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…
The Sutherland Community Arts Initiative (SCAI) will presents “No Room For Squares,” a celebration of jazz solidarity and the renewal of the Bronzeville jazz spirit. “No Room For Squares,” will feature Delmark recording artist and Bronzeville native Malachi Thompson and his Freebop Band featuring legendary saxophonists Gary Bartz and Billy Harper. This event will take place on Saturday, March 1, at The Spoken Word Cafe, 4655 S. King Drive.
Shows at 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $15, or $10 with a student ID.
SCAI has received a $500,000 grant from the City of Chicago’s Empowerment Zone initiative to support its programs, projects and events. This concert will be a kickoff for a series of events to take place on 47th street and in the Bronzeville community.
This concert is a prelude to the Freebop Band’s 25th annual season. The Freebop Band got it’s start in NYC in circa 1978 as part of the loft jazz scene in Lower Manhattan and the East Village and has since achieved international acclaim. To commemorate the 25th annual season Malachi is recording his 11th album for the Delmark record label. This project will combine Thompson’s Africa Brass with the Freebop Band. Africa Brass and Delmark records received support from the Aaron Copeland Fund For Music to record Thompson’s Black Metropolis Suite, a musical tribute to the Bronzeville community.
The Spoken Word Cafe is the first in a number of new cultural destinations coming to Bronzeville and the 47th Street corridor. The proprietor, Jimalita Tillman describes The Spoken Word Cafe as “... upscale, with an intimate environment where people can relax, meet with friends and network. My plan is to present seasoned international artists and also be a venue for young up and coming artists.”
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…
“Branford’s playing has steadily improved,” says younger brother Wynton Marsalis. “He’s just gotten more and more serious.”
May 20, 2025 11:58 AM
Branford Marsalis was on the road again. Coffee cup in hand, the saxophonist — sporting a gray hoodie and a look of…
“What did I want more of when I was this age?” Sasha Berliner asks when she’s in her teaching mode.
May 13, 2025 12:39 PM
Part of the jazz vibraphone conversation since her late teens, Sasha Berliner has long come across as a fully formed…
Roscoe Mitchell will receive a Lifetime Achievement award at this year’s Vision Festival.
May 27, 2025 6:21 PM
Arts for Art has announced the full lineup for the 2025 Vision Festival, which will run June 2–7 at Roulette…
Benny Benack III and his quartet took the Midwest Jazz Collective’s route for a test run this spring.
Jun 3, 2025 10:31 AM
The time and labor required to tour is, for many musicians, daunting at best and prohibitive at worst. It’s hardly…
