Jazz Returns To Chicago’s 47th Street

By I Feb. 20, 2003

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.”