Feb 3, 2026 12:10 AM
In Memoriam: Ken Peplowski, 1959–2026
Ken Peplowski, a clarinetist and tenor saxophonist who straddled the worlds of traditional and modern jazz, died Feb. 2…
The 2008 JVC Jazz Festival Chicago will run July 18–20, showcasing members of the local Chicago jazz scene and jazz musicians from around the country. The festival will take place at five music venues around the city, including the recently reopened Jazz Showcase.
Notable performances include the John Abercrombie Organ Trio with Chicago saxophonist Eric Schneider, the Corey Wilkes Quartet and “Three Generations of Chicago Tenors,” a showcase of Chicago saxophonists Von Freeman, Ari Brown and Frank Catalano . The festival will kick off on July 18 with a performance by Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo at the House of Blues.
“This year’s festival is a true one-of-a-kind event, pairing Chicago-area greats and nationally known jazz giants,” said Tom Shepard, CEO of Festival Network. “We’re proud to add to Chicago jazz history with these unique collaborations that are sure to excite jazz fans.”
More info: festivalnetwork.com
Peplowski first came to prominence in legacy swing bands, including the final iteration of the Benny Goodman Orchestra, before beginning a solo career in the late 1980s.
Feb 3, 2026 12:10 AM
Ken Peplowski, a clarinetist and tenor saxophonist who straddled the worlds of traditional and modern jazz, died Feb. 2…
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