Jazz Music Series presents: Kevin Fort Trio "Perspectives" CD Release Party Livestream

Dates Available: October 6 - October 8, 2022

Live Showtime: 7:30PM on October 6

About: 

Blues Music Series Presents: Ivy Ford Livestream 

Dates Available: October 7 - October 9, 2022

Live Showtime: 7:30 pm 

About Ivy Ford: 

Ivy Ford versatile, talented, an old soul. From singing the blues to being sultry, she is an indigo artist who's gift connects those who are around her and those who listen. Whether leading a full band or serenading a small audience solo on stage, Ivy Ford commands an energy that is most magical.

Spotlight Music Series presents: Roya Naldi Livestream

Dates Available: October 8 - October 10, 2022

Live Showtime: 7:30PM on October 8, 2022

About Roya Naldi: 

Roya Naldi, based in Chicago, IL, specializes in classic jazz music of the 1920s and 1930s. Classic jazz, especially that which was recorded in Chicago during that time, became her obsession when she was in her teens and has remained a focus in her life since.

Roya Naldi performs many familiar jazz standards, but highlights rarely-heard, unique songs that are sparkling diamonds in the rough. She approaches her music from a perspective of authenticity and emotionalism. Her rich vocal tone and unique style breathes new life into the music of the jazz age, singing with a nuanced, exciting, and often moody style. Roya Naldi views every song as a beautiful story she is telling to her listeners, approaching every lyric with a sense of empathy and emotion. She draws inspiration from many notable jazz singers of the 1920s and 1930s, such as Al Bowlly, Annette Hanshaw, Cliff Edwards, Frank Sylvano, and others. Inspired by these greats, the music Roya Naldi performs gives listeners a modern taste of a style of jazz that has kept its charm and allure for a century!

Roya Naldi has made regular appearances at Chicago’s stylish The Drake hotel, the legendary Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, Hungry Brain, various other venues and festivals in and beyond Chicago, and is always accompanied by the finest musicians of the genre.

Acoustic Music Series presents: Jordan Lulloff and Nick Zoulek Livestream

Dates Available: October 9 - October 11, 2022

Live Showtime: 2PM on October 9

About Jordan Lulloff:

Jordan Lulloff is a Chicago-based saxophonist that specializes in the performance of music by living composers. In addition to his solo engagements, Jordan is a founding member of ~Nois, a Chicago-based saxophone quartet that defies categorization by working between the boundary of contemporary classical music and experimental improvisation. Jordan has been the featured soloist with the United States Air Force Band, University of Memphis Wind Ensemble, and the Lansing and Ann Arbor Community Concert Bands. As the Tenor Saxophonist of ~Nois, Jordan is in demand as a guest artist and lecturer at universities across the nation. Additionally, the group has been featured on festivals such as Big Ears, the Continuum Music Festival, the Re:Sound Festival, the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, and Omaha Under the Radar. He currently serves as Applied Instructor of Classical Saxophone at The University of Illinois Chicago. 

About Nick Zoulek: 

Praised as “stunningly virtuosic, whatever the genre.” (Wall Street Journal), Dr. Nick Zoulek is a Chicago-based saxophonist and composer of “pure mindfulness and talent.” (PopMatters). Nick explores new possibilities in saxophone, drawing upon indie-rock and EDM influences, weaving tapestries of visceral sound through meditative circular breathing and overtones. At Re:SOUND, Zoulek will perform works from his upcoming project, Enter Branch.

Acoustic Music Series presents: South Asian Classical Music Society of Chicago Livestream 

Dates Available: October 9 - October 11, 2022

Live Showtime: 6PM on October 9

About: 

South Asian Classical Music Society of Chicago debuts at Epiphany while commencing its tenth season presenting Hindustani and Carnatic classical and light classical music and featuring top acts by visiting artists as well as fine local performers. In collaboration with local teachers, SACMS also puts on annual programs of student musicians of these sparkling and highly developed genres. In honor of the 2022 Year of Chicago Dance, today’s program at Epiphany also features classical Indian dance.

Oindrila Roy Mallick is a well-known dancer among the younger generation of Bharatanatyam dancers. Trained initially under late Guru K. P.P Thampi from the age of five. Oindrila honed her dance skills further under Legendary Guru Khagendra Nath Barman, one of the most senior disciples of Guru Rukmini Devi Arundale, Founder of unique “Kalakshetra” Style (Bharataatyam).From 2011 she started leaning under the guidance of Guru Abhoy Pal of kalamandalam Style. So Oindrla's dance reflects the cumulative richness of her learning experience. Her passion remains deeply rooted in classical dance. As a Bharatnatyam dancer Oindrila’s Hallmark remains in her ability to captivate her audience by bringing forth the inherent beauty and contemporaneity of the ancient genre.

