Jazz star Chris Korblein comes to Hemmens

The Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin welcomes international jazz recording artist Chris Korblein at 8 p.m. Friday.

Korblein's name has been synonymous with melodic guitar playing and soulful compositions for over a decade. This exclusive evening, "A Romantic Jazz Christmas," features songs from Korblein's recordings as well as a medley of holiday favorites to set the mood for the season. He is joined by a friend, world-renowned saxophonist and Chicago native Steve Cole.

A native of Germany, Korblein spent his childhood embracing different musical styles from jazz to popular music. His reputation as a prolific recording and performing guitarist has been endorsed by collaborations with several internationally acclaimed artists of different styles, including Jim Brickman, June Kuramoto, Robert Tepper, Cole and Ray Parker Jr.

A Chicago native, saxophonist Steve Cole studied music at Northwestern University, and business at the University of Chicago. Initially classically trained, he had the honor of performing as a soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the age of 18. Despite his success in the classical realm, Cole opted to focus on his true musical loves: jazz, pop and R&B.

His newest album, "True," is his funkiest album yet, with plenty of R&B, soul, and jazz influences. Cole effortlessly bridges the gap between instrumental virtuosity, seamless ensemble playing, and a high-caliber creative chemistry that runs the stylistic gamut.

Tickets are on sale now at the Hemmens box office, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. To order by phone, call (847) 931-5900 or order online at www.hemmens.org.