MODULAR MODES Imagine puzzle pieces that, when arranged in different ways, each reveal a distinct, complete image—or a Swiss Army knife whose tools sprout new tools as you use them. A modular set of music is like that and more: you never know in what order you’ll hear the piece, or which parts might remain unplayed that night. BIOS Julián Pujols Quall is a Dominican-American pianist and keyboardist, improviser, composer and educator from Chicago who has performed classical and jazz repertoire throughout the continental United States as well as in the Dominican Republic, Spain, Belgium, Puerto Rico and Mexico. A classically trained artist, Peabody Conservatory graduate, and DePaul University National Concerto Competition for Young Performers First Prize Winner, their work has found a home in jazz performance, improvisation and cross-cultural collaboration since developing experimental collaborative programs as a founding member of the Peabody Improvisers Collective. They are a curator for the Discoveries Hear & Be Heard series at Fulcrum Point New Music Project, and a 2025 National Association of Latino Arts and Culture Institute Fellow. Julián has been lead instructor for the Afro-Caribbean Jazz Combo at the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center After School Matters and is currently an accompanist at The Joffrey Ballet’s Grainger Academy. They are the host of “The Changes”, a trilingual interview show presenting local and international musicians on Lumpen Radio. Julián completed a 2024 Banff Center for the Arts Jazz and Sonic Arts composition/performance residency, released the single Rothko; Tlaloc and Totec with Carrier Records in 2023, and most recently had their compositions Chord Prelude and Moriviví premiere at the DiMenna Center for New and Classical Music during the 2024 Yarn/Wire Institute Festival in New York. Julián´s compositions are central to two projects they direct: Julián and Friends, a collaborative composition concert series running since 2022 at The Jazz Showcase, featuring guest artists such as Corey Wilkes, Lorin Benedict, Levi Lu, Brandon Woody, Kweku Sumbry, Lenard Simpson, Vincent Davis and Marques Carroll, and Mamey, a jazz project founded in 2023 centering on Dominico-Haitian music that debuted in Belgium and has completed a spring of 2024 South Arts Jazz Tour of the East Coast and a 2025 tour of the East Coast and the Caribbean. They will release a debut album in early 2026 thanks to a Pathways to Jazz grant. Aaron Kaufman-Levine is a Chicago based saxophonist, composer and improviser. Aaron is an active performer in the Chicago-area, and has led his group at the Chicago Jazz Festival, Constellation, Fulton Street Collective, and more. He has also played at Chicago Symphony Hall, Pritzker Pavilion, Andy’s Jazz Club, Chicago Jazz Showcase, Hungry Brain, Oracle Egg (Los Angeles), The LilyPad(Boston), and Jordan Hall (Boston). He leads the Aaron Kaufman-Levine Quartet, is ½ of improvising saxophone duo Bearduo and ⅕ of the improvising collective BananaAcid and is the music director for pop/rock/experimental band 20/20 Plastic. An award-winning saxophonist, Aaron has performed with the nationally acclaimed Jazz Band of America and is the recipient of the Kiewit-Wang Mentorship Award from the Jazz Institute of Chicago. He is a recent graduate of New England Conservatory where he graduated with honors as a recipient of the Presidential Scholarship. Frank Morrison’s talents were recognized early on while growing up in his family church. He developed quickly as a result of having a musical family. He later graduated from Morgan Park High School where he was acknowledged for his leadership skills and participation in many of Chicago’s most notable Jazz programs such as CYSO, Jazz institute of Chicago’s Jazz Ambassadors, Ravinia Jazz Scholars, and Gallery 37. Morrison then attended the University of Louisville where he studied Jazz Performance with an emphasis in Jazz Drums. Eager to reconnect with friends and family, Morrison returned home in the summer of 2021 after completing two years at the University. Since then, Morrison has worked with many top tier musicians by the likes of Wadada Leo Smith, Ernest Dawkins, Mario Abney, Micah Collier, Dee Alexander, and many more. Leo Buczkowski is a native Chicagoan, specializing in upright and electric bass. A current student of jazz performance at DePaul University. He loves to incorporate many styles of music into his playing and dip his toes into uncharted territory. Composing music has been a recent endeavor of his that he aims to develop further. Leo has performed at venues such as Andy’s jazz club, City Winery, Constellation, Elastic Arts, and Fulton Street Collective. 

