Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute: Bridging a Gap for Young Musicians

The Ravinia Festival is North America’s longest running outdoor festival in Chicago.  The quality of music from Ravinia over the years has featured some of the greatest musicians known to man.  From this festival has emerged the Steans Music Institute, a summer conservatory that is not only a quality training …

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iRock Jazz Live with Percussionist Kahil El’Zabar

Internationally renowned percussionist and composer Kahil El’Zabar is considered one of the most prolific jazz innovators of his generation. Indeed El’Zabar is a true “Renaissance Man,” with a musical style and content that flows from ancient Africa to the modern world. In his own words, “The spirit of one’s approach …

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Brian Culbertson: Artistry Cannot Be Categorized

Brian Culbertson began his musical journey at the age of 8 on piano, adding drums at 9, trombone at 10, then bass at 12. Loving genre-crossing jazz-pop artists such as Earth, Wind and Fire, Chicago, and Tower of Power, Culbertson’s artistry cannot be categorized into one genre. Brian has released …

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iRock Jazz LIVE! with Guitarist Paul Jackson Jr.

Though Paul Jackson Jr. never got to meet or work with Wes Montgomery, one of his chief guitar influences, he has forged professional relationships with all the others who touched his formative years, including Earl Klugh, George Benson, Ray Parker Jr., Al McKay and Lee Ritenour. Since breaking into the Los Angeles …

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Darryl Jones: From Miles to the Stones

Most musicians start off small and work their way up to a few big names. However, master bassist Darryl Jones began his career with one of the greatest in jazz and has continued to work with musical giants for over thirty years. After touring with the legendary Miles Davis, Jones …

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Melanie Fiona, D’Angelo and Mary J. Blige’s Liberation Tour Hits High Notes in Chicago

    All I can say is wow, what a night! Three talented artists wowed the crowd as they adorned the stage in Chicago’s United Center. The very first on stage on this rainy night was Melanie Fiona, who came out dressed in an all-black fitted, leather, short set. Creating …

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