Spiritual Source: Randy Weston featuring arrangements of Melba Liston

Made in Chicago: First Night of the 33^rd Annual Chicago Jazz Festival

Legendary jazz and world music pianist Randy Weston boasts a range of musical influences. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he later lived in Africa for many years, playing and studying African music. The result of his lifelong work and far-reaching adventures is a beautiful and balanced hybrid of classic American jazz and ancient African rhythms and tonalities. One of his most significant collaborations was with trombonist/composer/arranger Melba Liston. Together they created a pioneering body of jazz music that explored music from the African Diaspora and yielded over ten albums. For this program, Weston joins the CJE to perform Liston arrangements from the music library at the Center for Black Music Research plus new works by CJE Artistic Director Dana Hall and Chicago cellist Tomeka Reid that were specially commissioned for this FREE concert. Hall has composed the four-movement "Spiritual Sources" and will perform the second movement, "Tales of the Gimbri." Reid has composed "A Testimony of Faith."

Presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, in partnership with the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture, the Jazz Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, and the Center for Black Music Research at Columbia College Chicago.

A RANDY WESTON CELEBRATION
Tuesday, August 30-Thursday, September 1

Randy Weston is partnering with the Center for Black Music Research and the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, both in residence at Columbia College Chicago, to illuminate and perform works yielded by his dynamic musical partnership with Melba Liston. On Tuesday and Wednesday, August 30-31, presenting partners CBMR and the CJE will offer several special events leading up to Thursday's concert, including a panel discussion, interactive listening and conversation with Randy Weston, a book signing, and an outdoor open rehearsal. All events are free and open to the public.

Watch Randy Weston video content 

First Look: Outdoor Open Rehearsal with the CJE
Tuesday, August 30, 10 am-2 pm
Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion Stage
Ever wonder about the rehearsal process for a jazz big band? Then observe as the musical collaboration between Artistic Director Dana Hall and the Chicago Jazz Ensemble unfolds at this open rehearsal. It’s a unique opportunity to gain musical insight and to see and hear the musicians in an intimate setting before the concert.

Panel Discussion: Diasporic Connections - Randy Weston’s Art, Collaborations, and World-Making
Wednesday, August 31, 10 am-11:30 am
Chicago Cultural Center, Cassidy Theater
Panelists:  John Corbett, Geof Bradfield, and CJE Artistic Director Dana Hall with introductory remarks by Monica Hairston, Executive Director of the Center for Black Music Research
There are few jazz musicians who have thought more deeply or in more sustained and personal ways about the significant role that black music plays in world culture than this acclaimed musician and composer. We invite you to join in a panel discussion about Weston's work, his partnership with Melba Liston, and his contemporary practice.

Listening Session: In Conversation with Randy Weston and Dana Hall
Wednesday, August 31, 12 pm-1:30 pm
Chicago Cultural Center, Cassidy Theater
Hosted by Chicago Jazz Ensemble Artistic Director Dana Hall as well as band members, historians, guest artists, and noted jazz critics, CJE Listening Sessions are a series of informal, interactive discussions that feature musical demonstrations related to the themes of upcoming CJE concerts. This Listening Session has an engaging, multi-media format focusing on Weston.

Book Signing: Randy Weston's Autobiography African Rhythms
Wednesday, August 31, 1:30 pm-2:15 pm
Chicago Cultural Center, Cassidy Theater
Copies of Weston’s book will be available for purchase in the lobby during and between the two Wednesday events. He has agreed to sign copies immediately following the Listening Session.

Spiritual Source: Randy Weston with the Chicago Jazz Ensemble
Thursday, September 1, 6:30 pm
Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion
(see description above)