Born in Havana, pianist, composer and arranger Chuchito Valdés (Jesús Valdés Jr.) comes from one of the most distinguished musical families of Cuba. The son of legendary Cuban pianist Jesús “Chucho” Valdés, Chuchito also learned from listening to the recordings of his grandfather, Bebo Valdés, one of Cuba’s greatest composers. He was a child prodigy who studied with many Cuban masters, including his father. He has studied extensively, Cuban music, Classical music and Jazz piano. He has recorded and performed piano with the world renowned Cuban band, Irakere, which he led for 2 years. Chuchito Valdes’ Afro-Cuban Ensemble performs contemporary Afro-Cuban originals along with arrangements of classic Cuban standards by his father. With an expansive repertoire that makes room for traditional Cuban melodies like “Tres Lindas Cubanas'”next to compositions from John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps”, the ensemble peppers their sets with Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz standards, intelligent originals and infectious rhythms. He has performed at festivals,clubs and concerts throughout the world. When Chuchito is not travelling around the world performing, he lives in Cancun, Mexico, where he leads his Afro-Cuban based Latin-Jazz ensemble. 

Born in Havana, pianist, composer and arranger Chuchito Valdés (Jesús Valdés Jr.) comes from one of the most distinguished musical families of Cuba. The son of legendary Cuban pianist Jesús “Chucho” Valdés, Chuchito also learned from listening to the recordings of his grandfather, Bebo Valdés, one of Cuba’s greatest composers. He was a child prodigy who studied with many Cuban masters, including his father. He has studied extensively, Cuban music, Classical music and Jazz piano. He has recorded and performed piano with the world renowned Cuban band, Irakere, which he led for 2 years. Chuchito Valdes’ Afro-Cuban Ensemble performs contemporary Afro-Cuban originals along with arrangements of classic Cuban standards by his father. With an expansive repertoire that makes room for traditional Cuban melodies like “Tres Lindas Cubanas'”next to compositions from John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps”, the ensemble peppers their sets with Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz standards, intelligent originals and infectious rhythms. He has performed at festivals,clubs and concerts throughout the world. When Chuchito is not travelling around the world performing, he lives in Cancun, Mexico, where he leads his Afro-Cuban based Latin-Jazz ensemble. 

Born in Havana, pianist, composer and arranger Chuchito Valdés (Jesús Valdés Jr.) comes from one of the most distinguished musical families of Cuba. The son of legendary Cuban pianist Jesús “Chucho” Valdés, Chuchito also learned from listening to the recordings of his grandfather, Bebo Valdés, one of Cuba’s greatest composers. He was a child prodigy who studied with many Cuban masters, including his father. He has studied extensively, Cuban music, Classical music and Jazz piano. He has recorded and performed piano with the world renowned Cuban band, Irakere, which he led for 2 years. Chuchito Valdes’ Afro-Cuban Ensemble performs contemporary Afro-Cuban originals along with arrangements of classic Cuban standards by his father. With an expansive repertoire that makes room for traditional Cuban melodies like “Tres Lindas Cubanas'”next to compositions from John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps”, the ensemble peppers their sets with Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz standards, intelligent originals and infectious rhythms. He has performed at festivals,clubs and concerts throughout the world. When Chuchito is not travelling around the world performing, he lives in Cancun, Mexico, where he leads his Afro-Cuban based Latin-Jazz ensemble. 

Born in Havana, pianist, composer and arranger Chuchito Valdés (Jesús Valdés Jr.) comes from one of the most distinguished musical families of Cuba. The son of legendary Cuban pianist Jesús “Chucho” Valdés, Chuchito also learned from listening to the recordings of his grandfather, Bebo Valdés, one of Cuba’s greatest composers. He was a child prodigy who studied with many Cuban masters, including his father. He has studied extensively, Cuban music, Classical music and Jazz piano. He has recorded and performed piano with the world renowned Cuban band, Irakere, which he led for 2 years. Chuchito Valdes’ Afro-Cuban Ensemble performs contemporary Afro-Cuban originals along with arrangements of classic Cuban standards by his father. With an expansive repertoire that makes room for traditional Cuban melodies like “Tres Lindas Cubanas'”next to compositions from John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps”, the ensemble peppers their sets with Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz standards, intelligent originals and infectious rhythms. He has performed at festivals,clubs and concerts throughout the world. When Chuchito is not travelling around the world performing, he lives in Cancun, Mexico, where he leads his Afro-Cuban based Latin-Jazz ensemble. 