Bansuri (keyless bamboo north Indian transverse flute) player, Lyon Leifer, learned initially in a five-year residency in India under master musician and flutemaker, Devendra Murdeshwar, and subsequently as feasible until the master’s passing in 2000. Encouraged by his Guruji to perform raga music at an early date, Lyon’s performances draw rave reviews and requests to perform in numerous venues. The Indian Express has called him “One of the world’s leading bansuri exponents.”

Indranil Mallick, tabla, a leading Kolkata-based player among the maturing set and prominent disciple of Pt. Swapan Chaudhury, is already well-known as both accompanist and soloist. He is a winner of multiple awards and appears at major conferences in India and locations all around Europe and North America.

SACMS gratefully acknowledges support for this program of both Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

Voices of Chicago presents: Indigo Flood Livestream 

Dates Available: October 12 - October 14, 2022 

Live Showtime: 7:30PM on October 12

About Indigo Flood: 

Indigo Flood is a band from Chicago that combines sounds of blues, funk, and rock. Led by guitarist and singer Hannah Pope, the band formed in 2019 and has been performing around Chicago ever since at venues such as Reggies Rock Club, the Metro, and Uncommon Ground. At a live show you can expect to hear original music as well as a wide variety of covers including music by Derek & the Dominos, King Curtis, and Bobby Bland. Indigo Flood’s essence is found in live performance and the band can’t wait to share their music with anyone who wants to listen.

Blues Music Series presents: Donna Herula Band & Opening act Jon Shain Livestream

Dates Available: October 14 - October 16, 2022

Live Showtime: 7:30PM on October 14

About Jon Shain: 

Durham, North Carolina’s Jon Shain is a veteran singer-songwriter who’s been turning heads for years with his words and his fiery acoustic guitar work. Shain brings the Piedmont blues to the modern age by mixing the piedmont blues tradition that he learned firsthand from North Carolina blues legends Big Boy Henry and John Dee Holeman with bluegrass, swing and ragtime to form his own evolved music style. This unique style helped Shain win the 2019 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. In addition, Shain was a finalist in the 2009 International Blues Challenge, he won both the 2008 and 2018 Triangle Blues Society’s Blues Challenge and was the 2006 winner of NC’s Indy award for Best Folk Act.

Jon was also the producer of Donna Herula’s award winning 2021 acoustic blues album, “Bang at the Door” and played on several of the album’s tracks.

About Donna Herula Band: 

“A truly gifted virtuoso of the resonator guitar who also possesses the most stunning of voices. Herula is a Chicago born Blues artist of the highest order who not only sings, plays slide but also is a more than accomplished composer.”

— Peter Merrett, PBS 106.7 FM, Melbourne, Australia

Donna Herula is a blues and Americana singer, songwriter, resonator slide guitarist, and Chicago Blues Hall of Fame inductee. Playing a variety of blues styles, her songwriting tips the hat to the tradition while creating a fresh, contemporary perspective on blues and roots music. Donna’s sound combines her love of music from the Deep South and her love of blues guitar improvisation.

Donna will be joined by her bandmates Marc Edelstein on upright bass, Tony Wittrock on guitar and mandolin and Kenny Smith on drums. https://donnaherula.com/about/

Spotlight Music Series presents: The Fifth Star Band Livestream 

Dates Available: October 15 - October 17, 2022

Live Showtime: 7:30PM on October 15 

About: 

A modern take on American traditional rock, The Fifth Star Band grooves to a funky, old school beat that’s guaranteed to get you dancing. Just off their fourth major release, Tales Untold, this Chicago-based, roots rock band continues to deliver upbeat, soulful tunes that are elevated by their energetic live performances and draw inspiration from Anderson East, Van Morrison, and The Revivalists. 

Acoustic Music Series presents: Decho Ensemble Livestream 

Dates Available: October 16 - October 18, 2022

Live Showtime: 2PM on October 16

About: 

Hailed as a “winning combination in every way!”, Decho Ensemble was founded by Sarah Marchitelli and Jacob Swanson in 2011 with the intention of sharing the saxophone as a concert instrument of wide-ranging capability. Critically acclaimed for their “blend and precision”, the ensemble has performed throughout North America and Europe.Presenting on concert series, television, and radio, the Decho Ensemble has collaborated with chamber orchestras, poets, dance companies, and ensembles/instrumentalists in addition to their all-saxophone programming. Decho Ensemble has presented at the North American Saxophone Alliance Regional and Biennial Conferences as well as the United States Navy International Saxophone Symposium. Since 2016 the Decho Ensemble has participated in residencies at Mercyhurst University, Idaho University at Moscow, and with the Ny Musikks Komponistgruppe in Oslo, Norway as part of their inaugural PULS Festival. 

