A Jazz Occurrence to Headline Preview Night of Artéculture
Friday, May 19, 2017
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
103 West Washington Street, West Chicago
Again this year, West Chicago will be the destination for Artéculture, a multimedia pop-up art show which adds yet another dimension to West Chicago's Blooming Fest on Saturday, May 20, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Artéculture, which is an initiative of the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission, encourages new and emerging artists to exhibit their work in the creative space at 103 West Washington Street and to share their talents with the thousands of visitors who will be downtown to celebrate spring, gardening, and community. Exciting art installations and experiences are expected, and those wishing to participate may find the online submission form at www.westchicago.org under Residents/Forms & Applications.
"Based on the quality and variety of artwork at last year's event, I don't think there will be any shortage of artistic expression at Artéculture again this year," said Rosemary Mackey, West Chicago staff liaison for the Cultural Arts Commission, of the expected participation of area artists. "Visitors to Blooming Fest should definitely plan to make a stop at 103 West Washington, which is just adjacent to Main Street and the larger garden-focused festival."
Preview Night
A special preview of Artéculture is planned for Friday, May 19, 2017 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. and already scheduled to headline the evening is visual artist Lewis Achenbach and guest jazz musician Juan Pastor and his band Chinchano. The talented creative innovators will be teaming up for a special live performance of a Jazz Occurrence, an exhilarating sensory encounter that combines jazz music and art into one unforgettable experience throughout the evening.
Jazz Occurrence, founded and produced by Achenbach, is not simply art or music, but a culmination of both. He describes it as a union of the sonic arts and the visual arts. As stated on his website, which contains links to various past performances as well as an evolving documentary, "The Jazz Occurrence is a documentary in progress, combining concert footage, painting performance, audience reaction, musician interviews and animations."
Achenbach is a well-known artist in the Chicago community as well as in DuPage County. In addition to his regular art shows in the area, he has contributed to the local community by volunteering on the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission, leading art workshops for children and guest teaching art classes at nearby elementary schools.
He holds a BFA in Film/Animation from NYU and has had an array of experiences ranging from film animation, curation, to Illustration. He is a published author of the book, HEAR THIS BOOK.
Achenbach is packaging his Artéculture Jazz Occurrence appearance in a summer-long series of events throughout Chicago and the western suburbs. For more information about future performances, visit http://lewisachenbach.com/.
About Chinchano
Those attending the Jazz Occurrence performance during Artéculture's preview night can expect to be wowed by the music of Chinchano. Fusing modern jazz with the deeply soulful folk rhythms of his native Peru, Juan Pastor has created an electrifying and unique sound with his exciting band Chinchano. Featuring pianist Stu Mindeman and bassist Patrick Mulcahy, the ensemble is rhythmically driven by Juan's drums and percussion, often employing the Peruvian cajon. Performing original music composed by all three musicians, the trio explores a rich variety of South American styles, equally certain to move the listener's soul, emotions, and body. A sample of the music that those attending Artéculture can look forward to may be found at https://chinchano.bandcamp.com/.
For more information about Blooming Fest and its many attractions in addition to Artéculture, including crafters, live entertainment, great food, family fun and of course, the West Chicago Garden Club's Annual Plant Sale, please visit http://westchicago.org/city-events/blooming-fest/.