Todd Herbert, Art Davis, Tim Davis, Kevin O’Connell, Richie Pardo Pardo has been playing music professionally in the Chicago area since the 1970s, He started out as a pianist working in various R&B bands and then as a pianist in Chicago jazz bands before deciding in 1979 to switch to bass, which he continues to play. 

Petra's Recession Seven: Petra van Nuis - vocals Art Davis - trumpet Eric Schneider - reeds Russ Phillips - trombone Andy Brown - guitar Dan DeLorenzo - bass Bob Rummage - drums At the start of the Great Recession in September 2008, Petra's Recession Seven, an authentic Chicago-style jazz band was born at Chicago's legendary Green Mill. The seven piece ensemble is led by Petra van Nuis, a vocalist praised by the Chicago Tribune for her "interpretive savvy...light-and-silvery vocals and, better still, saucy manner of delivery that emphasizes the art of the double entendre." Petra's Recession Seven features a front line of all-star internationally known Chicago veteran horn players. Trombonist Russ Phillips grew up "in the wings" listening to his dad, Russ Phillips Sr. play trombone in Louis Armstrong's All-Stars. Russ Jr. decided to follow in his dad's footsteps, and in addition to Chicago performances is a popular fixture on mainstream jazz festivals and cruises. Reedist Eric Schneider began his early career as a member of the bands of Count Basie and Earl Fatha Hines. Since then, Eric has played with many legends including Benny Goodman, Tony Bennett, Dizzy Gillespie and Ella Fitzgerald and continues to be one of the busiest working musicians in Chicago. Trumpeter Art Davis is charter member of the Chicago Jazz Orchestra and a highly respected jazz educator. Early in his career, Art toured with Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra and Rosemary Clooney and continues to be the top call trumpeter for musicians touring through Chicago. The swinging rhythm section of bassist Dan Delorenzo and drummer Bob Rummage is led by guitarist Andy Brown, recognized in Downbeat Magazine's annual critics poll as a “rising star.” In their hometown of Chicago, Petra's Recession Seven is a big hit at the Jazz Showcase, the Green Mill, Andy's Jazz Club, Winter's Jazz Club and Fitzgerald's. Festival performances include the Chicago Jazz Festival, the Cedar Basin Jazz Festival, the Juvae Jazz Festival and the American Music Festival. Regionally, the Recession Seven has played jazz societies including the Madison Jazz Society, the Starr-Gennett Foundation, the Illiana Jazz Club, the "Masters of Swing" series at Cincinnati's Xavier University, the Lafayette Jazz Club and the Indianapolis Jazz Club. The American Rag, in a review of the band's 2011 on location recording "Live In Chicago" praises “a killer of a band that grabs your attention and doesn't give it back until they are finished playing." www.petrasings.com 