Collaborating with composers, presenting standard repertoire, and adapting early works for saxophones the Decho Ensemble continues to push borders and broaden the saxophone’s voice in concert music. Since 2008, Dr. Katherine Petersen and Jacob Swanson have collaborated on presenting works for saxophone and voice. In 2019, Katherine and the Decho Ensemble participated in a joint residency at University of Idaho at Moscow as guests of the composition studio and Ruby Fulton - Decho Voce was formed. With several composer collaborations underway, Decho Voce’s immediate future includes concert appearances and recording projects. The Decho Ensemble performs on vintage Buescher saxophones built in the United States.

Commended as a “soloist with impeccable taste,” and praised by audiences and composers for his "gorgeous, lyrical tone, spectacular technique, and heartfelt musicality ..." for presenting "the soprano saxophone at the height of its beauty," Jacob Swanson has performed throughout North America and Europe on concert series, television, and radio. Swanson's debut album, Invisible Cities, featured works for soprano saxophone and piano and was met with critical acclaim for "remind[ing] us what a  beautiful instrument the soprano saxophone is ... [performing with] handsome tone, flawless technique, and great musical sensibilities."-ClevelandClassical His second album, wired., featured music for soprano saxophone and electronic medium - nearly all composer/performer collaborations. Swanson has additionally recorded with Andrew Cote as part of his debut album, Ulterior Motives.

Sarah Marchitelli co-founded the Decho Ensemble in 2011 with Jacob Swanson and, in 2018, joined the Megalopolis Saxophone Orchestra. An active chamber musician, Sarah has performed throughout North America and Europe. She serves on faculty at the State University of New York at Fredonia (Music Education/Music History) and teaches woodwinds for Infinity Visual and Performing Arts in Jamestown, New York. Sarah holds both Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the State University of New York at Fredonia. Her teachers have included saxophonists Dr. Wildy Zumwalt, Christopher Oldfield, Carina Raschèr, and Harry White.

Soprano, Katherine Petersen specializes in the performance of 21st century music for voice/saxophone and Russian Art Song. Based in Chicago, Katherine performs regularly with Folks Operetta, the Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company, Chicago Opera Theater, and Transgressive Theatre-Opera. Katherine is also Associate Professor of Voice at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago where she teaches Voice Pedagogy, Song Repertoire, Studio Voice, and Diction for Singers. She holds a DMA in Voice Performance from Ohio State University and a MM in Pedagogy and Performance from Westminster Choir College.

Acoustic Music Series presents: Ursa Ensemble and Friends: Fewer Dahlias 3.0 Livestream 

Dates Available: October 16 - October 18, 2022

Live Showtime: 7PM on October 16

About: 

The Ursa Ensemble is a Chicago-based chamber music ensemble that seeks to present uncommon music to our audiences in unique ways, in unconventional places, and with individual interpretations.  The Ursa ensemble has performed at a variety of locations across the Midwest including Constellation Chicago, Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, The Green Mill Jazz Lounge, DePaul University School of Music, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Indiana University South Bend, the DANK Haus, Tavern of Fine Arts, The Musical Offering, Uncommon Ground, PianoForte Studios, and the Narloch Piano Studio.  They have been highlighted in festivals such as Chicago Artists Month, The Ravenswood Art Walk, Narlochpolooza, and the Thirsty Ears Festival.  For the 2019-2020 season, Ursa Ensemble has the honor of being Ensemble in Residence at the Musical Offering in Evanston, Illinois. 

Ursa Ensemble members are fiercely dedicated to making complex music less intimidating, but still deeply moving, to the uninitiated listener.  Their flagship Collaboration in Concert (CIC) series gives listeners the opportunity to create an art piece under the tutelage of a professional painter, poet, author, photographer, or other artist, while gaining direction from the ensemble’s live music. CIC events have led the Ursas into all sorts of arenas, allowing them to work with and perform for an extremely diverse audience: elementary school students at Catalyst Circle Rock Charter School in Chicago’s low-income, Austin neighborhood; college students at Harold Washington College in Chicago’s Loop; young writers-in-the-making at 826CHI; even trendy bar-hoppers at the Tavern of Fine Arts in St. Louis.   Past CIC events have involved collaborations with artists in a wide range of expertises, including photographer Michael Schoeneweis, author Michael San Gabino, printmaker Sarah Adams, painter Lewis Achenbach, and painter Melanie Brown.

