CHICAGO LOVES JAZZ

Jazz Institute of Chicago’s 2021 Virtual Gala

LET’S CELEBRATE OUR FAVORITE MUSIC AND OUR FAVORITE CITY!

Join us for a joyful tour of Chicago’s well-loved corners and jazz spaces hosted by Chicago musicians and industry glitterati. This virtual program will serve as a musical love letter to the city and music that brings us together while serving to highlight the mission and vision of the Jazz Institute of Chicago. Together we will travel through the city stopping at jazz clubs, city landmarks and the hidden corners that we miss so much, while presenting Chicago jazz luminaries and performers.

Watch the event at jazzinchicago.org/2021gala or on the JIC’s Youtube and Facebook pages.

The event is free to the public, but sponsors will receive VIP Viewing Party Packs and ticket buyers receive a Party Kit for 2 to make the night even more fun!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETING AND SPONSORSHIPS

Performances by:

Meagan McNeal and her all-star band of Chicago greats including Junius Paul, Corey Wilkes, Greg Artry and Brendan Doshi.

The Jazz Links Jam Sessions House Band featuring Jarrard Harris, Katie Ernst, Marcus Evans and Richard Johnson.

With music by the 2021 Kiewit-Wang Awardees Leo Milano and Brandon Harper and Jazz Links alumni Frank Morrison and Micah Collier.

Gala Hosts:

Bobbi Wilsyn, vocalist, educator

Rajiv Halim, saxophonist, educator

2021 Jazz Excellence Award Recipients:

Walter Dyett Achievement in Jazz Education Award:

Joan Collaso, Timeless Gifts Youth Program

Joan Collaso is an international vocalist and Chicago Emmy Award winner. From the early 1990’s to present Joan has been consistently active within the Chicago music community. She created, directs and performs in Black History plays designed for school aged children, was director and host of Music Mondays for ETA Creative Arts Foundation, and serves as coordinator of The Great Black Music Project and Jazzy Mondays for NEIU. In 2010 Joan created, directed and produced three celebrated concert productions still sought after today, A Tribute to Nancy Wilson & Shirley Horn, The Eleven Jazzy Divas and Timeless Gifts’ Annual Christmas Concert. Her captivating stage presence and soulful jazzy vocals have opened many doors, for performances in many parts of the world, film, television, numerous commercials and recordings, and performing supporting vocals for musical giants, Stevie Wonder, George Duke, Al Jarreau, and Aretha Franklin. Joan is Founder, Executive and Artistic Director of Timeless Gifts Youth Program for the Performing Arts, serving over 400 youth over 11 years, seeking to inspire, instruct, and provide professional performance opportunities for aspiring young artists. This is her most important work. “Our children are successful because we care”. –Joan Collaso

Irma Pickens Outstanding Jazz Advocate Award:

Chris Anderson, Fulton Street Collective

Chris Anderson is the Events Manager & Booking Agent for Fulton Street Collective (FSC). He is an experienced business manager and promoter by day, passionate musician by night. An avid drummer, Chris has been integrated in the music scene of Chicago for decades. He was the primary booking agent at Evanston’s Nevin’s Live and served as Manager to Chicago’s famed Green Mill Tavern for more than a decade. He’s worked for non-profits, restaurants, and clubs all over the city. He can often be seen at Fulton Street Collective events, working hard behind the scenes to exemplify the very best FSC has to offer.

During the pandemic, Chris and his team have led Chicago in producing live jazz and broadcasting it almost nightly via Fulton Street Collective’s YouTube channel. This has allowed the world to get to know FSC’s commitment to jazz and its players. The constant programming of live jazz kept Chicago jazz musicians busy and employed during the lean months of shutdown and limited indoor gatherings. He is privileged to receive the Irma Pickens Outstanding Jazz Advocate Award, and shares the honor with his incredibly supportive and hard-working team.

Thank You 2021 Sponsors:

SEPTET

David Helverson
The Dan J. Epstein Family Foundation

TRIO

CIBC
David and Kimberley Bloomberg
Brian and Laura Myerholtz
Joe & Madeleine Glossberg Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP

SOLO

In Memory of Stan Hoffman
Providence Bank & Trust
Chiquita Jones
Terry Martin
Bill & Jocelyn Norris
Keyonn & Tamara Pope
Dr. Sangram Sisodia
Judith E. Stein
DV Williams

(Sponsors as of October 26, 2021)

Become a 2021 JIC Virtual Gala Sponsor! Click here for more information.