THE JAZZ INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO PRESENTS
THE GALA 2024
FEATURING GRAMMY AWARD-WINNER
SAMARA JOY
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29TH, 2024
THE PARK WEST, 322 W. ARMITAGE AVE.
As the Jazz Institute of Chicago celebrates its 55th year, we are proud to present
GALA 2024 FEATURING GRAMMY® WINNER SAMARA JOY!
PARK WEST THEATER
322 W Armitage Ave, Chicago
TICKETS NOW ON SALE!
Become a member today for discount opportunities.
Samara Joy is selling out venues around the world helping make Gala 2024 one of our boldest in the 55-year history of the Jazz Institute of Chicago.
The New York Times praised the “silky-voiced rising star” for “helping jazz take a youthful turn” while NPR All Things Considered named her a “classic jazz singer from a new generation.”
With her Grammy Award-Winning Verve Records debut, Linger Awhile, 24-year-old Bronx native Samara Joy has positioned herself to join the likes of Sarah, Ella, and Billie as the next mononymous jazz singing sensation recorded by the venerable label. Her voice, rich and velvety yet precociously refined, has already earned her fans like Regina King and Elton John, appearances on the TODAY Show, The Tonight Show w/Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show w/Stephen Colbert, CBS Mornings, MSNBC, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Drew Barrymore, etc., in addition to millions of likes on TikTok — cementing her status as perhaps the first Gen Z jazz singing star.
THE EVENING’S SCHEDULE
wednesday, May 29
4:30: Doors open for cocktails and mingling.
6:00PM: Dinner & Jazz Links student performances
6:30PM: Remarks, Roxanne Stephenson, 2023 Excellence in Jazz Education Award, Paddle Raise
7:30PM: Concert, Samara Joy and her trio
ATTIRE: “Creative cocktail chic”
GALA CO-CHAIRS
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TOM BURRELL,
Founder of Chicago-based Burrell Communications Group, one of the most highly regarded multicultural advertising agencies in the U.S., and former JIC Board Member.
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KURT ELLING
Renowned two-time Grammy® winner and one of the world’s foremost jazz vocalists. The New York Times proclaimed Elling, “the standout male vocalist of our time”.
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2024 EXCELLENCE IN JAZZ EDUCATION AWARD RECIPIENT ROXANNE STEVENSON
Chicago State University Interim Department of Music Chair, Professor of Music Education, and Director of Bands.
The Jazz Institute of Chicago is honored to present Roxanne Stevenson with the Excellence in Jazz Education Award in recognition of support and leadership within the cultural arts community, as well as her advocacy and dedication to jazz education.
Gala Planning Committee
Leon Blackshaw, Xiaowei Hargrove, David Helverson, Chiquita Jones, Lynn Colbert Jones, Meagan McNeal, Bill Norris, Jason Patterson, Gavin Phelps, Keyonn Pope, Paul Sikes, DV Williams