Oct 28, 2025 10:47 AM
In Memoriam: Jack DeJohnette, 1942–2025
Jack DeJohnette, a bold and resourceful drummer and NEA Jazz Master who forged a unique vocabulary on the kit over his…
Nicole Mitchell will take part in a virtual performance as part of the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s Birthday Bash, which runs June 28-30.
(Photo: Kristi Sutton Elias)For 50 years, the Jazz Institute of Chicago has helped spark the city’s innovative music scene. And to celebrate that milestone, the nonprofit organization’s holding its Birthday Bash, a series of free events, June 28-30.
Among the festivities set to be held at various Southside spaces—Connect Gallery, The Promontory and the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts—is a premiere of a new commissioned work; a performance by the Makaya McCraven Quintet on June 28; Joan Collaso performing as part of a tribute to Nina Simone on June 29; a collaborative effort on June 29 making use of video and prerecorded performances by Nicole Mitchell; a screening of the 1985 Ornette Coleman documenatry Ornette: Made In America on June 30; and a set by the Orbert Davis Sextet on June 30.
Discussions, sets by younger players and programming for families and children also are planned for the Birthday Bash.
“We are very much committed to celebrating our robust history while keeping our eye on the future,” said Heather Ireland Robinson, JIC executive director. “We continue to nurture and promote jazz citywide through education programs that support all aspects of a young artist’s career and musicianship, as well as free public programming in city parks, and of course programming the Chicago Jazz Festival. We believe in building bridges by creating programs in neighborhoods and presenting music where people of all ages live, work and play.”
For additional information about the events and JIC, visit the organization’s website. DB
Jack DeJohnette boasted a musical resume that was as long as it was fearsome.
Oct 28, 2025 10:47 AM
Jack DeJohnette, a bold and resourceful drummer and NEA Jazz Master who forged a unique vocabulary on the kit over his…
D’Angelo achieved commercial and critical success experimenting with a fusion of jazz, funk, soul, R&B and hip-hop.
Oct 14, 2025 1:47 PM
D’Angelo, a Grammy-winning R&B and neo-soul singer, guitarist and pianist who exerted a profound influence on 21st…
To see the complete list of nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards, go to grammy.com.
Nov 11, 2025 12:35 PM
The nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards are in, with plenty to smile about for the worlds of jazz, blues and beyond.…
Jim McNeely’s singular body of work had a profound and lasting influence on many of today’s top jazz composers in the U.S. and in Europe.
Oct 7, 2025 3:40 PM
Pianist Jim McNeely, one of the most distinguished large ensemble jazz composers of his generation, died Sept. 26 at…
Drummond was cherished by generations of mainstream jazz listeners and bandleaders for his authoritative tonal presence, a defining quality of his style most apparent when he played his instrument unamplified.
Nov 4, 2025 11:39 AM
Ray Drummond, a first-call bassist who appeared on hundreds of albums as a sideman for some of the top names in jazz…
