Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
In Memoriam: Al Foster, 1943–2025
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
Chick Corea’s Trilogy, which also includes bassist Christian McBride and drummer Brian Blade, are set to play the 2019/20 Symphony Center Presents Jazz series in Chicago on Nov. 1.
(Photo: Courtesy CSO)The 2019/2020 Symphony Center Presents Jazz series in Chicago is set to return Nov. 1.
During the past two-plus decades, the series has featured some of the jazz world’s most feted players, including performances last year by Joshua Redman and Zakir Hussain’s Crosscurrents, which featured bassist Dave Holland and saxophonist Chris Potter. This season’s planned events dip into local talent with an appearance of Chicago drummer and bandleader Makaya McCraven, while also marking the genre’s legacy with a celebration of saxophonist Charlie Parker, who was born in 1920.
All shows are planned for Chicago Symphony Orchestra at 220 S. Michigan Ave. in Chicago and are slated to begin at 8 p.m.
Nov. 1: Chick Corea Trilogy (with Christian McBride and Brian Blade)
Nov. 15: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Nov. 16: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis: South African Songbook
Jan. 31: Makaya McCraven In These Times (with Marquis Hill, Jeff Parker, Junius Paul, Greg Ward, Brandee Younger)
Feb. 14: The Piano Soul of Nat King Cole featuring Jeff Lindberg’s Chicago Jazz Orchestra (with Kenny Barron, Benny Green, Russell Malone)
Feb. 28: Abdullah Ibrahim & Ekaya
March 21: SFJAZZ Collective and special guest vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater mark the 50th anniversary of Miles Davis’ In a Silent Way and Sly & the Family Stone’s Stand!
April 3: Fly Higher: Charlie Parker @ 100 (Rudresh Mahanthappa, Terri Lyne Carrington, Charenée Wade, Adam O’Farrill, Kris Davis, Larry Grenadier and DJ Kassa Overall) + Sean Jones Quartet
April 17: Artemis (Renee Rosnes, Anat Cohen, Melissa Aldana, Ingrid Jensen, Noriko Ueda and Allison Miller) + Jazzmeia Horn
May 1: Kurt Elling marks the 25th anniversary of Close Your Eyes
June 5: Dianne Reeves Beleza Brazil
For additional information about the series, visit the CSO website. DB
Foster was truly a drummer to the stars, including Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson.
Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
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