This concert is presented in partnership with Navy Pier as a part the closing performance of Fresh Fest! Chicago Youth Music & Performance Showcase featuring NextGenJazz Emerging Artists Project performers Chase Wilkins, Tate Sherman and Aleko Lionikis.
The NextGenJazz Emerging Artists Project promotes leadership, creativity, and a foundation for self-marketing for members of the Jazz Links Student Council, a program for students to develop musically and professionally through exposure to live music, workshops with professional musicians and performance opportunities throughout the city.
Schedule:
6:30PM: Chase Wilkins
7:15PM: Tate Sherman
8PM: Aleko Lionikis
About the artists:
Chase Wilkins, drums
Rufus Parenti, sax
Steven Bowman, bass
Tony Milano, piano
Chase Wilkins started playing drums at a very young age, initially working to mimic rock drummers Chad Smith, Stewart Copeland, Steve Jordan, and Patrick Carney. Now a student at Chicago High School for the Arts, Chase is studying with Anthony Bruno to understand the Jazz roots of his drumming idols. Under Bruno’s direction, Chase has been able to audition into one of his school’s top jazz combos.
Tate Sherman, drums
Javier Martinez, guitar
Leo Buczkowski, bass
Tate Sherman started playing drums at age 12 after his neighbor gave him a drum set while clearing out his basement. Now attending Oak Park and River Forest High School, Tate has had the opportunity to study with Chris Moder, Tim Davis, and Don Skoog. For his performance at Fresh Fest, Tate will be joined by bassist Leo Buzkowski and guitarist Javier Martinez. The ensemble will be performing original works composed while taking part in the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s Emerging Artists Project.
Aleko Lionikis, piano
Leo Milano, sax
Leo Buczkowski, guitar
Frank Morrison, drums
A third-generation pianist and organist, Aleko Lionikis grew up surrounded by the ivories. Learning first from his father, who showed him the tune “Freedom Jazz Dance”, Aleko quickly fell in love with jazz music. Since then, he has studied with pianists Laura Hoffman, Steve Million, and Richard Johnson. A result of his dedicated study, Aleko has received the Outstanding Band Member award as a freshman and sophomore at Lincoln Park High School (2018, 2019), a UIC Jazz Festival Outstanding Soloist award (2019), and was a Steinway & Sons Guest Artist in 2019. Outside of school, Aleko has performed at renowned Chicago venues such as Andy’s Jazz Club, Winter’s Jazz Club, City Winery, and the Jazz Showcase. Aleko will be joined by guitarist Leo Buczkowski, drummer Frank Morrison, and saxophonist Leo Milano.
Presented in partnership with:
