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Music, Chicagoans of Note Apr 1, 2021
Monique Golding, vocalist for Mosaic Soul and the Black Monument Ensemble

“A music community is a group of individuals that create music because they love doing it, and I think that's the most important thing for me.”
- By Leor Galil
- Tags: Chicagoans of Note, Monique Golding, Mosaic Soul, Damon Locks Black Monument Ensemble, Black Monument Ensemble, International Anthem, Now, Blessed, Phillip Armstrong, Greg Woods, Bethany Pickens, Willie Pickens, Dee Alexander, Rayna Golding, Chicago Children’s Choir, Rebuild a Nation, Where Future Unfolds

Music, Music Feature May 28, 2014
Jason Moran builds a bigger bandwagon

Artist Theaster Gates and reedist Ken Vandermark join the jazz pianist in an oral history of their evolving Chicago collaboration Looks of a Lot.
- By Peter Margasak
- Tags: Music Feature, Jason Moran, The Bandwagon, Nasheet Waits, Tarus Mateen, Symphony Center, multimedia, CSO, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Theaster Gates, Ken Vandermark, MacArthur Fellows, Eric Revis, artists, writers, Joan Jonas, Adrian Piper, Kara Walker, Lorna Simpson, Stan Douglas, Terrance Hayes, Luhring Augustine Gallery, Katie Ernst, Jazz Ahead, Kennedy Center, jazz, Kenwood Academy Jazz Band, Gerad Powell, Chicago Jazz Festival, Black Monks of Mississippi, Dorchester Projects, Manhattan School of Music, Bruce Nauman, MoMA, Museum of Modern Art, Bob Thompson, painters, Charles Lloyd, Slug's, Lee Morgan, contemporary art, Venice Biennale, Glenn Ligon, Thomas Edison, Edwin S. Porter, film, Bert Williams, video art, Ken Vandermark, Jeff Parker, Steve McQueen, Chris Marker, Documenta 13, James Fahey, AAM, Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians, Steve Coleman, Andrew Hill, Albert King, blues, commissions, Willie Pickens, Bethany Pickens, Roy Eldridge, Franz Schubert, saxophone, hip-hop, composers, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, The Guggenheim, Velvet Lounge, street preachers, sculptors

Music, The Secret History of Chicago Music Oct 29, 2013
The Secret History of Chicago Music: Skafish

This bizarre and confrontational band was one of just two acts from the Chicago punk scene to sign to a major label.
- Tags: The Secret History of Chicago Music, Skafish, The Secret History of Chicago Music, Stoned Fox, Willie Pickens, keyboardists, piano, Sway, Toast & the Understandables, La Mere Vipere, O'Banion's, CBGB, I.R.S. Records, Barbie Goodrich, Ken Bronowski, Larry Mysliwiec, Larry Mazalan, Javier Cruz, Lee Gatlin

Music, Music Sidebar Sep 26, 2013
The Hyde Park Jazz Festival paints a portrait of the Chicago scene

Thirty-two acts at 11 venues, including Dee Alexander, Anat Cohen, Ken Vandermark, and Gerald Clayton
- By Peter Margasak
- Tags: Music Sidebar, Hyde Park Jazz Festival, Kate Dumbleton, Gerald Clayton, Anat Cohen, Douglas Lora, Willie Pickens, Jeff Parker Trio, Ken Vandermark, Music of the Midwest School, Tomeka Reid, Dee Alexander, Sun Ra, DownBeat magazine, Peter Margasak, Eternals, Damon Locks, Frank Rosaly's Green and Gold, Logan Center, International House, DuSable Museum, Univ. of Chicago Logan Center for the Arts, DuSable Museum of African American History, International House, University of Chicago

Music, Music Feature Aug 27, 2013
Sunday: 2013 Chicago Jazz Festival according to Reader writers