With the instrumentation of Clarinet, Violin, and Cello, Ursa Ensemble enjoys exploring and arranging a vast repertoire spanning thousands of years, from the Renaissance to present day. The Ursa Ensemble is also committed to furthering the impact and longevity of classical music by actively commissioning and performing new works.  They have premiered works by composers such as Pierce Gradone, Jonathan Hannau, Jordan Jenkins, and Jeff Kowalkowski, all of which were written specifically for the ensemble.

The Ursa Ensemble consists of some of the best young musicians in the Chicago area, all of whom are dedicated performers and artist-teachers. Praised for her “gleaming tone and Hollywood glamor,” violinist Rachel Brown is the Associate Principal Second Violin of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, and has given over a dozen world premieres of contemporary solo and ensemble works.  She is the Chair of the Music Department at the Chicago Academy for the Arts, and also teaches at The Musical Offering.  Described as “alluring” by the Wall Street Journal, cellist Veronica Nettles focuses on performance in classical chamber music (she was a founding member of the Kaia String quartet) and world music collaborations (she is a member of a Cuban Charangas ensemble).  Also, she  maintains a private studio at the DePaul University Community Music Division.  Joe Sanchez, clarinetist, is a founding member of the Vandoren Sponsored Lake Effect Clarinet Quartet, and he can be heard regularly with a cross continental spread of orchestras, ranging from Las Vegas to Kalamazoo!  

Jazz Music Series presents: Michael Lerich Quartet Livestream

Dates Available: October 20 - October 22, 2022

Live Showtime: 7:30PM on October 20

About Michael Lerich: 

The many years of building Michael Lerich and His Orchestra and Michael Lerich Productions, Inc. took time away from being able to dedicate time for the continued practice required to artistically play the clarinet.  However, over the past few years Michael has dedicated his time and energy into the instrument and has subsequently formed the ensemble that so many of Chicago’s wonderful jazz artists want to be a part of…Kevin Fort, Ryan Cohen, Ben Clark, Vijay Tellis Nayak and Jim Sellers on Piano…Matt Ferguson, Christian Dillingham, Matt Gold, Joe Policastro and Paul Merar on Bass…Andre Beasley, Bob Rummage, Darren Scorza, Ken Takaoka, Rick Vitek, Greg Fundis and Zack Marks on Drums.  At any given time any one of these truly marvelous artists will perform with Michael for another wonderfully creative jazz experience.

Blues Music Series presents: Freddie Dixon Livestream 

Dates Available: October 21 - October 23, 2022

Live Showtime: 7:30PM on October 21

About: 

Freddie Dixon is the embodiment of the Chicago Blues. The 2nd son of the world-famous 7th Son, Willie Dixon, Freddie has been surrounded by the Blues since the day he was born. His father is a blues legend as a song writer, producer, and musician. Willie was at the helm at Chess Records for many of the sides cut in the 1950’s, 1960’s and into the 1970’s.

Freddie began his blues career learning his chops playing with a number of musicians in south side blues clubs. He was soon hired to play in his father’s band, The Chicago Blues All-Stars and traveled around the world spreading the gospel of the blues.

The torch was handed to Freddie in the early 1990’s when his father passed away. Since then, Freddie has continued as a blues ambassador playing to crowds from Europe to Australia as well as locally in Chicago. In 2020 Freddie, along with Chicago Blues legends John Watkins and Maurice John Vaughan produced a 2 disc CD called “3x3,” which is available at most on line retailers.

The current line up of the Freddie Dixon Blues Band consists of Freddie on bass and vocals, Tom Stober and Robert Lassandrello on guitar, along with classically trained violinist Judy Lei. Also making regular guest appearances is Chicago Blues Legend, and Chicago Blues Hall of Famer, Doktu Rhute Muuzic, aka the Root Doctor.

Freddie is a member of the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame and currently resides in Chicago with his wife Linda.

Voices of Chicago presents: Megan Curran Trio Livestream 

Dates Available: October 26 - October 28, 2022

Live Showtime: 7:30PM on October 26 

About Megan Curran: 

A versatile collaborator and leader, Megan Curran finds inspiration in classic jazz compositions, seeking to enliven them with thoughtful interpretation. A favored freelance solo pianist and nuanced accompanist, Curran particularly enjoys the interplay of the trio format, the connections between musicians and the creative exchange of ideas that occurs organically in performance. Like many musicians, Curran played in church from a young age. She continued her studies with Tony Caramia and Michael Kocour at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and played in jazz bands there. She has performed extensively at venues throughout the Chicago area, including FitzGeraldʼs, the Green Mill, and the Woodstock Jazz Festival. Living musical heroes include Benny Green, Michel Camilo and Kenny Barron. Megan Curran continues exploring the jazz canon with her trio, and plans to record in 2023. She performs regularly as a member of the Outcast Jazz Band, and shares her music with joy.

