A highly innovative and original piano style and deep respect for the masters of jazz and classical music combine to make Marcus Roberts one of the most diverse and acclaimed artists in jazz.

A highly innovative and original piano style and deep respect for the masters of jazz and classical music combine to make Marcus Roberts one of the most diverse and acclaimed artists in jazz.

"I've never felt more like myself than I have on this album. I found myself, and I finally found my voice," the singer, songwriter and guitarist Graham Colton says of the forthcoming CD, Here Right Now.

Don't call it a simple return. Call it a metamorphosis, a deep progression, an inspired evolution or - perhaps most fitting - a rewarding exercise in self-actualization. Stepping into his own in order to connect to his heart and artistic vision, Graham Colton has emerged with a stunning collection of pop-rock melodies, lyrics and emotions in 12 tracks that swing between love and heartbreak, trials and relief.

"I believe that eventually we'll get what we're after, but I need it now." 21 year old Trey Lockerbie sings those words in his song "Hummingbird," the opening track to "The Hummingbird EP." Most of us can relate to these words. A sense of hope mixed with a sense of restlessness. Our time-starved, on-demand society has resulted in the disappearance of a long-forgotten virtue, patience. We multi-task, skip past the commercials and get to what we want, when we want it. Along the way, we miss out on the beauty of the journey.

The only problem with "The Hummingbird EP" is that the journey ends too soon and will leave you longing for more soothing sounds and bittersweet stories. After listening to "The Hummingbird EP" you will no doubt believe that Trey Lockerbie eventually will get what he's after, and he's definitely ready for it now.

Genre: Rock/Pop

Graham's site - Trey's site

Order Tickets Here

...less

"I've never felt more like myself than I have on this album. I found myself, and I finally found my voice," the singer, songwriter and guitarist Graham Colton says of the forthcoming CD, Here Right Now.<... more

Photographs by Jeffrie Chirchirillo and David Schachman

Opening Reception: Saturday, September 4, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Exhibition Dates: September 3-26, 2010

Michigan Avenue at Night by Jeffrie Chirchirillo

Jeffrie Chirchirillo creates black and white images using 35 mm film and traditional wet darkroom techniques. Each finished print is hand crafted and totally unique. His photos of Michigan Avenue are taken expressly at night, and he has a special affinity for the Water Tower, a Chicago monument he has been visiting since he was a child. Chirchirillo finds photos taken at night to be much more alluring, mysterious, and intriguing than those taken during the day, and has taken night images in many different cities, including London, Salzburg, Warsaw, Copenhagen, Berlin, Stockholm, Paris, and Rome. He has been inspired to create night images since visiting a cathedral in Salisbury, England in 1985, where, lacking a tripod, he had to rest his camera on the surrounding stone walls to get a clear shot.

The Veneto: From One Hundred And Thirty-Five Degrees
by David Schachman

From Padua to the Villa Barbaro and Venice, these images are taken with a sweeping, horizontal angle of view of one hundred and thirty-five degrees.  This wide view is well suited, although not too obvious, for taking in the long, gentle sweep of the Grand Canal.  However, when exploring the endless maze of small canals and bridges of Venice, the angle of view becomes a more prominent part of the subject.  Views in two different directions at once: a view down the Lido in one direction and a side canal in another connected, of course, by a footbridge.  Around every bend in the footpath are at least two scenes, the canal changes from reflections of the sun or sky to reflecting the buildings on either side of the canal and, of course, a footbridge. The similar, but different scenes repeat themselves throughout Venice.  This wide field of view captures the visual delight of getting lost walking around Venice, the endless bends and curves, and the wonderful changing light reflecting from the water and bouncing off the buildings along the narrow canals.

For more info contact 224-200-1155

Gallery Hours:
Thursday and Saturday, 12 - 6 p.m.;
Friday, 12 - 8 p.m.; Sunday, 12 - 5 p.m.

