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Friday, July 11

BETHANY PICKENS

12-2:30 p.m.

Bethany Pickens is an award winning pianist and composer. Born in Chicago, she began her musical training under the watchful tutelage of her father Willie Pickens, world-class Jazz pianist. She also was impacted deeply by the 9 years she spent as a member of the Chicago Children's Choir during her formative years. Since graduating from the American Conservatory of Music, Bethany has had the opportunity to perform, record, and conduct clinics with such artist as Clark Terry, Louis Bellson, Bobby Watson, Von Freeman, Steve Turre, Ray Brown, Ed Thigpen, Willie Pickens, Susan Anton, Lizz Wright and Grammy award winners Dee Dee Bridgewater, Roy Hargrove and Branford Marsalis, Rascal Flats, Josh Groban, Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle and Usher.

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Friday, August 8

DEE ALEXANDER

12-2:30 p.m.

Born on Chicago’s West Side, Dee Alexander is one of Chicago’s most gifted and respected female vocalist/songwriters. Her talents span every music genre, from gospel to R&B, from blues to neo-soul. Yet her true heart and soul are experienced in their purest form through her performance of Jazz music. From a soft, sultry ballad to a scat-filled romp, Dee delivers each style with a passion for music that comes across in every note and a grace that is truly her own.

Growing up in a household that was steeped in recordings of Dinah Washington, Dee names Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald among her major influences, as well as Chicago saxophonist Henry Huff, who encouraged her to take risks and cross boundaries. This helped set her on the path to becoming one of the most accomplished voice improvisers in the world today.

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Friday, September 5

TIM GANT PROJECT

12-2:30 p.m.

Tim Gant has been a performing keyboardist, songwriter-producer for over 35 years. Most recently he's been touring and recording with the legendary Ramsey Lewis for the past 10 years.  

Gant was the piano coach for season one of the hit television series "Empire." He's co-written and/or produced songs for artists including Aretha Franklin, the Backstreet Boys, Regina Belle, and many more. He gained his musical knowledge on the road, studying with some of the best in the business. Gant's classroom was the stage and his degree is in practical life, supporting and raising a family solely from touring and writing. He also plays at a church currently, where he's been a member for nine years.

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