About Vince Clark: 

Chicago-based vocalist and bandleader Vince Clark has been performing professionally in and around the Chicago area for over 40 years. As a trombonist, he studied Jazz Performance at the University of North Texas, before turning his attention to his true passion of vocal performance. He is a co-founder of the 18-piece Outcast Jazz Band, with whom he spent his formative years exploring his love and affinity for the likes of Louis Jordan, Nat Cole, Tony Bennett and Joe Williams. Vince is a Chicago mainstay, performing weekly at Chicago’s Green Mill Lounge as part of their 1930s Radio Hour. In addition to his work with the Outcasts, he is frequent guest singer with local musical chameleons Tributosaurus, and plays often with Expo ‘76 and the Total Pro Horns.

Jazz Music Series presents: Markus Rutz Quintet Livestream 

Dates Available: October 27 - October 29, 2022

Live Showtime: 7:30PM on October 27

About Markus Rutz: 

Spotlight Music Series presents: René Avila's Afro Cuban Quintet Livestream 

Dates Available: October 29 - October 31, 2022

Live Showtime: 7:30PM on October 29

About: 

René Avila is an educator in both the public and private school systems, as well as a basketball coach for middle schoolers. He is also a band leader and bass player for an Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble (Rene Avila's Afro Cuban Quintet) in addition to his traditional Cuban Charanga Orchestra "Charangueo." Both of his projects perform at various venues and festivals in the Chicago metropolitan area.

René got his start in playing string bass during his early years and later as a cellist during his musical studies in college. Besides teaching general music, he also teaches violin, cello and guitar at The Puerto Rican Arts Alliance. 

As a musician, René was influenced by legendary Chicago radio icon Victor Parra, originator and host of "The Mambo Express" radio program, which focused on traditional Cuban music and its evolution to the US. Since then, René has studied and researched Cuban music, and is a very serious and passionate advocate of this music. He enjoys sharing it with others on Mambo Inn and through his bands' performances, keeping the tradition alive. Tune in to René Avila's Mambo Inn Sunday's from 4pm until 6pm on Chicago's Home for Jazz WDCB 90.9FM.

Acoustic Music Series presents: Philip Daniel Livestream

Dates Available: October 30 - November 1, 2022

Live Showtime: 2PM on October 30

About Philip Daniel: 

Acoustic Music Series presents: Philip Daniel Livestream

Dates Available: October 30 - November 1, 2022

Live Showtime: 2PM on October 30

About Philip Daniel: 

Voices of Chicago presents: Megan Stagl Livestream

Dates Available: November 2 -November 4, 2022

Live Showtime: 7:30PM on November 2

About: 

Raised in the northern suburbs of Chicago, Meghan has been pursuing music nonstop since her first piano lesson at the age of 6. After much music participation in high school, she went on to Hope College knowing she wanted to study music, but unsure of much else. It was here that she discovered her love for jazz, and began to grow more and more interested in the genre. After graduating with a Bachelor’s in Music and Spanish and receiving various school awards and accolades, Meghan attended Western Michigan University where she would go on to receive a Master’s degree in Jazz Performance.

Since moving to Chicago, Meghan has played and recorded vocals and piano with various projects and artists. She can be found on Gustavo Cortiñas’ Kind Regards (2022), The Sam Pilnick Project’s Adler Suite (2021), and Emily Kuhn’s upcoming album, Ghosts of Us. Recently, she made her Chicago Jazz Fest debut singing with Gustavo Cortiñas’ critically acclaimed Desafio Candente. Meghan has played Chicago venues like Fulton Street Collective, the Jazz Showcase, the Hungry Brain, the Whistler, and the Green Mill, but her music has taken her all over to places including Yellowstone National Park. In 2020, she received the Luminarts Fellowship for Jazz Voice.

Meghan’s voice has been described as “striking a satisfying balance between a breathy voice and one of depth and body” (Lydia Liebman Promotions). Thanks to her ability to both play piano and sing, Meghan has been regarded as a “secret weapon” of sorts, “sounding weightless on both” (Hannah Edgar, Chicago Reader).

In addition to performing, Meghan also teaches Music Theory at SAE Institute, located in downtown Chicago, along with private lessons in voice and piano. She has been fortunate enough to study with jazz pedagogues and masters such as Tammy McCann, Jeremy Siskind, Sunny Wilkinson, Brian Coyle, Steve Talaga, and Edye Evans Hyde.

