Mar 2, 2026 9:58 PM
In Memoriam: John Hammond Jr., 1942–2026
John P. Hammond (aka John Hammond Jr.), a blues guitarist and singer who was one of the first white American…
Sound & Gravity showcases a diverse range of musical genres, including jazz, experimental, contemporary classical and indie music.
(Photo: Constellation Performing Arts)After its inaugural run last year, Sound & Gravity will return Sept. 3–6 across several venues in the Bricktown/Avondale area of Chicago with a lineup of more than 50 artists.
Sound & Gravity is an immersive experience showcasing a diverse range of musical genres, including jazz, experimental, contemporary classical and indie music, reflecting the eclectic programming ethos of its organizing entity, Constellation Performing Arts. This year’s headliners include Tomeka Reid Quartet, Joe McPhee, Ken Vandermark & Chris Corsano, Capatosta (Tim Berne, Tom Rainey, Gregg Belisle-Chi), Grouper, Son Lux, Lee Ranaldo & Leah Singer, Contre Jour, Marc Ribot, Hailu Mergia, American Analog Set, Alabaster DePlume, Lucrecia Dalt, Natural Information Society & Bitchin Bajas, Mary Halvorson & Sylvie Courvoisier and many more.
This year’s edition takes place once again at Chicago venues Constellation, Hungry Brain, Judson & Moore, Beat Kitchen, Guild Row, Athenaeum Center and Rockwell on the River, all in an area known for its burgeoning creative industries. Capitalizing on the neighborhood’s walkability, with most venues a 5- to 15-minute walk from each other, Sound & Gravity offers attendees the opportunity to experience the local culture during four days of cutting-edge performances.
Sound & Gravity also serves as a fundraiser for Constellation Performing Arts, a not-for-profit organization that has become a cornerstone of Chicago’s forward-thinking music scene. Founded in 2013 by musician and presenter Mike Reed, Constellation has become a hub for innovative musical practices. Since its inception, Constellation has filled a crucial void in Chicago’s cultural landscape by providing a reliable, high-end performance platform for avant-garde and experimental music.
“Watching Sound & Gravity come to life across Chicago’s small rooms last year was a reminder of why we started this in the first place: to give adventurous music the same care and visibility that big festivals reserve for safer choices,” Reed said. “Bolstered by visitors from 34 states and six different countries, we’re doubling down on the idea and presenting artists who are genuinely expanding what music can be.”
Tickets are now available, and can be purchased HERE. Ticket options include an all-event four-day pass at $240, a single-day pass at $85 and a Thursday opening night pass at $50. After purchasing a festival or day pass, pass-holders will receive an email invitation to “Create Your Festival Experience,” where festival-goers can select which shows they are most interested in. While not guaranteed, responses will help the festival plan to make space according to their selections.
Additionally, a limited number of individual show/venue tickets will be on sale from Thursday, July 16, leading up to the festival. This is dependent on availability after pass-holder demand is assessed. DB
Hammond came to the blues through the folk boom of the late 1950s and early 1960s, which he experienced firsthand in New York’s Greenwich Village.
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John P. Hammond (aka John Hammond Jr.), a blues guitarist and singer who was one of the first white American…
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