The Robert Glasper Quartet is one of the acts closing out the final day of Jazz Fest.
- By Peter Margasak, John Corbett, and Bill Meyer
- Tags: Music Feature, 35th annual Chicago Jazz Fest, Anthony Carrillo, Carlos Maldonado, Pritzker Pavilion, Jimmy Heath Quartet, Jeb Patton, Winard Harper, Michael Karn, Hamid Drake, Bindu: Reggaeology, Jeff Albert, Jeff Parker, Joshua Abrams, Napoleon Maddox, 2013 Chicago Jazz Festival, Robert Glasper Quartet, Derrick Hodge, Corey Benjamin, Mark Colenburg, Donald Harrison, Congo Square Nation, Willie Pickens, Detroit Brooks, Max Moran, Darren James, James Dyson, Zaccai Curtis, Mardi Gras Indians, Von Freeman Pavilion, Nelson Thompson, Anthonase Johnson, Nathaniel Cooper, Fast Citizens, Fred Lonberg-Holm, Aram Shelton, Juli Wood Quintet, Larry Bowen, Steve Berry, Pete Benson, Todd Howell, Evan Christopher Clarinet Road, Don Vappie, Joe Ashlar, Ocie Davis, Atomic jazz band, Haavard Wiik, Fredrik Ljungkvist, Magnus Broo, Paal Nilssen-Love, Ingebrigt Haaker Flaten, Young Jazz Lions Pavilion, Jones College Prep High School Jazz Combo, Chicago High School for the Arts Jazz Combo, Morgan Park High School Jazz Ensemble, Curie Metro High School Jazz Ensemble, Roosevelt University Chicago College of Performing Arts Latin Jazz Ensemble, Lincoln Park High School Jazz Ensemble, Engines jazz group, Dave Rempis, Jeb Bishop, Nate McBride, Tim Daisy, Fareed Haque, Tony Monaco, Hammond B-3, Makaya McCraven, Papo Vazquez Mighty Pirates Troubadours, Willie Williams, Rich Germanson, Alexander "Apolo" Ayala, Alvester Garnett, Millennium Park

Blogs, Bleader Dec 11, 2012
Audio
This Friday, the final Willie Pickens jazz Christmas concert

Jazz pianist Willie Pickens presents his final Christmas concert at Hyde Park Union Church on Friday
- By Peter Margasak
- Tags: Music, Post No Bills, Willie Pickens, Chicago jazz, Christmas music, Hyde Park Union Church, A Jazz Christmas, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Nicholas Payton, Jon Faddis, Gregory Tardy, Milton Suggs, Audio

Blogs, Bleader Sep 14, 2012
Video
Monday: celebrating Von Freeman

On Monday the Jazz Showcase hosts a tribute to the late Von Freeman that features his band from the New Apartment Lounge
- By Peter Margasak
- Tags: Music, Post No Bills, Von Freeman, New Apartment Lounge, Jazz Showcase, Chicago jazz, Mike Allemana, Michael Rayor, Matt Ferguson, Willie Pickens, Ari Brown, Art Hoyle, Dan Anderson, Christopher McBride, George Freeman, Video

Music, Music Feature Aug 29, 2012
The Reader's guide to Jazz Fest: Thursday and Friday

Unscathed by the cuts that hit so many city fests this year, it's got
- By Peter Margasak and John Corbett
- Tags: Music Feature, Chicago Jazz Festival, Jazz Fest 2012, Chris Madsen, Ken Chaney, Damon Short, Yoko Noge, Tatsu Aoki, Stu Katz, Willie Pickens, Jim Gailloreto, Ken Vandermark, Joe McPhee, Roy Haynes

Blogs, Bleader Apr 30, 2012
How do you create an arts hub?