Steve Schneck (flugelhorn) Peter Saxe (piano) Scott Mason (bass) Phil Gratteau (drums) Steve Schneck grew up in New York with jazz and classical music in the background and a photo of Louis Armstrong in his bedroom. From the beginning, his mother wanted Steve to be a trumpet player. After learning to play the ukulele (from his Dad) and piano (from his Mom), Steve began studying trumpet at age 9 and he’s been playing the trumpet and flugelhorn for more than 50 years. Steve’s mother taught classical piano, and his father played folk guitar. His extended family, including 4 generations of mandolin players, regularly played music whenever they got together, and they still do. While in high school, Steve studied at the Juilliard, Manhattan and Eastman schools of music, and was a member of the New York State Music Association All-State Jazz Ensemble, McDonald’s Long Island Jazz Ensemble, and Nassau County Jazz Ensemble. He also taught trumpet for two summers at Camp Encore/Coda in Maine. Throughout college, Steve played in the Cornell University Jazz Ensemble, which he also directed during his junior and senior years. While in law school, Steve played in the New York University Jazz Ensemble and in a jazz quintet directed by Joe Lovano. Soon after moving to Chicago, Steve regularly joined jam sessions and gigs with local musicians, and in 1990, Steve started his own group. The Steve Schneck Quartet (www.steveschneckmusic.com) has been playing throughout Chicago for the past 34 years and released 2 CDs: “Together Again” in 1994, and “Dedicated to You,” in 2012. The Steve Schneck Quartet performed at the Chicago Jazz Festival in 2016. Steve was also a member of Marshall Vente’s Project Nine for several years and he has performed throughout Chicago as a side man with other musicians including Pat Mallinger, Jeff Newell, Jim Massoff, Richie Fidoli, Bob Centano, Bob Ojeda, Stuart Rosenberg, John Mose, Frank D’Rone, Don Stiernberg, Dave Baney, Curt Morrison, Neil Soroka, Jimmy Ryan, Don Stilley, Frank Caruso, John Baney, Eric Hochberg, Nick Tountas, Alejo Poveda, Izzy Perez, Mo Jennings, Tim Davis and Barrett Deems. In September 2022, Steve joined New Orleans clarinetist Doreen Ketchens and her quartet at the Sisters Folk Festival in Oregon. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VckPQkgF578) Since 2009, Steve has volunteered as the Director of the Hawthorne Scholastic Academy (a Chicago public elementary school) Jazz Ensemble, for musicians in grades 5 through 8. Steve created the ensemble and arranges all of its music. In 2016 and 2018, the Hawthorne Jazz Ensemble performed at the Chicago Public Schools Jazz Festival. In September 2024, while continuing to lead the Hawthorne Jazz Ensemble, Steve started another elementary school Jazz Ensemble at the Rogers Park Montessori School, where he arranges all of the music and directs an ensemble of musicians in grades 4-8. 

“Geof Bradfield has drawn plenty of praise for his work as a reed soloist, and it’s all deserved… But in the last few years, Bradfield has made just as much impact with his precise and colorful writing, in compositions that evoke a vivid sense of place through the same mixture of detail and sweep.” Neil Tesser Geof Bradfield’s work as a composer and performer on saxophones and clarinets embraces intersections of modern jazz and other streams of African Diaspora music, drawing inspiration from Charlie Parker, Melba Liston, Lead Belly, Shona mbira music, and Gullah spirituals. Born in Houston, TX, Bradfield has performed throughout North America, Europe, Russia, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, sharing the stage with artists such as Randy Weston, Dana Hall, Clark Sommers, Brian Blade, Anna Webber, Orrin Evans, Jeff Parker, Matt Ulery, and Ryan Cohan. His work is featured on 50+ CDs including eight albums as a leader that have garnered critical accolades from the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and NPR. Nate Chinen describes his Yes, and…Music for Nine Improvisers (Delmark Records) as “an album of chamber-esque color and oft-surprising texture, because Bradfield is the sort of composer who creates room for departure.” He has received grants and awards from Chamber Music America, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, DCASE, Illinois Arts Council, and the Mellon Foundation. The Downbeat Critics Poll has named him a Rising Star Tenor Saxophonist and Arranger multiple years. A committed educator, Bradfield is Professor of Jazz Studies at Northern Illinois University and has given master classes and lectures at the Brubeck Institute, the Manhattan School of Music, the Jazz Education Network conference, and numerous other national and international venues. 

“Geof Bradfield has drawn plenty of praise for his work as a reed soloist, and it’s all deserved… But in the last few years, Bradfield has made just as much impact with his precise and colorful writing, in compositions that evoke a vivid sense of place through the same mixture of detail and sweep.” Neil Tesser Geof Bradfield’s work as a composer and performer on saxophones and clarinets embraces intersections of modern jazz and other streams of African Diaspora music, drawing inspiration from Charlie Parker, Melba Liston, Lead Belly, Shona mbira music, and Gullah spirituals. Born in Houston, TX, Bradfield has performed throughout North America, Europe, Russia, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, sharing the stage with artists such as Randy Weston, Dana Hall, Clark Sommers, Brian Blade, Anna Webber, Orrin Evans, Jeff Parker, Matt Ulery, and Ryan Cohan. His work is featured on 50+ CDs including eight albums as a leader that have garnered critical accolades from the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and NPR. Nate Chinen describes his Yes, and…Music for Nine Improvisers (Delmark Records) as “an album of chamber-esque color and oft-surprising texture, because Bradfield is the sort of composer who creates room for departure.” He has received grants and awards from Chamber Music America, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, DCASE, Illinois Arts Council, and the Mellon Foundation. The Downbeat Critics Poll has named him a Rising Star Tenor Saxophonist and Arranger multiple years. A committed educator, Bradfield is Professor of Jazz Studies at Northern Illinois University and has given master classes and lectures at the Brubeck Institute, the Manhattan School of Music, the Jazz Education Network conference, and numerous other national and international venues. 