...less

Photographs by Jeffrie Chirchirillo and David Schachman

Opening Reception: Saturday, September 4, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Exhibition Dates: September 3-26, 2010

Michigan Avenue at Night by Jeffrie Chirchi... more

Hailed as most "Most Promising Songwriter" by Chicago Magazine when he entered the music scene, Al Day has appeared in clubs and colleges throughout the United States and on such radio and TV shows as WFMT's "Midnight Special," WFMT's "Studs Terkel Show," WBEZ's "The Earth Club," and WTTW/Channel 11's "Sound Stage." His songs have supplied not only himself, but other artists with original material. In addition to individual songs, Al has written several concert theater pieces in which his music was wed to spoken texts. He wrote the English translation/version for the Brazilian theatrical production, "Terra." The most extensive piece Al has written to date is the libretto for the opera Two Soldiers, which was funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.

Steve Rashid is an Emmy winning composer, a performer, producer and recording engineer. He holds a B.A. in Music and Philosophy from Ripon College and a Masters Degree in Music Composition from Northwestern University. He has composed and performed in many musical contexts and in many styles throughout his career. His company, Woodside Avenue Music Productions (founded in 1991), is both a recording studio and a record label, and through it he has released four solo CDs ("i will hold you tiny hand," "Fidgety Feet," "As In A Mirror" and "Song of Songs”) as instrumentalist and singer. In addition, he has produced/engineered hundreds of recordings for many other artists and labels, spanning jazz, folk, classical, bluegrass, gospel, country and pop music.

Genre: Folk/Jazz

Al's site - Steve's site

Order Tickets Here

...less

Hailed as most "Most Promising Songwriter" by Chicago Magazine when he entered the music scene, Al Day has appeared in clubs and colleges throughout the United States and on such radio and TV shows as WFMT's "Midnight Sp... more

This month's exhibit will feature Peter Wolf and Shelley Brucar & the Fiber Artists Coalition.

Artist Reception
Saturday September 4, 1:00-5:00

Peter Wolf
Oil paintings

Peter produces a unique style of art that is peaceful, tranquil and balanced.  These attributes complement his 3-D, sensationalized methods, a mix between realism and impressionism. Peter's style stands on its own.  Besides his oils and pen and ink work, Peter is also is talented at Faux, Restorations, Decorative and Sign designs.

Shelley Brucar & the Fiber Artists Coalition
Fiber Art

The Fiber Artists Coalition is a group of artists living in the upper midwestern United States. The coalition consistes entirely of professional artist members of the the non-profit organization, Studio Art Quilt Associates, Inc. FAC curates exhibits of our members' contemporary fiber art and arranges for the exhibits to travel throughout the Midwest and beyond.

FAC (The Fiber Artists Coalition) is a non-profit organization consisting entirely of professional artist members from throughout the upper midwestern United States.  FAC curates exhibits of contemporary fiber art and arranges for exhibits to travel throughout the Midwest and beyond.

Studio Art Quilt Associates, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the art quilt through education, exhibitions, professional development and documentation. Founded in 1989 by an initial group of 50 artists, SAQA members now number over 2,400: artists, teachers, collectors, gallery owners, museum curators and corporate sponsors. For more information visit fiberartistscoalition.com/

...less

This month's exhibit will feature Peter Wolf and Shelley Brucar & the Fiber Artists Coalition.

Artist Reception
Saturday September 4, 1:00-5:00

Peter Wolf
Oil paintings

Peter produc... more

The annual season kickoff again showcases the Bienen School of Music’s outstanding performance faculty, with appearances by violinist Gerardo Ribeiro, clarinetist Steven Cohen, tenor Kurt Hansen, and others. Join in for a wonderful evening of music in Pick-Staiger Concert Hall.

Admission is free.

...less

The annual season kickoff again showcases the Bienen School of Music’s outstanding performance faculty, with appearances by violinist Gerardo Ribeiro, clarinetist Steven Cohen, tenor Kurt Hansen, and others. Join in for a wonderful eve... more

Born and raised in New Orleans, Stanton Moore is a dedicated drummer and performer especially connected to the city, its culture and collaborative spirit. Driven and inspired by the thriving music scene of his hometown which includes such greats as Professor Longhair, Doctor John and The Meters, Moore’s name is now mentioned amongst these Big Easy mainstays.