Blues Music Series presents: Dave Weld and The Imperial Flames Livestream 

Dates Available: November 4 - November 6, 2022

Live Showtime: 7:30PM on November 4 

About: 

Dave Weld and The Imperial Flames, an authentic, real deal blues band, high energy with versatile talent, variety, and a cohesive show that includes original driving houserockin blues, boogie and Soul. The originals are classic in nature, the standards are revitalized with striking three part vocal harmony, three vocal stylists, Passionate slide guitarist, Dave Weld mentored from Grammy Winning Master J.B. Hutto and legendary slideman, along with blues diva and two time Rami winner Mona Rose (Monica Myhre), a rock rhythm section consisting of the creamy voice of Jeff Taylor holding a solid beat on drums and Kenny Pickens blazing on bass. Also hitting the ivory is Harry YaSeen, tutored by the famous Art Hodes on piano/organ..

SPOTLIGHT MUSIC SERIES 

Dates Available: November 5 - November 7, 2022

Live Showtime: 7:30PM on November 5

About Tom Leeb: 

Still in his early thirties, but already over-experienced by acting, sketching and composing. Tom Leeb is combining a

blues-rock music heading for a pop style. His music is organic, heated up by the sensitive strings from his acoustic

guitar.

This melodious rock is directly inspired by one of his idols. John Mayer. which led him to make his own tracks. ll version

of Tom's single, 'Are We Too Late, has clocked over 25 million views on YouTube.

He has since acted in several French Til shows and movies, some on Hetflix : "Stuck Together "Spoiled Brats" - Top #10

with over 17.8 million hours viewed.

Singer-songwriter, actor and comedian Tom Leeb is a man of many talents. In 2019, he released his album 'Recollection'

He has also played as the supporting act for international stars such as Sting and Tom Jones.

Tom Leeb was set to represent France at Eurovision 2020 before it was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

At the end of 2m, Tom will be touring in Canada 6 IJSA London [UK], New York [NY]. Chicago [IL], Nashville [TNl] maybe with new songs!

https://youtu.be/GO2cTMFwzHw

Acoustic Music Series presents: Picosa Livestream 

Dates Available: November 6 - November 8, 2022

Live Showtime: 2PM on November 6

About Picosa: 

Picosa  reflects an expansive and inclusive view of music in its artistry, programming, and concert experience. A Chicago-based ensemble comprised of flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano, and composer-in-residence, Picosa champions the works of Chicago composers onstage each season. The ensemble also showcases music from diverse historical and cultural contexts and hosts its multiple  ongoing concert series at DePaul University’s Holtschneider Performance Center, Epiphany Center for the Arts, and The Driehaus Museum. Every concert experience is a community building event, and the musicians welcome conversations with the audience in post-concert receptions and in social media.

Founded in 2014, Picosa’s recent performances include Live from WFMT with Kerry Frumkin, Rush Hour Concert Series, Chicago’s Cultural Center, Fourth Presbyterian Church, Ear Taxi Festival, and Frequency Series at Constellation Chicago.  The ensemble has also held guest residencies at Elmhurst University, North Central College, and Roosevelt University.

Picosa is a 501(c)3 organization that relies on the support of music lovers to bring great performances to the stage. Please visit www.PicosaMusic.com for additional information.

ChiArts Presents: Pat Owen-Leary Livestream

Dates Available: November 6 - November 8, 2022

Live Showtime: 7PM on November 6

About: 

Hailing from Chicago’s north-side, Pat Owen-Leary is a composer/performer and singer/songwriter who bridges the gaps between music in all genres. A product of the Old Town School for Folk Music and the Chicago High School for the Arts, Owen-Leary is a well-versed guitarist in the styles of bluegrass, jazz, rock, and classical music. He has performed at several venues across the Chicago area, including The Grafton, The Pony Inn, and Uncommon Ground. His debut EP, ‘Dirty Demos,’ is now available on all streaming platforms.

Owen-Leary received a B.M. in Music Composition and Guitar Performance from Baldwin Wallace University and an M.M. in Music Composition from University of Missouri-Kansas City. As an undergraduate, Owen-Leary performed as a soloist with the BW Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Band and also performed as a pit musician in BW's highly acclaimed musical theatre productions. By the end of his B.M., Owen-Leary had his works performed by members of Fifth House Ensemble, A Far Cry, and The Cleveland Orchestra. As a graduate student, Owen-Leary shifted his focus from strict orchestral composition to music for film and media with an acute focus on electronic/electro-acoustic music. Some of his electronic work was used as part of the UMKC Composition/Dance Studio Collaboration. During his M.M.. Owen-Leary also co-founded UMKC’s student-curated new music group, ’Crossroads Contemporary Ensemble.’ Throughout his academic career and since graduating, Owen-Leary has been apart of numerous arts organizations. Owen-Leary is a music conservatory substitute at his alma mater, the Chicago High School for the Arts, and has also taken up work as a private lesson instructor with Access Contemporary Music, the school that provided him with his first formal composition instruction. Later this month, Owen-Leary will launch the first installments of his podcast, the Red Button Room, which he will use to promote aspiring musicians in the Chicago area.

