All-star jazz quartet kicks off Waukegan's Juneteenth celebration June 17
The Waukegan Arts Council is proud to present Kahil El'Zabar's All Star Quartet performing "Great Black Music, Ancient to the Future," a musical tribute to the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians, at 6 p.m. Friday, June 17, at the Stiner Pavilion at the Waukegan Municipal Beach.
Kahil El'Zabar, internationally renowned percussionist and composer, Chicago jazz giant, and one of the most prolific jazz innovators of his generation leads this star-studded quartet. Joining him will be a longtime force in the jazz community, Waukegan native and master bassist Harrison Bankhead. The quartet will also feature legendary pianist, composer, and producer Robert "Baabe" Irving III, who launched the band of jazz legend Miles Davis, as well as jazz tenor saxophonist Teodross Avery, who works with many of today's biggest names in music.
The Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians, or AACM, is internationally renowned for unparalleled contributions to modern music and has been an inspirational leader within the cultural community for more than 50 years. The AACM is a collective of dynamic musicians and visionary composers dedicated to nurturing, performing, and recording serious, original music. The AACM was formed to meet their growing need to showcase their original compositions and to create an outlet for the development and performance of their music.
"Great Black Music" was first coined to describe AACM's unique direction in music. The AACM pays homage to the diverse styles of expression within the body of black music in the USA, Africa, and throughout the world. This experience artfully blends the ancient music of Africa with the music of the future.
"Great Black Music, Ancient to the Future" kicks off the Juneteenth weekend celebrations at the Stiner Pavilion.
There is a $10 suggested donation. BYOB and lawn chair. VIP admission is available for Waukegan Arts Council members.
For more information, contact the Waukegan Arts Council, at waukeganartscouncil@gmail.com or (847) 920-4278.
Sponsored by the Waukegan Arts Council, City of Waukegan, Waukegan Park District, and Waukegan Township.
The Stiner Pavilion is at 201 E. Seahorse Drive at the Waukegan Municipal Beach.