SEPTEMBER 2020 6 JIC EVENTS September 3 (12PM): What is this thing called JAZZ? (as part of Millennium Park at Home: Chicago) facebook.com/jazzinstitute | Free | More details on page 8 September 3 - 6: Millennium Park at Home: Chicago Jazz youtube.com/ChicagoDCASE | Free | More details on pages 4 & 5 September 17 (7PM): Jazz Institute of Chicago's 2020 Virtual Gala jazzinchicago.org/2020Gala | General audience: Free; VIP tickets: $100

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

ANDY'S Shows Are Live-Streamed via Facebook and YouTube from http://www.andysjazzclub.com/ FSC. There will be no on-site audience until further notice. All 11 E. Hubbard/312-642-6805 shows start at 8PM. Show times: 5pm & 7pm/ 9:30pm & 11:30pm September 1: ELYSIAN GREEN Every Wednesday (7:30PM): Isaiah Collier - In Person AND September 2: PAUL MUTZABAUGH TRIO Online September 3: JERU performs GERRY MULLIGAN September 2, September 9, September 16, September 23, QUARTET VOL. 1 September 30 September 8: RANDY TRUBITT QUARTET CONSTELLATION September 9: AUDREY Q STRING QUARTET perform 3111 North Western Ave/ All performances start ar 8:30PM)/ celebrate 50th anniversary of Neil Young's Livestream concerts by donation AFTER THE GOLD RUSH www.constellation-chicago.com September 15: ERIC BINDER TRIO CD RELEASE 'HARD September 11: Steve Marquette BOP' September 19: Max Bessesen September 16: BEUKELMAN/KAHN DUO perform selections from CHARLES MINGUS & LEONARD ELASTIC ARTS...... 2830 N. / elasticarts.org BERNSTEIN September 10 - 12 (8PM): Elastic Arts 3rd Annual September 17: ANDREW LAWRENCE TRIO Benefit ft. 2020 Elastic Achievement Award Honoree Nicole Mitchell Virtual Event - For more information and September 23: NEAL ALGER QUARTET perform Livestream link please visit https://elasticarts.org/event/ LARRY YOUNG'S 1965 release INTO SOMETHING elastic-arts-3rd-annual-benefit September 24: JOEL ADAMS QUINTET EXPERIMENTAL SOUND STUDIO September 30: ASHLEY SUMMERS QUINTET 5925 N. Ravenswood/ 773-998-1069/www.ess.org MCA'S TUESDAYS ON THE TERRACE - AT HOME EDITION September 14 (8PM): Option presents: Gerald Cleaver, All performances start at 5:30PM interview with - Virtual Evenet - For September 1: Isaiah Collier and The Chosen Few more information and Livestream link please visit ess.org/ September 8: Barry Winograd and The Little Big Band esscalendar/tqc-option-geraldcleaver September 15: Sam Trump September 16 (Schedule TBA): TQC: CFA Media Mixer - September 22: Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center's Na- Virtual Event - For more information and Livestream link than Rodríguez Quintet please visit ess.org/esscalendar/tqc-cfa-media-mixer September 29: Association for Advancement of Creative Musicians September 21 (8PM):Option presents: John Hébert - Virtual Event - For more information and Livestream link SOUTH SIDE JAZZ COALITION please visit ess.org/esscalendar/option-johnhebert September 8 (7PM): Second Tuesday Jazz at Home with Yvonne Gage Quartet - Live streaming on the South Side FULTON STREET COLLECTIVE/ JAZZ RECORD ART Jazz Coalition Facebook Page - For more information and COLLECTIVE...... Livestream link please visit www.facebook.com/TheSouth- 1821 W. Hubbard/773-852-2481. SideJazzCoalition fultonstreetcollective.com/ jazzrecordartcollective.com /All

JAZZGRAM

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

Managing Editor: Adriana Prieto Design: Letterform | Production: Adriana Prieto Correspondents: Aaron Cohen, Corey Hall, Howard Mandel Board of Directors: President: David Helverson Vice Presidents: Timuel Black, Warren Chapman, Roxana Espoz, Brian Myerholtz, William Norris, Keyonn Pope Secretary: Howard Mandel Treasurer: Darryl Wilson Emeritus Director: Joseph B. Glossberg Executive Director: Heather Ireland Robinson Board Members: David Bloomberg, Miguel de la Cerna, Dan Epstein, Matthew Goldfine, Rajiv Halim, Jarrard Harris, Bill King, Jason Koransky, Terry Martin, Ted Oppenheimer, Bethany Pickens, Mike Reed, Kent Richmond, 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 60605 | 312-427-1676 • Fax: 312-427-1684 • JazzInChicago.org The Jazz Institute of Chicago is supported in part by The Alphawood Foundation | The Francis Beidler Foundation | The Chicago Community Trust | A CityArts grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events | Crown Family Philanthropies | The Philip Darling Foundation | The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation | The Arts Council Agency | Lloyd A. Fry Foundation | The MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince | The National Endowment for the Arts | The Oppenheimer Family Foundation | The Polk Bros. Foundation | The Benjamin Rosenthal Foundation | Wells Fargo Foundation

JAZZ IN CHICAGO SEPTEMBER 2020 7 THE INTERPRETERS

BY AARON COHEN

As educators—especially music educators—head back to work during this pandemic, their heroism comes through whether they are online or in classrooms. Chicago has been home to a legion of these committed and imaginative teachers, many of whom the Jazz Institute regularly honors. One of the greatest of these teachers was James Mack whose biggest achievements came in the classrooms at City Colleges of Chicago, having served as music chair at Harold Washington College and professor at Crane Junior College (now Malcolm X College). Among his students who went on to great achievements in music were a jazz sextet called The Interpreters.