The Stanton Moore Trio, featuring Will Bernard on guitar and Robert Walter on organ, vocalist, guitarist Anders Osborne, is on tour this May. Stanton also helped produce the latest Anders Osborne album entitled 'American Patchwork' on which he also appears on.

Anders has spent most of career since honing his songwriting at the same time creating a solid fan-base by touring the East and West coast as a performer, while dividing time between New Orleans and Nashville as a staff writer for the Universal Music and Razor and Tie publishing companies. He's worked his magic for other performers, writing "Watchin the Wind Blow By," a number one hit for country superstar Tim McGraw and "I Was Wrong" and "A Better Man," both Grammy-winning songs from Keb' Mo's album Slow Down.

Genre: Funk/Jazz

Stanton's site

Order Tickets Here

...less

Born and raised in New Orleans, Stanton Moore is a dedicated drummer and performer especially connected to the city, its culture and collaborative spirit. Driven and inspired by the thriving music scene of his hometown which includes such greats a... more

Welcome to Preston Reed’s guitar revolution. Everything you thought you knew is wrong. All the rules you thought applied have gone. For one night only, logic and reason have left the building and musical magic fizzes in the air, as the New York visionary credited with reinventing the acoustic guitar takes you on a six and twelve string thrill-ride through the impossible and unforgettable. Night after night, venue after venue, Reed’s growing army of converts are unanimous. He came. He soared. He conquered. Pass it on.

Genre: Acoustic/Blues/Jazz

Preston's site

Order Tickets Here

...less

Welcome to Preston Reed’s guitar revolution. Everything you thought you knew is wrong. All the rules you thought applied have gone. For one night only, logic and reason have left the building and musical magic fizzes in the air, as the New York ... more

A Ballroom Dance competition to benefit Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago with GJDC company dancers and their partners from Chicago’s Who’s Who.

6:00-7:30 pm       Spirits and Light Fare
7:30-8:30 pm       Dancing with the Giordano Stars Competition
8:30-10:00 pm     Awards, and don't miss the newest addition Open Dancing for all.

Location:
Park West
322 W. Armitage Ave, Chicago

All Tickets Include 3 Hour Open Bar, Light Fare, Competition Show, and Dancing

The Contestants
Teresa Carso
Dirk Degenaars
Desiree Denoyer
Lisa Huff
Karl Leinberger
Susan Lichtenstein
Frank Muscarello
David Prange
Temple Seigler
Max Suzenaar

Evening Emcee
Steve Abrams, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Harris Theater

Giordano Ambassadors
Dina Gallay - Chair
Tremaine Atkinson
Linda Berz
Silvia Bichalo
Cindy Chereskin
K.K. Cleland
Bea Douma
Susan Flynn
Nina Flynn
Sandy Golub
Pam Kendall
Molly Newell
Joanne Ryan

For more information call 847-866-6779
Limited Capacity!

Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago is a 501-c-3 not-for-profit corporation.
All but $50 of the ticket price is tax deductible.

2008 Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago • A Not-For-Profit Corporation
614 Davis Street, Evanston, IL 60201 • Tel: 847.866.6779 • Fax: 847.866.9228
...less

A Ballroom Dance competition to benefit Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago with GJDC company dancers and their partners from Chicago’s Who’s Who.

6:00-7:30 pm       Spirits and Light Fare
7:30-8:30 pm  &... more

North Branch

The North Branch Book Group meets on the last Thursday of the month.  In September we will discuss Justice:  What's the Right Thing To Do by Michael J. Sandel.  (See the a staff review.)

“Michael J. Sandel, political philosopher and public intellectual, is a liberal, but not the annoying sort. His aim is not to boss people around but to bring them around to the pleasures of thinking clearly about large questions of social policy. Reading this lucid book is like taking his famous undergraduate course ‘Justice’ without the tiresome parts, such as term papers and exams.”—George F. Will

All are welcome.  Register online, call 847-866-0330 or stop in to pick up a copy of the book

...less

North Branch

The North Branch Book Group meets on the last Thursday of the month.  In September we will discuss <... more

Come celebrate John Coltrane's birthday with us at SPACE!