“Geof Bradfield has drawn plenty of praise for his work as a reed soloist, and it’s all deserved… But in the last few years, Bradfield has made just as much impact with his precise and colorful writing, in compositions that evoke a vivid sense of place through the same mixture of detail and sweep.” Neil Tesser Geof Bradfield’s work as a composer and performer on saxophones and clarinets embraces intersections of modern jazz and other streams of African Diaspora music, drawing inspiration from Charlie Parker, Melba Liston, Lead Belly, Shona mbira music, and Gullah spirituals. Born in Houston, TX, Bradfield has performed throughout North America, Europe, Russia, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, sharing the stage with artists such as Randy Weston, Dana Hall, Clark Sommers, Brian Blade, Anna Webber, Orrin Evans, Jeff Parker, Matt Ulery, and Ryan Cohan. His work is featured on 50+ CDs including eight albums as a leader that have garnered critical accolades from the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and NPR. Nate Chinen describes his Yes, and…Music for Nine Improvisers (Delmark Records) as “an album of chamber-esque color and oft-surprising texture, because Bradfield is the sort of composer who creates room for departure.” He has received grants and awards from Chamber Music America, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, DCASE, Illinois Arts Council, and the Mellon Foundation. The Downbeat Critics Poll has named him a Rising Star Tenor Saxophonist and Arranger multiple years. A committed educator, Bradfield is Professor of Jazz Studies at Northern Illinois University and has given master classes and lectures at the Brubeck Institute, the Manhattan School of Music, the Jazz Education Network conference, and numerous other national and international venues. 

“Geof Bradfield has drawn plenty of praise for his work as a reed soloist, and it’s all deserved… But in the last few years, Bradfield has made just as much impact with his precise and colorful writing, in compositions that evoke a vivid sense of place through the same mixture of detail and sweep.” Neil Tesser Geof Bradfield’s work as a composer and performer on saxophones and clarinets embraces intersections of modern jazz and other streams of African Diaspora music, drawing inspiration from Charlie Parker, Melba Liston, Lead Belly, Shona mbira music, and Gullah spirituals. Born in Houston, TX, Bradfield has performed throughout North America, Europe, Russia, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, sharing the stage with artists such as Randy Weston, Dana Hall, Clark Sommers, Brian Blade, Anna Webber, Orrin Evans, Jeff Parker, Matt Ulery, and Ryan Cohan. His work is featured on 50+ CDs including eight albums as a leader that have garnered critical accolades from the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and NPR. Nate Chinen describes his Yes, and…Music for Nine Improvisers (Delmark Records) as “an album of chamber-esque color and oft-surprising texture, because Bradfield is the sort of composer who creates room for departure.” He has received grants and awards from Chamber Music America, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, DCASE, Illinois Arts Council, and the Mellon Foundation. The Downbeat Critics Poll has named him a Rising Star Tenor Saxophonist and Arranger multiple years. A committed educator, Bradfield is Professor of Jazz Studies at Northern Illinois University and has given master classes and lectures at the Brubeck Institute, the Manhattan School of Music, the Jazz Education Network conference, and numerous other national and international venues. 