Voices of Chicago presents: Matthew Fries Livestream 

Dates Available: November 9 - November 11, 2022

Live Showtime: 7:30PM 

About Matthew Fries: 

Matthew Fries is a joyful voice on the piano with a unique and recognizable style that is authentically rooted in the tradition of the classic jazz pianists, while still looking forward to the future of the music and the instrument.

As a composer and leader he has performed his own music extensively, recording ten albums of mostly original compositions. His music has been described as playful and hopeful, introspective, full of joy and wonderment, and awash with tonal colors. But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an in-demand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. He has toured worldwide, appears on scores of recordings, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times), and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times).

Matthew is a dedicated educator and he continues to teach lessons, masterclasses, and clinics throughout the US and abroad. Since 2017 he is a proud part of the Western Michigan University faculty as Professor of Jazz Piano where he teaches private lessons, coaches jazz combos, and teaches classes in jazz theory, improvisation, composition and arranging.

Born in Selinsgrove, PA into a musical family, his father was his first piano teacher. Matthew was interested in the freedom of musical improvisation at an early age, but it was a class in college that sparked his interest in jazz piano. He has a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College and a master’s from the University of Tennessee where he was mentored by the Memphis jazz piano great, Donald Brown. It was Donald who saw the talent and commitment in Matthew and encouraged him to pursue music in NYC. He moved there in 1994 and quickly established himself as a recognizable and integral part of the jazz scene – performing in major clubs, recording, and touring while calling NYC home for more than twenty years. Through Donald Brown he also became connected with pianists James Williams and Mulgrew Miller who continued to mentor him in NYC and help him develop his personal style and deep connection to the tradition of jazz piano.

Matthew won the Great American Jazz Piano Competition in 1997 and was runner-up in the American Pianists Association Jazz Piano Competition.

He has recorded five albums and toured internationally with his collaborative, original-music trio TRI-FI – a group that Jazz Review says, “takes on the Jazz Trio challenge and delivers a ‘knock out’ punch,” and about whom Downbeat Magazine says, “the clairvoyance of these three members can be mesmerizing.”

He has a 20-year collaboration of touring, recording and composing with singer-songwriter Curtis Stigers as part of his band.

He has shared the stage with a long list of jazz performers that includes Curtis Stigers, Stacey Kent, Ann Hampton Callaway, DeeDee Bridgewater, Vincent Herring, Steve Wilson, Joel Frahm, Steve LaSpina, Dave Samuels, Claudio Roditi, Terell Stafford and many others.

JAZZ MUSIC SERIES 

Dates Available: November 10 - November 12, 2022

Live Showtime: 7:30PM on November 10

About Chris Greene Quartet: 

Acoustic Music Series presents: Dan Moroz Livestream 

Dates Available: November 13 - November 15, 2022

Live Showtime: 7:30PM on November 13

About:

Dan Moroz:

Dates Available Saturday, November 19, 2022 - Monday, November 21, 2o22

Lives Showtime: 7:45PM on November 19

About Bill Brickey: 

This end of year performance by Bill Brickey features all new songs and special guests. Inspired by life and blessed with the opportunity to hone his craft at Epiphany, Bill shares with you the fruit of his inspiration and aspirations.

Bill Brickey is a Songwriter and Guitarist who been a staple of the music scene in Chicago for some time now. He is recognized in the US and abroad for fiery, passionate performances of his original music. An amazing vocalist and very fine guitarist, Bill work centers around our current life and times. His work is just as likely to be the result of his meditations on life as we know it as it is might be on love, faith and humor. His ability to meld with his audience as easily as he does his guitar is epic and well worth seeing.

Drew & T. Patrick Sing All Time Favorites Part 2 Livestream

Dates Available: November 20 - November 22, 2022

Live Showtime: 7:30PM on November 20

About: 

DREW FASE has been playing the piano since he was six and began singing in high school. Studying classical, pop and jazz as a student, Drew has developed his own unique style of accompanying himself, synchronizing with his deep rich baritone voice and haunting vibrato. Drew has performed as a wedding musician and church organist for many denominations. He was the keyboardist for the rock bands Zen Archer and Chaos. Later he joined up with blues bands Deb & The Ole Dogs and Slim and the Blues Kangaroos. On several occasions he has performed as a solo artist. In 1995 he joined the Glen Ellyn Jazz Ensemble which he took over directing in 2004. The GEJE performs a summer concert series in the Glen Ellyn parks. Every year he attends the Tritone Jazz Camp in Door County at the keys and vocal mic. Currently Drew performs in cabaret shows and open mics around town. He has performed in Song Shop and Opportunity Knocks shows. Last year he did a sold-out show with T. Patrick Davis and will be following up with part 2 this November with a show at Epiphany Center for the Arts.

