Music Institute of Chicago: Marcus Roberts Trio March 14, Tribute to Art Blakey March 28 at Nichols Concert Hall

In two performances honoring jazz legends, the Music Institute of Chicago presents the Marcus Roberts Trio, saluting “Piano Giants” March 14, and “100 Years of Art Blakey,” featuring Jazz Messengers alumni, Tammy McCann and more, March 28. Both performances are at 7:30 p.m. at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston.

 

On March 14, the Marcus Roberts Trio—Roberts on piano, Rodney Jordan on bass, and Jason Marsalis on drums—pay tribute to “Piano Giants” of the 20th century, including Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin, Thelonious Monk, and Duke Ellington. Known for its virtuosic style and entirely new approach to jazz trio performance, the Marcus Roberts Trio members share equally in shaping the direction of the music with lightning reflexes and imagination. Influenced by the famous piano trio styles of Ahmad Jamal and Oscar Peterson, the Marcus Roberts Trio builds from that rich foundation to create an ever-evolving sound all its own that is sure to delight jazz audiences. 

On March 28, “100 Years of Art Blakey” pays tribute to the drummer and bandleader who founded the Jazz Messengers, a collective that influenced generations of leading musicians through mentorship and intergenerational collaboration. Performers include Jazz Messengers alumni trombonist Robin Eubanks, saxophonist Javon Jackson, and trumpeter Charles Toliver; singer and Music Institute artist-in-residence Tammy McCann; and drummer Clif Wallace and his Big Band.   The Music Institute's 2019–20 season concludes with the Formosa Quartet performing its exclusive collection of music April 4.

The Marcus Roberts Trio performs Saturday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m., and “100 Years of Art Blakey” takes place Saturday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m., both at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue in Evanston. Admission is $50 for early access seating, $25 for advance purchase, and $30 at the door. Tickets are available at musicinst.org/nch or by calling 847.448.8326. All programming is subject to change.

Nichols Concert Hall Noted architect Solon S. Beman designed the architecturally and acoustically magnificent First Church of Christ, Scientist, located at 1490 Chicago Avenue in Evanston, in 1912. In 2003, the building was sensitively restored to become Nichols Concert Hall, a state-of-the-art, 550-seat performance space and music education destination, easily accessible to numerous restaurants, on-street and metered parking, and the Davis Street CTA and Metra stations. The converted building, featuring a fully restored, 1914 E. M. Skinner pipe organ, received the Richard H. Driehaus Award for best adaptive use by the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois.  Each year Nichols Concert Hall reaches approximately 15,000 people and hosts a world-class chamber music series, workshops and master classes, student recitals, and special events.    Music Institute of Chicago The Music Institute of Chicago is dedicated to transforming lives through music education. Founded in 1931, the Music Institute has grown to become one of the largest and most respected community music schools in the nation. Offering musical excellence built on the strength of its distinguished faculty, commitment to quality, and breadth of programs and services, the Music Institute is a member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education and accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Pre-collegiate Arts Schools (ACCPAS). Each year, the Music Institute’s teachers reach thousands of students of all ages and levels of experience. Music Institute locations include Chicago, Evanston, Winnetka, Lincolnshire, Lake Forest, and Downers Grove. In addition, the Music Institute is proud of its longstanding partnership with the Chicago Public Schools through its Arts Link program. The Music Institute offers lessons and classes, and concerts through its Community Music School, Academy, and Nichols Concert Hall. For more information, visit musicinst.org. Photos top to bottom: George Crumb courtesy of Bridge Records. Barbara Ann Martin by Mike Canale. Fifth House Ensemble members (L) Katherine Petersen, (R) Melissa Ngan, and Herine Coetzee Koschak. All three photos by Karjaka Studios. Jeffrey Jacob courtesy of Jeffrey Jacob. George Crumb courtesy of Bridge Records.