Live Jazz in Chicago

Showtimes: 6:00pm-7:15pm & 8:15pm-9:30pm As a Chicago native, Mario Abney’s trumpet playing fuses traditional and extended techniques in an inventive way. His uniquely personal vision for music endows it with an infinite array of tonal colors. He is recognized for his ability to create pure musical dialogues and hear music in a universally spiritual way. These qualities make him one of New Orleans’ most pioneering young jazz musicians. Trumpeter, composer and bandleader Mario Abney’s musical career began at age 7 when he was introduced to the piano by his uncle Arthur. Influenced by both his uncle’s playing and the musical background of his church, Abney developed a love and fascination for music that grew throughout his years in high school. It was during this time that his interest turned from piano and drums to wind instruments; however, he continued to hone his percussion skills by playing drums for church services. Mario’s first encounter with jazz was when he heard the sounds of trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. This sparked a fascination and soon Mario began to explore music by Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and other great trumpet players who established this genre. Fast forwarding to 2024, Mario Abney is once again gracing the stages of his beloved hometown Chicago. From iconic venues to up-and-coming spots, he’s become a regular feature with fans eagerly anticipating each and every performance.

Showtimes: 6:00pm-7:15pm & 8:15pm-9:30pm As a Chicago native, Mario Abney’s trumpet playing fuses traditional and extended techniques in an inventive way. His uniquely personal vision for music endows it with an infinite array of tonal colors. He is recognized for his ability to create pure musical dialogues and hear music in a universally spiritual way. These qualities make him one of New Orleans’ most pioneering young jazz musicians. Trumpeter, composer and bandleader Mario Abney’s musical career began at age 7 when he was introduced to the piano by his uncle Arthur. Influenced by both his uncle’s playing and the musical background of his church, Abney developed a love and fascination for music that grew throughout his years in high school. It was during this time that his interest turned from piano and drums to wind instruments; however, he continued to hone his percussion skills by playing drums for church services. Mario’s first encounter with jazz was when he heard the sounds of trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. This sparked a fascination and soon Mario began to explore music by Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and other great trumpet players who established this genre. Fast forwarding to 2024, Mario Abney is once again gracing the stages of his beloved hometown Chicago. From iconic venues to up-and-coming spots, he’s become a regular feature with fans eagerly anticipating each and every performance.

Back to All Events Improvised Music Series: TV Pow + Open Seki + J0Y feat. Matthew Davis Thursday, June 18, 2026 8:30 PM 11:00 PM Google Calendar ICS TV Pow Matthew Davis Open Seki The experimental electronic heavyweights TV Pow kick off a tour. Matthew Davis performs with solo project on the heels of his recent release Free, ambient duo Open Seki kicks off the evening. 8:30 pm: Open Seki John Biggers - electronics, various instruments Nathan Tucker - electronics, various instruments 9:15 pm: J0Y feat. Matthew Davis Matthew Davis - trombone, electronics, vocals 10:15 pm: TV Pow Michael Hartman - electronics Todd A. Carter - electronics Brent Gutzeit - electronics Formed in Tokyo in 1995 and based in Chicago since 1996, TV Pow is a trio of composers and free improvisers working across experimental electronic music. Working across experimental electronic music and free improvisation, the trio uses samplers, synthesizers, laptops, percussion, invented instruments, turntables, and tape manipulation to create evolving soundscapes that blend electronics, ambient drift, minimalist structures, and field recordings. J0Y. /joi/ noun A profound, long-lasting state of intense happiness, contentment, and inner peace, often arising from connection, purpose, or gratitude. Matthew Davis (J0Y.) is a Chicago-based composer, improviser, and multi-instrumentalist rooted in the past, working in the present and gazing to the future. His evolving practice incorporates synthesizers, plant-based sound systems, and diverse acoustic instruments to create textured, immersive compositions. His work moves fluidly between structure and spontaneity, creating hypnotic groves, infectious melodies, and cosmic sonic landscapes. A seasoned performer, MD has toured extensively around the world, developing a reputation for captivating, exploratory live sets. His latest album, “ Free ” demonstrates his fierce creativity and instrumental prowess. Open Seki is the duo of John Biggers (Hefty) and Nathan Tucker (SKAM, Wobblyhead, Consumers Research & Development), endeavoring to scratch that undefinable itch through pulse exploration and phased aural stimulation. $15 / $10 w/ Student ID - Tickets Available at the Door Tagged: improvised music series Previous Previous June 16 'The Harbingers' Live Listening Event Next Next June 20 John O'Neill, GS70, existence decay

