Artists 3
The Mimi Jones Quartet
New York native Mimi Jones (aka Miriam Sullivan) is a multi talented bassist, vocalist and composer. In 2009 she released her debut CD, “A New Day”, and she is currently working on her second. Mimi has performed with or recorded with, the great Lionel Hampton, Kenny Barron, Tia Fuller and Terri Lyne Carrington. She has studied with Lisle Atkinson, Ron Carter, and Milt Hinton. Mimi toured extensively throughout Europe, the United States and has performed on five continents as a US Jazz Ambassador. (MORE)
One of Pharez Whitted’s biggest goals is to perform music that is accessible to everyday people but still speaks to life and creativity while elevating their mind and spirit to dream and visualize possibilities that they never imagined. That is a lofty goal, but he has hit that mark and beyond.(MORE)
The Salty Dogs Tribute to Franz Jackson
Chicago jazz legend and former Dowagiac, MI resident Franz Jackson blew up a storm until age 95. One of the last survivors of the pre-Swing era, and one of only a handful of his contemporaries still playing into the 20th century, the tenor saxophonist/clarinetist/vocalist was, quite literally, a living jazz treasure.
Jackson was one of the last musicians to have learned Chicago jazz from its originators. His first professional gig in his 80-plus year career was with stride pianist Albert Ammons in 1929; he was 16. His career continued through the 30’s and 40’s with such jazz luminaries as Ammons, Carroll Dickerson, Jimmy Noone, Walter Barnes, Roy Eldridge, Fletcher Henderson, Benny Carter, Earl Hines, Fats Waller, Cab Calloway and James P. Johnson. He replaced icon Ben Webster in Henderson’s and Eldridge’s bands and also won attention for big band compositions and arrangements for Benny Goodman, Cab Calloway and Jack Teagarden for CBS.>(MORE)
In 1947, a group of Purdue University students formed the Salty Dogs Jazz Band. In the earliest days of jazz, Indiana was the place where the great bands played, recorded and set down their musical roots. The Salty Dogs Jazz Band was born from that tradition and they continue today as living testament that great hot jazz will live forever. When the Salty Dogs left the Purdue campus in the early 1960’s, a contingent continued at Purdue as the band performed and spread the joy of traditional jazz across the United States. Today, with virtually the same personnel from the 1950’s and an additional 40 years of experience and polish, they are acclaimed as one of the foremost traditional jazz bands in the world.(MORE)
Friday Night
Emma Dayhuff, acoustic and electric bassist based in Chicago, can be found performing with with Robert Irving III’s Generations, Matthew Santos, Rajiv Halim, Larry Brown Jr, Andrew Lawrence, Hot Chef, Don Stiernberg, and Ernest Dawkins among many others. (MORE)
Crystal Drake is a Chicago-based pop R&B singer whose earthy vocals have been described as “refined” and “emotionally charged.” An enthusiastic songwriter, her powerfully earnest singing anchors a penchant for frothy pop tunes. She currently serves as one-third of the electronica trio Circle of Machines, expertly navigating downtempo and ambient moods which she calls “space gospel.” (MORE)
Saturday
Vocalist Kathy Lamar says her shows are like a blind date –– because you never know what you’re going to get. She sings a diverse blend of jazz, R&B, soul, and pop hits pulled from many decades. One minute, you might hear a Sting or Bob Marley tune, and the next, an Ella Fitzgerald or Billy Holiday song. Her powerful voice and infectious laugh keeps audiences coming back for more. (MORE)
Annalee is a Jazz vocalist and guitarist keeping jazz alive and pulsing all around Chicagoland. Summer of 2012 Annalee started a group with four young, amazing musicians she has fallen in love with and adopted as “The Midnight Sons”. A classic yet modern take on Jazz, Blues, and R&B that resonates the soul of any audience. Annalee and The Boys are gaining ground and excited for their future as a band. (MORE)
Audley Reid is one of Chicago’s finest Contemporary jazz and R&B musicians. Audley L. Reid, often referred to as “Reid”, began his musical odyssey over 25 years ago. Proficient on all saxophones, Reid prefers the Alto Sax and his passionate technique, smooth styling and distinctive sound often draws comparisons to the music of David Sanborn and sax genius of the late Art Porter, Jr. (MORE)
For more than a decade, Colby Beserra’s broad experience in both music and theater has ranged from performance, production, and composition to direction and education. He recently sang backup vocals for country singer Faith Hill for a Soundstage performance which aired December 2008 on PBS. As a composer, he wrote the lyrics for “Lovely,” a song he lent vocals to on a version that was featured in the movie The Guardian (starring Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher). With engineer Brian Schwab, Colby is the creator of and Music Director for WBEZ radio’s “Under Cover” series, a co-production with Chicago Public Radio. (MORE)
By all accounts, Shawn Maxwell formed his style early on the tough and tumultuous streets of Joliet, Illinois. From the time a saxophone first touched his lips, Maxwell knew that music was his calling. After starting his professional career touring Internationally, across the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, Maxwell returned home to conquer the Windy City. With equal parts genius and toil, Maxwell has become one the preeminent performers in the Chicago jazz landscape. His multi-instrumental talents have been lauded by fellow musicians and critics alike. (MORE)
Molly Bouwsma Schultz is a Grand Rapids native with a passion for music & performance of all types. Molly draws inspiration from many genres and artists especially from figures such as Nina Simone and Fela Kuti for their spirit to speak out against injustice and to promote social equality. For seven years, she has performed across the state previously as the lead singer of Blue Molly and now of Vox Vidorra. (MORE)
Now an accomplished vocalist and guitarist, Karisa started her musical journey as a classical violinist. In high school she found her voice, and after college she picked up a guitar.As she played local gigs in West Michigan, demand for her unique soulful blend of jazz, blues and folk—think eclectic Americana—grew.She completed the recording and production of her debut album, the August 2007 release party at the historical Wealthy Theater in Grand Rapids, Michigan was an unexpected success.Karisa went on to capture the 2008 WYCE ‘Best New Artist‘, as well as the coveted ‘Album of the Year’ Jammie awards. She’s gone on to win “Best Contemporary Folk” for her Stronger album, and an ArtPrize music award for single, “The Courage of One”. (MORE)
Hailing from Sao Paulo, CECY SANTANA grew up in a musical family headed by her father, legendary Afro-Brazilian trumpeter Carlos Santana, who is known for his collaborations with Roberto Carlos, Gal Costa, and also played first trumpet for the Sao Paulo and Rio Symphony Orchestras. As a young musical prodigy, CECY excelled in flute and voice, and often performed in various church concerts and ministries. Her desire for musical superiority led her to the United States, and she landed in Chicago, Illinois with a dream to succeed. (MORE)