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A Randy Weston Celebration 

August 30 - September 1, 2011

Greetings!

We hope your summer is going well! Here at the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, we're gearing up for the 33rd Annual Chicago Jazz Festival later this month as well as an exciting new season of music with our fantastic lineup of special guest musicians.

 

Randy WestonTo start things off, legendary jazz pianist, composer, and arranger Randy Weston will partner with the CJE and the Center for Black Music Research, both in residence at Columbia College Chicago, to illuminate and perform compositions drawn from his rich career exploring the music of the African Diaspora. A series of FREE related events will be presented August 30 and 31, including a September 1 concert with Weston and the CJE at Millennium Park - a Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz program that also kicks off the Chicago Jazz Festival and the 2011-12 CJE performance season!   

 

 

SPIRITUAL SOURCE: RANDY WESTON WITH THE CHICAGO JAZZ ENSEMBLE  

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 6:30pm
Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Free Admission

One of Weston's most significant artistic collaborations was with trombonist/composer/arranger Melba Liston. Together they created a pioneering body of jazz music that explored music from the African Diaspora and yielded over ten albums. In this program, Weston joins the CJE to perform his music - including Liston arrangements from the music library at  CBMR - plus new, specially commissioned works by CJE Artistic Director Dana Hall  and Chicago cellist Tomeka Reid.

 

Presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events in partnership with the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture, the Jazz Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, and the Center for Black Music Research. 

 

Randy Weston Celebration: Supporting Events   

ALL EVENTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

 

Jay Pritzker PavilionFirst Look: Outdoor Open Rehearsal with Weston and the CJE
Tuesday, August 30, 10am-2pm
Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion Stage
You're invited to observe the preparation for the musical collaboration between Weston, CJE Artistic Director Dana Hall, and the Ensemble at this open rehearsal.  

  

Panel Discussion: Diasporic Connections - Weston's Art, Collaborations, and World-Making
Wednesday, August 31, 10am-11:30am
Chicago Cultural Center, Cassidy Theater
Join in a panel discussion about Weston's work, his partnership with Melba Liston, and his contemporary practice.

 

CJE Listening Session: In Conversation with Randy Weston and Dana Hall
Wednesday, August 31, 12pm-1:30pm
Chicago Cultural Center, Cassidy Theater
Take part in this engaging, multi-media conversation..

 

Book Signing: Weston's African Rhythms
Wednesday, August 31, 1:30pm-2:15pm
Chicago Cultural Center, Cassidy Theater Lobby
Copies of Weston's autobiography will be available for purchase and signing in the lobby.

 

More on Randy Weston  

Jazz and world-music pianist/composer Randy Weston boasts a range of musical influences. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, he later lived in Africa for many years, both playing and studying African music. The result of his lifelong work and his far-reaching adventures is a beautiful and balanced hybrid of classic American jazz and ancient African rhythms and tonalities. 
A short video feature on Randy Weston
A short video feature on Randy Weston
  

CJE Listening Sessions 

Dana Hall

Hosted by CJE Artistic Director Dana Hall as well as band members, historians, guest artists, and jazz critics, Listening Sessions are the CJE's signature series of informal discussions featuring musical demonstrations and conversation related to the themes of upcoming CJE concerts. Discussion is very interactive and the audience is encouraged to participate. These events are free and open to the public and feature all of this season's special guest artists. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to see top musicians in an intimate, conversational setting! 

 

More on our community education programs 

Ticket Information

Single tickets for the Chicago Jazz Ensemble's 2011-12 performance season at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance are $18 - $48. Season subscriptions also available, offering the best discounts and an impressive array of special perks! Student tickets (with valid ID) are $5.

 

To buy tickets: call 312.334.7777 or visit the Harris Online Box Office.  

 

The Harris Theater is located at 205 East Randolph Drive on the northeast corner of Millennium Park.

 

Support Us
DonateIf you'd like to make a tax-deductible donation to the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, contact Ruby Schucker, Director of Development, at 312.369.7399. Or, you can donate online. We are grateful for your support!
Hope to see you soon!

-The Chicago Jazz Ensemble

Tickets for our 2011-12 Harris Theater season

Call 312.334.7777 or visit the Harris Online Box Office.  

 

 

Upcoming CJE Concerts

Thurs, September 1
Jay Pritzker Pavilion Spiritual Source: Randy Weston and the CJE

 

 

Friday, October 7  The Harris Theater Musica Panamericano with Etienne Charles

 

 

Friday, January 20 The Harris Theater 

Beneath the Underdog: The Musical World of Charles Mingus 

 

 

Friday, February 24 The Harris Theater 

Ornithology: The Music of Charlie "Bird" Parker 

 

 

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