The University of Chicago Presents, UChicagoʼs professional music presenting organization, will showcase great jazz artists across a range of stylistic influences in its first jazz concert series. The multimedia trio The Bad Plus will open the jazz series in October, which is part of the University of Chicago Presents 2013–14 season.
Amy Iwano, executive director of University of Chicago Presents, noted that these musicians and their work represent bridges across varying divides: between traditional and contemporary interpretations, across national and linguistic boundaries, and amid seemingly distinct categories of genre and style. The series reflects the mission of University of Chicago Presents to bring musical virtuosity to people of all ages and interests.
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“This year marks a significant moment as we celebrate our 70th season of bringing the world’s best musicians to Chicago,” said Iwano. “Chicago has been a leader in the performance, recording and evolution of jazz, and we hope to honor its tradition and innovation by expanding our programming. Like the artists we present this season, UCP seeks new encounters, and we invite jazz and other music lovers to join us in this exploration.”
Bill Michel, executive director of the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, said the Logan Center is honored to partner with University of Chicago Presents in its first jazz series. “Building on the strong jazz tradition on the South Side and throughout Chicago, we look forward to welcoming these incredible artists to the Logan Center as we celebrate David Loganʼs passion for jazz. We are grateful for the support of The Reva & David Logan Foundation, which has made this series and so much else possible.”
The artists chosen for the series include both well-known and established legends in the world of jazz as well as up-and-coming artists with exceptional talent. Anat Cohen, for example, six-time winner of the Jazz Journalists Association’s clarinetist of the year, the 2012 multi-reeds player of the year, and 2012 winner of the DownBeat Critics Poll for best jazz clarinet, will perform in November. Four-time winner of the Jazz Journalists Association’s alto saxophonist of the year, Rudresh Mahanthappa, will perform with his quartet in December. The series concludes with the legendary and versatile Dick Hyman and the Bill Charlap Trio, performing Variations on the Great American Songbook.
Several of the artists in the “Jazz at the Logan” series also will engage in educational workshops, performances and master classes with local high school and UChicago students, as well as in other public enrichment events.
—Prof. Jacqueline Stewart
