Apr 29, 2025 11:53 AM
Vocalist Andy Bey Dies at 85
Singer Andy Bey, who illuminated the jazz scene for five decades with a four-octave range that encompassed a bellowing…
The Chicago Jazz Ensemble (CJE), under the artistic direction of Jon Faddis, has named Dana Hall as its music director and Darius Hampton as education director. The news was announced by CJE Executive Director J. Richard Dunscomb. In addition to their new roles, Hall will maintain his seat as drummer for the CJE and Hampton will continue as music librarian.
“We are pleased to celebrate the expanded roles of these two exceptional jazz aficionados,” said Dunscomb. “Dana is as talented on the stage as he is behind-the-scenes and Darius’ experience as our historian will lend a great deal to our education programs.”
As Music Director, Hall will supervise musicians and concert production and work with Faddis as welll as the music department chair and education director on the band’s vision. Hampton will develop a strategic plan for educational vision and materials and maintain regular contact with Chicago Public Schools, festivals and concerts with educational entities and projects.
More info: chicagojazzensemble.com
“It kind of slows down, but it’s still kind of productive in a way, because you have something that you can be inspired by,” Andy Bey said on a 2019 episode of NPR Jazz Night in America, when he was 80. “The music is always inspiring.”
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