Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
In Memoriam: Cassandra Wilson, 1955–2026
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
The Chicago Jazz Ensemble (CJE), conducted by Jon Faddis, will conclude its 2005/2006 season on a high note with An Evening with Dr. Billy Taylor.
The event, to be held April 22 at 8 p.m. at the Rubloff Auditorium in Chicago, will feature the world-renowned pianist, composer and educator in his debut performance with the CJE. Dr. Taylor’s newly arranged compositions include “Capricious,” “It’s A Grand Night,” “Midnight Piano,” “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free,” and the premiere of Michael Philip Mossman’s arrangement of “It’s Diz,” a song written for the doctor’s appearance with Dizzy Gillespie on “Sesame Street.”
Dr. Taylor has been playing professionally since 1944, beginning his career with Ben Webster and as the house pianist at Birdland. He has since composed more than 350 songs, led various trios and been an arts correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning. He joins the CJE, an internationally renowned jazz ensemble, in celebration of its 40th Anniversary and second year with Faddis as its director.
Tickets for the show are $40, $12 for students and are available at www.ticketweb.com or by calling Amanda Elston at 312-344-6270.
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
“The love from the jazz and music community restored my faith in humanity,” Walia wrote in an online post upon his release from detention at an ICE facility.
Aug 18, 2026 2:15 PM
Indian jazz guitarist and composer Pritesh Walia has been released after being unexpectedly detained by ICE and taken…
Percussionist Poncho Sanchez was among the artists scheduled to perform at the now-canceled inaugural LA Jazz Festival.
Aug 11, 2026 12:53 PM
The inaugural LA Jazz Festival, originally scheduled to run Aug. 7–23 with dozens of events across Los Angeles’…
Bertoncini was a specialist and advocate for the nylon-string acoustic guitar, turning down high-profile opportunities that were unsuited to the sound and techniques that he used with that instrument.
Sep 1, 2026 11:06 AM
Gene Bertoncini, an esteemed jazz guitarist, composer, arranger and educator, died Aug. 29 at the Lillian Booth Actors…
A solo concert by saxophonist Joshua Redman will close the first night of the Hyde Park Jazz Festival on Sept. 26.
Sep 22, 2026 12:26 PM
The Hyde Park Jazz Festival will take place for the 20th time on the final weekend of September 2026. Beginning half…
