More information at www.billfrisell.com

Representing the great musical diversity of his hometown of Chicago, composer, pianist, and jazz legend Ramsey Lewis is most notably referred to as “the great performer.” Lewis’ performance style and musical selections highlight his early days of gospel playing and classical training, along with his passionate love for jazz. Lewis has reached acclamation as one of the nation’s most successful jazz pianists, and has received three Grammy Awards and seven gold records.  His repertoire, however, does not end there.  Recently awarded Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts, Lewis also hosts a Chicago weekday morning drive-time radio show, “The Ramsey Lewis Morning Show,” syndicated nationwide.

More Information at www.ramseylewis.com

Ravi Coltrane Quartet
Featuring Ravi Coltrane (saxophone), Luis Perdomo (piano),
EJ Strickland (drums), and Drew Gress (bass)

Ravi Coltrane is not only an astounding tenor and soprano saxophonist, but a superior bandleader and composer as well.  Born the second son of jazz masters John and Alice Coltrane, he grew up with an insider’s appreciation for the jazz aura.  Ravi Coltrane has fronted a variety of jazz lineups; recorded critically-hailed albums as leader; produced recordings by other artists —including for his mother; worked as sideman for jazz luminaries; overseen important jazz reissues; and founded an independent record label. Ravi Coltrane’s repertoire extends from his own band to guest performances with experts McCoy Tyner, Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Mark Turner, and many others. Since finding his life’s path, it seems music was Ravi’s destiny from the outset.

Ravi Coltrane- 6 and 7 Listen
Ravi Coltrane- Jagadishwar Listen

More Information at www.ravicoltrane.com

Roy Haynes Quartet
Featuring Roy haynes (drums), Jaleel Shaw (saxophone), David Wong (bass), Martin Bejerano (piano)

Percussive powerhouse Roy Haynes has influenced and innovated for over 50 years, shaping some of the greatest recordings in jazz while altering the very fabric and direction of jazz improvisation with his mercurial, intelligent, joyous drumming. Having performed with legends such as Louis Armstrong, John Coltrane, Lester Young, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, and Dizzy Gillespie – Roy Haynes draws on the impact of a generation of masters for influence. Now calling his music “hard swing,” Haynes is influencing the next generation of jazz and keeping his perennial focus on the flexibility and rhythmic innovations of his music.

More Information at www.dreyfusrecords.com

Featuring alumni from the 1952-1978 Stan Kenton Orchestra, the Mike Vax Big Band performs some of Stan Kenton Orchestra’s best music along with fresh new material written by members of the band.  Mike Vax was a trumpet soloist in the Stan Kenton Orchestra until leading the band after Kenton passed away to keep his music alive. The masterful Mike Vax leads his band to a sharp, swinging jive with explosive brass, saxophone, and solos by some of the best improvisers around.  With a musical variety ranging from the swing era to the present, the repertoire continues to grow throughout the country.  The goals of the big band are to perform meaningful music, talk about the importance of the jazz heritage in America, bring jazz music to young people, and to offer audiences a relaxed, entertaining atmosphere.

More Information at www.bigbandjazz.net