The Interpreters made one album, “The Knack,” which came out on the Chess imprint Cadet in 1966. At the time, the group’s average age was just 21 years old but their composing and playing already sounded determined, just as their expressions on the record’s cover look unflinching and serious. Saxophonist George Patterson, Jr. formed the group while pianist Thomas “Tom Tom” Washington wrote five of the album’s nine tracks. Other pieces include a hip version of Nat Adderley’s “Cyclops” and the theme song from the movie that lends this record its title (and explains why it’s in quotation marks). This group had already learned a great deal from Mack. A strong swing feel is combined with a more modern modal delivery, especially in Patterson’s soprano lines and his dialogue with tenor saxophonist Charles Kinnard Jr. Patterson’s “Time Is Of The Essence” moves breezily through different time signatures and Washington’s ballad, “But When It’s Dark” has an atypical 33-bar structure. Other tracks, like Washington’s “Our Mambo” and “Grits And Pigfoots” should have filled bars’ dancefloors (after the pandemic ends, they still could). Mack also appears on the album, bringing in his vocal group on some tracks. The cinematic results anticipate such jazz-meets-choir albums as former Chicagoan Andrew Hill’s Lift Every Voice.

While The Interpreters did not release another album, the young men in the group went on to successfully bring their training and imagination to different arenas a few years later. Patterson worked extensively with The Isley Brothers in the latter-’60s and early ’70s, co-arranging the group’s smash hit, “It’s Your Thing.” Trumpeter Cleo Griffin Jr. became a session player at Chess. Washington brought his omnivorous musicality to arrange and conduct popular sessions for The Chi-Lites and Jackie Wilson before working with another group of former Mack students—Earth, Wind & Fire. He still convenes the South Side Big Band to play, and to teach, the standards that he grew up absorbing.

But these were not the only participants on this album who achieved big things in studios. Mack himself went on to compose and arrange numerous hit jazz and R&B records for artists ranging from Nancy Wilson to Tyrone Davis. But up until his death in 2006 at age 76, he considered himself to be primarily an educator. With groups like The Interpreters among his students, he had great reasons to take pride in that accomplishment. n

JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL GALA ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17! www.jazzinchicago.org/2020Gala www.facebook.com/jazzinchicago

In these current times of healing and revelation we remember the role that music has played in our collective histories to harmonize us all through trials and tribulations to celebrations and good times. We look to the future by celebrating JIC programs and alumni!

The event is free to the public, but donations (tickets and sponsorships) include exclusive access and VIP Gift Boxes.

Click here to Purchase VIP tickets and to donate

Visit www.jazzinchicago.org/2020Gala for more information. JAZZ IN CHICAGO SEPTEMBER 2020 8 EDUCATION CORNER MILLENNIUM PARK AT HOME: CHICAGO JAZZ

The Education Department is looking forward to being a part of this summer’s Millennium Park at Home series! As in previous years with the Chicago Jazz Festival, this summer’s festivities will feature up-and-coming NextGen artists that are recent graduates of our Jazz Links programming. This year’s festival will feature drummer Alejandro Salazar, pianist Isabella Isherwood, saxophonist Aaron Kaufman-Levine, and brothers Christian and Kyle Swan. All performances will be streamed online Thursday, September 3rd - Sunday, September 6th. Visit our website for more information about the groups and to see a schedule of all performances.

WHAT IS THIS THING CALLED JAZZ?

Produced by the Education Committee of the Jazz Institute of Chicago, “What Is This Thing Called JAZZ?” has become an annual event leading into the Chicago Jazz Festival. Although described as a musician’s “Play & Tell” in the past, this year’s program, for Millennium Park at Home: Jazz Music, will focus on the “tell”—i.e., a conversation among some of Chicago’s busiest musicians representing both the young and established voices in the industry. The 2020 topic is “What Now?” Moderated by educator and Grammy winning drummer, Paul Wertico, the panel includes educator, saxophonist & composer, Sharel Cassity; trumpeter and multi-instrumentalist, Victor Garcia; pianist & composer, Alexis Lombré; and bassist and composer, Junius Paul. Time permitting, questions will also be taken from the audience.

This year’s event will take place at 12:00pm on Thursday, September 3rd and can be streamed on JIC’s facebook page! Visit our website (www.jazzinchicago.org) for more information!

JAZZ LINKS STUDENT COUNCIL

Registration is open for the 2020-21 Jazz Links Student Council. Created in 2005, the Jazz Links Student Council (JLSC) gives high school jazz musicians the opportunity to develop musically and professionally through exposure to live music, workshops with professional musicians, and performance opportunities throughout the city. In addition, JLSC members have participated in master classes at Columbia College, produced a CD, and are mentored in the business of music by veteran jazz artists. While the Jazz Institute of Chicago will not be hosting in person events during the current pandemic, the Student Council will continue to meet in a virtual format. Meetings generally take place monthly on Friday evenings during the academic year. Participation in Student Council also provides access for students to take part in the NextGenJazz Emerging Artists Project, which provides students with the guidance and resources to begin leading their own groups in a real-world professional settings.

Students wishing to join the Student Council are required to submit an application that can be accessed on our website (www.jazzinchicago.org).