Fulton Street Collective presents EVON J SAMS Album Release Performance of MOTHER EARTH 2.0 on Tuesday, June 23rd at 7:30pm. The evening will feature live painting from visual artist Arthur Wright. Mother Earth 2.0 is a continuation of the Mother Earth Saga from the mind of composer and multi-instrumentalist Evon J. Sams. This album explores some of the work from the first iteration of Mother Earth but features a new three-movement suite that depicts nature’s resiliency in the face of human advancement. This piece also addresses the growing concerns surrounding AI. The album is complemented by the addition of two jazz standards, “Nature Boy” and “Night and Day.” Evon J. Sams- Saxophone, Flute, Bass Clarinet Austyn Menk- Piano, adn Keyboard Nat Lin- Bass Sid Smith IV- Drums Mellisa Wang- Percussion Alysha Monique- Vocals 7pm Doors 7:30pm Show (2 Sets) $15 FREE PARKING

Named a 2024 Downbeat Magazine “Rising Star”, composer and percussionist Thaddeus Tukes is one of the most dynamic musicians in America. Presented as the "World's Best Vibraphonist" by World Expo 2020 in Dubai, his virtuosity and creativity "brings poetry to the vibraphone" (Chicago Tribune, 2019), which has captivated audiences around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York City, Symphony Center in Chicago, and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. As one of “Chicago’s Hidden Gems” (CBS, 2023), Thaddeus honors the legacy of the jazz tradition and beyond. Tukes began playing the piano at the age of five, and soon began inclusive percussion instruction with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association’s Percussion Scholarship Program. While studying classical music, he was inspired to play Jazz after hearing vibraphonists Lionel Hampton and Stefon Harris. At age 16, he received superior ratings in city- and state-wide solo competitions in classical music, and recognition as the best Illinois Jazz vibraphonist among high school competitors by the Illinois Music Education Association. Tukes graduated with a combined bachelor’s degree in Jazz piano and vibraphone studies from Northwestern University, the first Jazz vibraphone degree program at a non-conservatory university in the United States. The summer of 2020 found Tukes forming a group of local musicians called the Chicago Freedom Ensemble, a music performance and social justice advocacy organization. Through the Chicago Freedom Ensemble, he has supported and led protests, provided political and financial literacy for the local music community, conducted jam sessions throughout the city, and created a citywide network of young multicultural instrumentalists. Tukes, along with a small delegation of musicians, were performed at the 2020 World’s Expo in Dubai. That same year, Tukes and the ensemble led an impromptu Halloween parade in Tukes‘ childhood community, in an effort to reduce violent interactions between youth and the police. “Thriller on 53rd Street” has now become a yearly tradition in the neighborhood, sponsored by the residents and organized by Tukes. In addition to performances, Tukes teaches percussion ensembles at various elementary and high schools in the Chicagoland area. He gives masterclasses to music students at universities throughout the United States. A former apprentice of Chicago’s Gallery 37/After School Matters Jazz Band program during high school, Tukes is currently its director, mentoring the next generation of jazz musicians from Chicago. Tukes is currently pursuing a master's degree in music therapy.

Named a 2024 Downbeat Magazine “Rising Star”, composer and percussionist Thaddeus Tukes is one of the most dynamic musicians in America. Presented as the "World's Best Vibraphonist" by World Expo 2020 in Dubai, his virtuosity and creativity "brings poetry to the vibraphone" (Chicago Tribune, 2019), which has captivated audiences around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York City, Symphony Center in Chicago, and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. As one of “Chicago’s Hidden Gems” (CBS, 2023), Thaddeus honors the legacy of the jazz tradition and beyond. Tukes began playing the piano at the age of five, and soon began inclusive percussion instruction with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association’s Percussion Scholarship Program. While studying classical music, he was inspired to play Jazz after hearing vibraphonists Lionel Hampton and Stefon Harris. At age 16, he received superior ratings in city- and state-wide solo competitions in classical music, and recognition as the best Illinois Jazz vibraphonist among high school competitors by the Illinois Music Education Association. Tukes graduated with a combined bachelor’s degree in Jazz piano and vibraphone studies from Northwestern University, the first Jazz vibraphone degree program at a non-conservatory university in the United States. The summer of 2020 found Tukes forming a group of local musicians called the Chicago Freedom Ensemble, a music performance and social justice advocacy organization. Through the Chicago Freedom Ensemble, he has supported and led protests, provided political and financial literacy for the local music community, conducted jam sessions throughout the city, and created a citywide network of young multicultural instrumentalists. Tukes, along with a small delegation of musicians, were performed at the 2020 World’s Expo in Dubai. That same year, Tukes and the ensemble led an impromptu Halloween parade in Tukes‘ childhood community, in an effort to reduce violent interactions between youth and the police. “Thriller on 53rd Street” has now become a yearly tradition in the neighborhood, sponsored by the residents and organized by Tukes. In addition to performances, Tukes teaches percussion ensembles at various elementary and high schools in the Chicagoland area. He gives masterclasses to music students at universities throughout the United States. A former apprentice of Chicago’s Gallery 37/After School Matters Jazz Band program during high school, Tukes is currently its director, mentoring the next generation of jazz musicians from Chicago. Tukes is currently pursuing a master's degree in music therapy.