Chicago-based reedman and occasional pianist, Ari Brown is a musician who can play hard bop and post-bop as convincingly as he plays avant-garde jazz. Brown grew up on the city's South Side and graduated from high school in the early '60s and then attended Chicago's Wilson College, where he met Jack DeJohnette, Henry Threadgill, Roscoe Mitchell, Joseph Jarman, and others who would later become members of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM). Not only a musician but also a teacher and active member in his community, his music reveals his strong character and fearless creativity.

Tenor sax giant John “Boom” Brumbach has worked with jazz, blues, and R&B legends such as Chaka Khan, Sunnyland Slim, Otis Clay, Jack McDuff, Buddy Guy, Earma Thompson, and Erwin Helfer. In 1972 he teamed up with Chaka's sister Taka Boom, and eventually moved to L.A. where he recorded and performed with Rufus, Parliament, the Gap Band, Bloodstone, Jermaine Jackson and Fred Wesley.

Genre: Jazz

Order Tickets Here

...less

Come celebrate John Coltrane's birthday with us at SPACE!

Chicago-based reedman and occasional pianist, Ari Brown is a musician who can play hard bop and post-bop as convincingly as he plays avant-garde jazz. Brown grew up on the city's So... more

The newly-expanded Evanston Children’s Choir welcomes young people grades 2-12 who love to sing and want to be a part of something special to join us for our Fall Semester 2010.  The ECC experience is based on multiculturalism, spirited energy, musical excellence, mutual respect, positive reinforcement and fun!  Prospective new members must audition for placement.  Space is limited and choirs are filling up!  The ECC does not turn any child away because of money related matters.

To schedule an audition by appointment, please contact:
Gary Geiger, Director
(847) 733-0814

gary@evanstonchildrenschoir.org
www.evanstonchildrenschoir.org

The Evanston Children’s Choir is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

...less

The newly-expanded Evanston Children’s Choir welcomes young people grades 2-12 who love to sing and want to be a part of something special to join us for our Fall Semester 2010.  The ECC experience is based on multicultural... more

Design Within Reach joins the City of Evanston and the Illinois Arts Council in recognizing October as Arts and Humanites Month, a statewide celebration encouraging everyone to establish, deepen and expand their relationship with the arts and humanities.

Come enjoy the art, music, hors d'oeuvres and drinks at this event to kick-off the Arts & Humanities Month celebration.  This gala event will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.  Evanston. Musical entertainment will be provided by The Blue Dragons.

Admission is free.

...less

Design Within Reach joins the City of Evanston and the Illinois Arts Council in recognizing October as Arts and Humanites Month, a statewide celebration encouraging everyone to establish, deepen and expand their relationship with the arts and huma... more

Jeffrey Siegel, piano

An evening of memorable melodies and jazzy rhythms including Gershwin’s rarely heard solo piano version of Rhapsody in Blue, his Novelette in Fourths, and Sleepless Night. You’ll also hear music by Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, and Samuel Barber, whose 100th birthday falls this season.

Single tickets on sale June 21. Call 847-467-4000 for subscription information.

...less

Jeffrey Siegel, piano

An evening of memorable melodies and jazzy rhythms including Gershwin’s rarely heard solo piano version of Rhapsody in Blue, his Novelette in Fourths, and Sleepless Nightmore

EPL is pleased to feature the art of Paul Whittaker, currently on display in the library. Mr. Whittaker is the latest artist in our ongoing series of local art exhibitions.

The show, entitled Circular Logic, features many of Mr. Whittaker's pieces in a variety of different mediums. Watercolors, paints, pastels, and photography are all employed in Mr. Whittaker's art, often within the same piece. The colors on display here can only be described as vibrant.

Stop by the 2nd Floor of the Main Library now through October 1st and see for yourself, and be sure to make plans to be at the library on Thursday, September 2nd from 6-8pm to meet the artist himself and discuss his work with him. Coming up later this month we'll feature an interview with Mr. Whittaker on our Off the Shelf blog. Stay tuned.
...less

EPL is pleased to feature the art of Paul Whittaker, currently on display in the library. Mr. Whittaker is the latest artist in our ongoing series of local art exhibitions.

The show, entitled Circular Logic, features man... more