Joe Policastro Trio - “Mending Wall” Album Release Joe Policastro, bass Dave Miller, guitar Mikel Avery, drums Hailed by Downbeat for its “deft analysis of choice repertoire,” and by the Chicago Reader for its “diversity of approaches to all kinds of source material,” the JOE POLICASTRO TRIO is a forward-thinking, Chicago-based jazz trio led by bassist Joe Policastro featuring guitarist Dave Miller and drummer Mikel Avery. While firmly rooted in jazz, the band’s open-minded, inclusive nature draws upon a wide array of musical styles and sources while still keeping the aesthetic of an acoustic trio intact. Mending Wall is the seventh album by the the trio. Through highly personal readings of music from Italy and Hong Kong, movie scores and symphonic themes, pop tunes, and even a cowboy song written by a Russian classical composer, the trio explores the nature of identity, boundaries, and borders. Their diverse catalog - Ceremony (2023), Sounds Unheard (2022), Nothing Here Belongs (2019), Screen Sounds (2017), POPS! (2016), and West Side Story Suite (2013) - captures the band’s progressive, forward-thinking, non-hierarchical approach whether showcasing their original music or their ability to remake unlikely songs in a characteristically raw, idiosyncratic fashion.  True bands are a rarity in jazz these days, especially ones hone their craft as consistently as this one does. The band held court thrice-weekly at Pops for Champagne in downtown Chicago for over a decade. Beyond Chicago, the trio has been extensively playing together at clubs and festivals throughout the US and Canada having even performed for President Barack Obama. “…a cohesive unit with an extraordinarily flexible mindset…at every step of the way, this band breathes and bends as one.” (Dan Billawsky, All About Jazz) “Unpredictable and sometimes eccentric…each listen…reveals more surprises.” (Scott Yanow, JAZZIZ) “The trio have refined their layered blend of the familiar and faintly far out, playing three nights a week at Chicago’s Pops For Champagne and through extensive roadwork. Their deep understanding of each other and deft analysis of choice repertoire repays repeat and close listening.” (Michael Jackson, Downbeat) The Joe Policastro Trio is a band that can turn “pop tart into Jazz art” (Travis Rogers, Jazz Owl) and one that “should have wide appeal among both jazz fans and listeners of other genres.” (Hrayr Attarian, Chicago Jazz Magazine) Official Website:http://www.thejptrio.com Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/joepolicastrotrio/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/joepolicastrotrio/ Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKaVedcXQf1TJLhdVju9-yw Preferred video links: “Ceremony” https://youtu.be/WynlzCPv8LM“I’m On Fire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBUqRXMrh34“Yojimbo (main title)” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbx9dE2Ms4c“No Idea”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr2LW-m64-0“Take On Me” https://youtu.be/qpiyNDVo48A 

Dakarai Barclay is a trumpet player and educator based in Chicago, Illinois. With each performance,  Dakarai seeks to pay homage to the origins of Black American music, in all its forms, and those whose legacies we are indebted to. Outside of leading his own projects, Dakarai has played with musicians such as Willerm Delisfort, Winard Harper, Marlene Rosenberg, Jarrard Harris, Ernest Dawkins, Emma Blau and many more. 

Grammy Award-winning bassist Christian Dillingham is equally at home in two musical worlds. His parents spun jazz records around the house, while his mother was an avid pianist who loved to play Chopin and Debussy. These childhood experiences left a deep impression and ended up as the foundational philosophy of his career in music. Dillingham is that rare musician who excels in an orchestral setting, yet has an intuitive feel for nuance and the improvisational skills necessary to play jazz. A native of Brookfield, Ohio, Dillingham played in rock and jazz bands throughout high school. He became serious about music as a career while at Youngstown State University, studying under the instruction of Tony Leonardi and Micah Howard. After graduating with a Bachelor’s of Music degree in Music Performance with an Emphasis on Jazz, Dillingham’s education continued at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, where he worked with Jeffrey Turner, principal bass of the Pittsburgh Symphony, and subsequently received a Master’s of Music degree in Music Performance. He also attended the National Repertory Orchestra Festival in Breckenridge, Colorado and the School for Improvisational Music in New York. Upon graduation, Dillingham was invited to play in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, and moved to the city to perform with them for the next two seasons. Since then, he has made frequent appearances in Chicago’s vibrant classical scene, playing with the Lyric Opera, the Grant Park Symphony, and the Chicago Opera Theatre. Dillingham is also a member of the Chicago Sinfonietta, Fulcrum Point New Music Project, Matt Jones Orchestra, and the Chicago Philharmonic. He appears on albums by the Chicago Sinfonietta and Camerata Chicago. At the same time, he became a regular presence in Chicago’s rich jazz community, performing at Fred Anderson’s iconic Velvet Lounge, the Green Mill, the Jazz Showcase, Constellation Chicago, Hungry Brain, Andy’s Jazz Club, Elastic Arts and other Chicago venues as well as at the Chicago Jazz Festival. Dillingham has played and recorded with dozens of musicians, including John Legend, Kirk Franklin, Herlin Riley, Peter Bernstein, Kevin Mahogany, Willie Pickens, Dee Alexander, Victor Goines, Bobby Broom, Sean Jones, Greg Ward and Mike Reed. He currently performs with a number of diverse projects crossing genres from jazz, classical and roots to the avant-garde and leads his own band, which features his original compositions. In fall of 2020 he joined the faculty at Indiana University teaching jazz bass. Eventbrite is the official & sole seller of tickets to all events at Jazz Showcase. Only the original buyer will be admitted into our events, and your name/ID must match the name on your ticket. Tickets purchased outside of the Eventbrite platform will not be admitted into any event. 