What does the future hold for University of Chicago's new Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts?
- By Elly Fishman
- Tags: Arts, Education, Architecture, University of Chicago, Reva and David Logan Arts Center, Theaster Gates, Alison Bechdel, Expo Chicago, Willie Pickens, Bethany Pickens, Alderman Willie Cochran, Richard Gray, Jazz Festival, Muntu Dance Theatre, Little Black Pearl

Music, Music Sidebar Sep 23, 2010
Hyde Park Jazz Festival

Saturday's jazz marathon features an impressive cast of local players, including Ernest Dawkins, Nicole Mitchell, Willie Pickens, Dana Hall, Robert Irving III, and Dee Alexander.
- By Kevin Warwick
- Tags: Music Sidebar, Hyde Park Jazz Festival, Dee Alexander, Dana Hall, Ernest Dawkins, Nicole Mitchell, Hyde Park, Willie Pickens, Orbert Davis, University of Chicago, International House, University of Chicago, Experimental Station, DuSable Museum of African American History, Robie House, Hyde Park Art Center, Hyde Park Bank, Hyde Park Union Church, Little Black Pearl Workshop, Oriental Institute Museum, Quadrangle Club, University of Chicago, Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, Smart Museum of Art, Midway Plaisance Park, Little Black Pearl

Music, Music Sidebar Mar 18, 2010
Fred Anderson Birthday Benefit Festival

The Velvet Lounge celebrates Fred Anderson's 81st birthday with a string of tribute shows.
- By Kevin Warwick
- Tags: Music Sidebar, Velvet Lounge, Fred Anderson, Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians, Tatsu Aoki, Dee Alexander, Corey Wilkes, Willie Pickens, Amiri Baraka, Richard Davis, jazz

Blogs, Bleader Jan 2, 2010
Dinner & a Show: Saturday 1/2

Recommended events paired with nearby restaurants
- By Whet Moser
- Tags: Chicagoland, Food Chain, Film, Music, Food & Drink, Performing Arts, Arts, Dinner & a Show, Von Freeman, Green Mill, Willie Pickens, Ch'ava Cafe, Pandora's Box, Bank of America Cinema, La Pena, Panic in the Streets, Cibo Matto, The Pillowman, Flourish Bakery Cafe, The Message Is in the Music, Black Ensemble Theter, Fishpond

Music, Music Sidebar Sep 24, 2009
Hyde Park Jazz Festival

Spotlighting the south-side jazz scene with free jazz performances at 13 venues all day Saturday
- By Kevin Warwick
- Tags: Music Sidebar, Hyde Park Jazz Festival, Cassandra Wilson, International House, Hyde Park Art Center, Dee Alexander, Von Freeman, Dusable Museum, Ernest Dawkins, Willie Pickens, Experimental Station, 8 Bold Souls, Midway Plaisance Park, Little Black Pearl Workshop, Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, DuSable Museum of African American History, Oriental Institute Museum, Smart Museum of Art, International House, University of Chicago, Little Black Pearl

Music, Music Feature Sep 3, 2009
Audio
The Reader's Guide to the 31st Annual Chicago Jazz Festival: Afterfest Shows

Chicago Jazz Festival Afterfest Shows
- By Peter Margasak
- Tags: Music Feature, Chicago Jazz Festival, Chicago Jazz Festival Afterparties, Chicago Jazz Festival Aftershows, Jazz Showcase, Ira Sullivan, Joe Segal, Velvet Lounge, Henry Grimes, Harrison Bankhead, Avreeayl Ra, 8 Bold Souls, Edward "Kidd" Jordan, Fred Anderson, Hamid Drake, Heaven Gallery, Hereafter Fest, David Boykin, Parallel Process, Ben Boye, Joel Wanek, Jayve Montgomery, David Boykin Expanse, Alex Wing Group, Nicole Mitchell, Renee Baker, Sherazette Tinnin, Karl E.H. Seigfried, Mike Reed, Micro/Macrocosmic Sound Orchestra, House of Trend, Underground Fest, Corey Wilkes, Abstrakt Pulse, Kahil El'Zabar's Ritual Trio, Hamiet Bluiett, Ernest Dawkins Ensemble, Experimental Band, Katerina's, Willie Pickens, Kurt Schweitz, Bradley Parker-Sparrow, Joanie Pallatto, Hungry Brain, Jeff Albert, Jeb Bishop, Lucky 7s, Velvet Lounge, Jazz Showcase, Heaven Gallery, House of Trend, Katerina's, Hungry Brain, Audio