Named a 2024 Downbeat Magazine “Rising Star”, composer and percussionist Thaddeus Tukes is one of the most dynamic musicians in America. Presented as the "World's Best Vibraphonist" by World Expo 2020 in Dubai, his virtuosity and creativity "brings poetry to the vibraphone" (Chicago Tribune, 2019), which has captivated audiences around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York City, Symphony Center in Chicago, and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. As one of “Chicago’s Hidden Gems” (CBS, 2023), Thaddeus honors the legacy of the jazz tradition and beyond. Tukes began playing the piano at the age of five, and soon began inclusive percussion instruction with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association’s Percussion Scholarship Program. While studying classical music, he was inspired to play Jazz after hearing vibraphonists Lionel Hampton and Stefon Harris. At age 16, he received superior ratings in city- and state-wide solo competitions in classical music, and recognition as the best Illinois Jazz vibraphonist among high school competitors by the Illinois Music Education Association. Tukes graduated with a combined bachelor’s degree in Jazz piano and vibraphone studies from Northwestern University, the first Jazz vibraphone degree program at a non-conservatory university in the United States. The summer of 2020 found Tukes forming a group of local musicians called the Chicago Freedom Ensemble, a music performance and social justice advocacy organization. Through the Chicago Freedom Ensemble, he has supported and led protests, provided political and financial literacy for the local music community, conducted jam sessions throughout the city, and created a citywide network of young multicultural instrumentalists. Tukes, along with a small delegation of musicians, were performed at the 2020 World’s Expo in Dubai. That same year, Tukes and the ensemble led an impromptu Halloween parade in Tukes‘ childhood community, in an effort to reduce violent interactions between youth and the police. “Thriller on 53rd Street” has now become a yearly tradition in the neighborhood, sponsored by the residents and organized by Tukes. In addition to performances, Tukes teaches percussion ensembles at various elementary and high schools in the Chicagoland area. He gives masterclasses to music students at universities throughout the United States. A former apprentice of Chicago’s Gallery 37/After School Matters Jazz Band program during high school, Tukes is currently its director, mentoring the next generation of jazz musicians from Chicago. Tukes is currently pursuing a master's degree in music therapy.

Named a 2024 Downbeat Magazine “Rising Star”, composer and percussionist Thaddeus Tukes is one of the most dynamic musicians in America. Presented as the "World's Best Vibraphonist" by World Expo 2020 in Dubai, his virtuosity and creativity "brings poetry to the vibraphone" (Chicago Tribune, 2019), which has captivated audiences around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York City, Symphony Center in Chicago, and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. As one of “Chicago’s Hidden Gems” (CBS, 2023), Thaddeus honors the legacy of the jazz tradition and beyond. Tukes began playing the piano at the age of five, and soon began inclusive percussion instruction with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association’s Percussion Scholarship Program. While studying classical music, he was inspired to play Jazz after hearing vibraphonists Lionel Hampton and Stefon Harris. At age 16, he received superior ratings in city- and state-wide solo competitions in classical music, and recognition as the best Illinois Jazz vibraphonist among high school competitors by the Illinois Music Education Association. Tukes graduated with a combined bachelor’s degree in Jazz piano and vibraphone studies from Northwestern University, the first Jazz vibraphone degree program at a non-conservatory university in the United States. The summer of 2020 found Tukes forming a group of local musicians called the Chicago Freedom Ensemble, a music performance and social justice advocacy organization. Through the Chicago Freedom Ensemble, he has supported and led protests, provided political and financial literacy for the local music community, conducted jam sessions throughout the city, and created a citywide network of young multicultural instrumentalists. Tukes, along with a small delegation of musicians, were performed at the 2020 World’s Expo in Dubai. That same year, Tukes and the ensemble led an impromptu Halloween parade in Tukes‘ childhood community, in an effort to reduce violent interactions between youth and the police. “Thriller on 53rd Street” has now become a yearly tradition in the neighborhood, sponsored by the residents and organized by Tukes. In addition to performances, Tukes teaches percussion ensembles at various elementary and high schools in the Chicagoland area. He gives masterclasses to music students at universities throughout the United States. A former apprentice of Chicago’s Gallery 37/After School Matters Jazz Band program during high school, Tukes is currently its director, mentoring the next generation of jazz musicians from Chicago. Tukes is currently pursuing a master's degree in music therapy.