Dear Jazz, 2024!
art exhibition and concerts, presented by the Jazz Institute of Chicago.
Friday, November 8 and Saturday, November 9
TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE!
FRIDAY TICKETS SATURDAY TICKETS
The Jazz Institute of Chicago proudly presents "Dear Jazz 2024," a two-night celebration of art and music at the beautiful Fulton Street Collective gallery.
This extraordinary event will showcase the talents of many of Chicago's most revered artists all of whom have found inspiration in the timeless art of jazz. All artwork will be for sale.
Live jazz performances will accompany the exhibitions, along with live painting during the concert.
A LOOK AT SOME OF THE WORKS APPEARING AT DEAR JAZZ 2024
LIST OF PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
Vanessa Abron, Lewis Achenbach, Marcus Alleyne, Melissa Arostegui, Olivia Bernard, Paul Branton, Alpha Bruton, Yeongskin Choi, Keith Connor, Konstantin Gallari, Glen Gauthier, Gerald Griffin, Hope Hanley, Alexy Irving, Robert Johnson, Karen Kalmek, D. Lamont, Mark Nelson, Kelsey Nichols, Dale Pesmen, Ann Pickett, Tony Smith, Raymond A. Thomas, Harvey Tillis, Arthur Wright, Dan Zamudio
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8
6PM Special Art Collector’s Hour, includes first look at and option to purchase artwork, drinks, snacks (until 7PM only). Jazz Links alum, Brandon Harper on piano.
7PM General Admission, includes gallery viewing, option to purchase art, and concert. Beverages available by suggested donation.
8PM Concert featuring the Ricardo Jimenez Quartet, with live painting.
SaTURDAY, NOVEMBER 9
6PM JIC MEMBERS MIXER HOUR, includes general admission, concert, drinks, snacks. Must show Member card. Lapsed Members and non-Members are welcomed with a purchase of a new Membership. Jazz Links alum Brandon Harper will entertain on piano.
7PM General Admission, includes gallery viewing, option to purchase art, and concert. Beverages available by suggested donation.
8PM Concert featuring Millie Ahearn’s “Octagyn Collective with live painting.
Millie Ahearn, trumpet/piano
Alyssa Allgood, vocals
Kyle Brooks, saxophones
Abram Collier, winds/vocals
Kirby Fellis, trombone
Joshua Achiron, guitars
Elio Adriano, piano
Jesse Lear, double bass
Kabir Dalawari, drums
Statement by curator, Raymond A. Thomas
Dear Jazz is a vibrant and immersive art exhibition and concert that pays tribute to the soulful legacy of jazz music. Through a dynamic collection of visual works by some of Chicago’s top artists, this exhibition captures the rhythm, improvisation, and emotional depth that have defined jazz throughout history. These works acts as a heartfelt "love letter" to the genre, interpreting the essence of jazz’s sound, spirit, and cultural significance. Drawing inspiration from the greats like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Billie Holiday, and many more, these chosen artists explore the themes of freedom and innovation that jazz embodies, reflecting its role as both a musical and cultural force. Dear Jazz invites all on a multisensory journey through the history, present, and future of jazz. It celebrates the way jazz transcends sound to become a universal language of expression, spontaneity, and joy.
Raymond A. Thomas
curator
LIST OF PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
Vanessa Abro, Lewis Achenbach, Marcus Alleyne, Melissa Arostegui, Olivia Bernard, Paul Branton, Alpha Bruton, Yeongskin Choi, Keith Connor, Konstantin Gallari, Glen Gauthier, Gerald Griffin, Hope Hanley, Alexy Irving, Robert Johnson, Karen Kalmek, D. Lamont, Mark Nelson, Kelsey Nichols, Dale Pesmen, Ann Pickett, Tony Smith, Raymond A. Thomas, Harvey Tillis, Arthur Wrigh, Dan Zamudio
Jazz Institute of Chicago is proud to receive generous support from the following organizations:
The Allstate Foundation; The Alphawood Foundation; a CityArts grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events; Crown Family Philanthropies; Chicago's Cultural Treasures; The Darling Family Foundation; The Field Foundation; The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelly Foundation; The Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; The Glossberg Foundation; The Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency; The National Endowment for the Arts, The Polk Bros. Foundation; The Oppenheimer Family Foundation; and The Wang Family.