Blogs, Bleader Aug 27, 2009
Free set by Willie Pickens, Donald Harrison, and Ron Perrillo in Millennium Park
- By Nicholas Teddy
- Tags: Free Shit, Swag, Willie Pickens, Ron Perrillo, Robert Shy, Stewart Miller, Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz

Music, Soundboard Aug 27, 2009
The List, August 27-September 2, 2009

Critics' Choices and other notable concerts: M.O.T.O., the Brunettes, La India Canela, Steely Dan, and more
- By Peter Margasak, Miles Raymer, Monica Kendrick, Bill Meyer, Ann Sterzinger, Brian Costello, and Jessica Hopper
- Tags: Soundboard, Willie Pickens, A. Spencer Barefield, Ettes, M.O.T.O., Paul Caporino, Brunettes, The Intelligence, La India Canela, Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival, Plankton Man, Steel Panther, Steely Dan, Free Energy, FEML, Latin Electronic Music Festival, Gordon Grdina, Gordon Grdina Trio, Chicago House Music Festival

Blogs, Bleader Mar 18, 2009
Bass greats Richard Davis and Henry Grimes salute Fred Anderson tonight at the Velvet

Fred Anderson's 80th birthday celebration continues tonight with performances by two of jazz's greatest bassists, Richard Davis and Henry Grimes.
- By Peter Margasak
- Tags: Music, Post No Bills, Fred Anderson, Velvet Lounge, Free Jazz, Willie Pickens, Richard Davis, Henry Grimes

Blogs, Bleader Dec 14, 2006
Willie Pickens rescues "Winter Wonderland"

Pianist Willie Pickens presents his annual jazz Christmas concert Friday at Hyde Park Union Church.
- By Peter Margasak
- Tags: Music, Post No Bills, Christmas Music, Willie Pickens, Hyde Park Union Church

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“A music community is a group of individuals that create music because they love doing it, and I think that's the most important thing for me.”

Artist Theaster Gates and reedist Ken Vandermark join the jazz pianist in an oral history of their evolving Chicago collaboration Looks of a Lot.

This bizarre and confrontational band was one of just two acts from the Chicago punk scene to sign to a major label.

Thirty-two acts at 11 venues, including Dee Alexander, Anat Cohen, Ken Vandermark, and Gerald Clayton

The Robert Glasper Quartet is one of the acts closing out the final day of Jazz Fest.

Jazz pianist Willie Pickens presents his final Christmas concert at Hyde Park Union Church on Friday

On Monday the Jazz Showcase hosts a tribute to the late Von Freeman that features his band from the New Apartment Lounge

Unscathed by the cuts that hit so many city fests this year, it's got

What does the future hold for University of Chicago's new Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts?

Saturday's jazz marathon features an impressive cast of local players, including Ernest Dawkins, Nicole Mitchell, Willie Pickens, Dana Hall, Robert Irving III, and Dee Alexander.

The Velvet Lounge celebrates Fred Anderson's 81st birthday with a string of tribute shows.

Recommended events paired with nearby restaurants

Spotlighting the south-side jazz scene with free jazz performances at 13 venues all day Saturday

Chicago Jazz Festival Afterfest Shows

Critics' Choices and other notable concerts: M.O.T.O., the Brunettes, La India Canela, Steely Dan, and more

Fred Anderson's 80th birthday celebration continues tonight with performances by two of jazz's greatest bassists, Richard Davis and Henry Grimes.

Pianist Willie Pickens presents his annual jazz Christmas concert Friday at Hyde Park Union Church.

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