T. PATRICK DAVIS is Chicago born singer who is known to masterfully belt and croon jazz, pop, soul, blues, cabaret, and rock musical styles with his unique, rich and resonant baritone and falsetto voice.  T. Patrick with his trademark fedoras can excite an audience to dance or have them swoon at his vocal stylings. As a member of Chicago Cabaret Professionals, T. Patrick has performed in many stellar productions over the years including Musical Mondays, Merry Measures, Working in Concert’s SongShop Live Shows, 100 Years of Chicago Cabaret-Part 2: Black Voices in Cabaret & The French Connection, Sami Scott’s 3 Minutes in the Spotlight, Opportunity Knocks, Harris House of Music, Strut Your Stuff, and Old Town School of Music Recitals. Currently Patrick performs in variety of cabaret shows and open mics across town. T. Patrick collaborated with Drew Fase for their sold out “Drew & Patrick Sing All Time Favorites” show at Davenports in November 2022. Drew and T. Patrick plan to bring their “Drew & Patrick Sing All Time Favorites Part 2” in November 2022 at the Epiphany Center of the Arts.

Dr. Oliver M. Williams | Energy Music Livestream 

Dates Available: December 8 - December 10, 2o22

Live Showtime: 7:30PM on December 8

About: 

Dr. Oliver M. Williams is a Certified Qigong Master Teacher and solo piano artist. In his unique next level expression of the music as his message, Dr. Oliver has combined his Creative Qi Movement Meditation program with his amazing relationship with the grand piano as the music flows through him as him.

Energy Music is an interactive experience where the audience joins with Dr. Oliver in traversing through his Creative Qi Movement Meditation. The experience involves seven movement Qigong forms, accompanied by seven original compositions by Dr. Oliver as the creative expression of each of the Qigong forms. You don’t want to miss this.

Blues Music Series presents: Indigo Flood Livestream 

Dates Available: December 9 - December 11, 2022

Live Showtime: 7:30PM on December 9

About Indigo Flood: 

Indigo Flood is a band from Chicago that combines sounds of blues, funk, and rock. Led by guitarist and singer Hannah Pope, the band formed in 2019 and has been performing around Chicago ever since at venues such as Reggies Rock Club, the Metro, and Uncommon Ground. At a live show you can expect to hear original music as well as a wide variety of covers including music by Derek & the Dominos, King Curtis, and Bobby Bland. Indigo Flood’s essence is found in live performance and the band can’t wait to share their music with anyone who wants to listen.

A Christmas Carol with Frank Babbitt Livestream

Dates Available: December 18 - December 20, 2022

Live ShowTime: 2PM on December 18

"Experience Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” in what the Chicago Sun Times has called “an extraordinary intimate evening of live storytelling and music” performed by actor/violinist Frank Babbitt. “The tale delivered the way it was meant to be, in Dickens’ language” using the original reading text performed by Dickens himself. “Enhanced by Babbitt’s resonating voice and rich violin,” a one man performance with live musical underscore.

Rediscover the timeless story of Scrooge and Marley, the Cratchits, various ghosts and an old man’s life altering encounter with the true spirit of Christmas. Your imagination will be the pathway into a powerful shared experience as the story is brought to vivid life in a dramatic reading with festive holiday music from the time of Dickens."

Frank Babbitt has been sharing his dramatic reading of Dickens' Carol with audiences since 2007. These performances have frequently been given as benefits in partnership with care and educational organizations. 

Babbitt received an MM in Violin Performance from SUNY Stony Brook and has been a member of the Lyric Opera of Chicago Orchestra since 1995. He has appeared as actor and narrator on several Chicago stages, most notably the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. He has been a guest artist at Millennium Park with the Grant Park Orchestra, the Rush Hour Concert Series and recently with the Rembrandt Chamber Players. In addition to his degrees in music, Frank studied acting at the Stella Adler Conservatory of Acting in NYC. 

Blues Music Series presents: Indigo Flood Livestream 

Dates Available: January 20 - January 22, 2023

Live Showtime: 7:30PM on January 20

About Indigo Flood: 

Indigo Flood is a band from Chicago that combines sounds of blues, funk, and rock. Led by guitarist and singer Hannah Pope, the band formed in 2019 and has been performing around Chicago ever since at venues such as Reggies Rock Club, the Metro, and Uncommon Ground. At a live show you can expect to hear original music as well as a wide variety of covers including music by Derek & the Dominos, King Curtis, and Bobby Bland. Indigo Flood’s essence is found in live performance and the band can’t wait to share their music with anyone who wants to listen.