Jazz musicians to perform concert at Mayslake

Enjoy an evening of jazz music as Willie Pickens and Peter Lerner perform at a WDCB 90.9-FM concert at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County's Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook.

All proceeds will go toward the restoration of historic Mayslake Hall.

The concert will highlight Pickens' talent on piano and Lerner's skills as a guitarist. Tickets are $15 and the concert is for ages 12 and older (younger than 18 with an adult). Purchase tickets online or by calling (630) 206-9566.

Pickens began his career on a national hit record, Eddie Harris' 1961 "Exodus." He has appeared on recordings by Bunky Green and E. Parker McDougal and has performed with Sammy Davis Jr. and Quincy Jones. At 86, Pickens continues to be one of Chicago's most in-demand pianists for visiting artists.

Born and raised in the multicultural, diverse Hyde Park area of Chicago, Lerner has been called a "musical chameleon" and is known for his multifaceted talent. He has performed with Gladys Knight, funk icon Bootsy Collins, jazz luminaries Ramsey Lewis and Lee Konitz, and many other great musicians.

Since 1995, Lerner has taught jazz guitar and improvisation at Columbia College of Chicago, raising the next generation of musicians.