FREE OUTDOOR SUMMER JAZZ CONCERTS IN HARPER COURT - FIRST FRIDAYS FROM 12-2:30 P.M.
Friday, June 7
HURRICANE REGGAE BAND
12-2:30 p.m.
Originally hailing from the island of Dominica, Hurricane is now Chicago-based, where he enjoys playing the role of elder-statesman and musical ambassador. Winning multiple Chicago music awards in recent years, the central hub of the band stays true to the traditional reggae pocket, creating an infectious pulse that guarantees to fill dance floors.
The band's live shows are a celebration of Caribbean culture and music, connecting with audiences on a personal level. The band's mission is not only to entertain but also to spread messages of love, unity, and positivity through music, embodying the true spirit of reggae. With infectious rhythms, soulful vocals, and electrifying guitar solos, The Hurricane Reggae Band has rightfully earned its place as a prominent fixture in the Chicagoland and Midwest reggae scene and beyond. With their unique arrangement of elements, The Hurricane Reggae Band turns heads and gets bodies moving, drawing ever-growing crowds hungry to soak up those warm island vibrations.
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Friday, July 5
TONY CARPENTER
12-2:30 p.m.
Tony Carpenter is an urban percussionist who began his percussive journey in the early 1970s when he began exploring traditional rhythms of West Africa, such as the rumba and 6/8 time signatures. He has performed with African dance troupes such as the Julian Swain Inner City Dance Theatre and Najwa Dance Corps.
Tony is comfortable playing R&B, gospel and jazz. The melodious tones of TOCA is a sound you wont forget. He has combined these rhythms with favorite jazz classics which he calls "cultural jazz." He has performed with many great artists of all genres, such as Leroy Hudson, Tyrone Davis, The Emotions, Jerry The Ice Man Butler, Ramsey Lewis, The Soul Children of Chicago, Kim Stratton, Malachi Thompson, and more.
Friday, August 2
THADDEUS TUKES
12-2:30 p.m.
Presented as the "World's Best Vibraphonist" by World Expo 2020 in Dubai, composer and percussionist Thaddeus Tukes honors the legacy of the vibraphone within the jazz tradition and beyond. 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 Is the most in demand vibraphonist in the city of Chicago.
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. He 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.
Tukes teaches percussion ensembles at various elementary and high school in the Chicagoland area, and gives master classes to music students at universities throughout the United States. WBEZ recently reported that he is currently "...pursing a new calling: music therapy. He finishes up his degree this year at Illinois State University, in downstate Bloomington-Normal."
Friday, September 6
COREY WILKES
12-2:30 p.m.
Corey Wilkes is an award-winning, highly acclaimed musician, producer, actor, and composer who has captivated audiences around the world with his mesmerizing trumpet playing and unique musical vision.
He began his musical journey at a young age and was awarded a full scholarship to attend the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. After graduating, he became an in-demand touring and recording artist, collaborating with some of the biggest names in jazz and beyond, including the Art Ensemble of Chicago, Roy Hargrove, Kahil El Zabar, James Carter, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Nicole Mitchell, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Makaya McCraven, and many more.
With his extraordinary talent, uncompromising vision, and relentless dedication to his craft, Corey Wilkes is truly one of the most impressive and influential musicians of his generation. His contributions to the world of music are nothing short of extraordinary, and his legacy will continue to inspire and awe audiences for generations to come.
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