Born and raised in the Bay Area California, Ben Esposito grew up around a vibrant and diverse community of mentors, peers, and musical styles. He graduated from Berkeley High School in 2019 which gave him the tools to begin playing professionally at age 16. He went on to attend DePaul University in Chicago, studying closely under one of his biggest influences, Dana Hall. During this time, he worked with Bobby Broom, Mary Stallings, Greg Ward, Dennis Carroll, and other professors and peers in Chicago while in school. Esposito has played around the Bay Area as a top-call drummer, working with/being mentored by local greats Marcus Shelby and Howard Wiley. He’s had the honor to perform with Jazzmeia Horn, Fred Armisen, Gary Bartz, Essiet Okon Essiet, Johnny O’Neal, Javier Santiago, Alexander Claffy, Tiffany Austin, Dennis Adu, and more. He has studied with Greg Hutchinson, Kenny Washington, Johnathan Blake, Jeremy Dutton, Kendrick Scott, George Fludas, and Ulysses Owens Jr. Ben has performed in ensembles at Montreux Jazz Festival, Umbria Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall, SFJAZZ, San Jose Jazz Festival, and led his own projects at the Black Cat, Bird and Beckett, and the Soundroom, to name a few. Ben is currently based in Brooklyn, living in New York City and finishing his studies at the New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music. His debut album, Elation, was recently released and is available on all streaming platforms. 

Born and raised in the Bay Area California, Ben Esposito grew up around a vibrant and diverse community of mentors, peers, and musical styles. He graduated from Berkeley High School in 2019 which gave him the tools to begin playing professionally at age 16. He went on to attend DePaul University in Chicago, studying closely under one of his biggest influences, Dana Hall. During this time, he worked with Bobby Broom, Mary Stallings, Greg Ward, Dennis Carroll, and other professors and peers in Chicago while in school. Esposito has played around the Bay Area as a top-call drummer, working with/being mentored by local greats Marcus Shelby and Howard Wiley. He’s had the honor to perform with Jazzmeia Horn, Fred Armisen, Gary Bartz, Essiet Okon Essiet, Johnny O’Neal, Javier Santiago, Alexander Claffy, Tiffany Austin, Dennis Adu, and more. He has studied with Greg Hutchinson, Kenny Washington, Johnathan Blake, Jeremy Dutton, Kendrick Scott, George Fludas, and Ulysses Owens Jr. Ben has performed in ensembles at Montreux Jazz Festival, Umbria Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall, SFJAZZ, San Jose Jazz Festival, and led his own projects at the Black Cat, Bird and Beckett, and the Soundroom, to name a few. Ben is currently based in Brooklyn, living in New York City and finishing his studies at the New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music. His debut album, Elation, was recently released and is available on all streaming platforms. 

Born and raised in the Bay Area California, Ben Esposito grew up around a vibrant and diverse community of mentors, peers, and musical styles. He graduated from Berkeley High School in 2019 which gave him the tools to begin playing professionally at age 16. He went on to attend DePaul University in Chicago, studying closely under one of his biggest influences, Dana Hall. During this time, he worked with Bobby Broom, Mary Stallings, Greg Ward, Dennis Carroll, and other professors and peers in Chicago while in school. Esposito has played around the Bay Area as a top-call drummer, working with/being mentored by local greats Marcus Shelby and Howard Wiley. He’s had the honor to perform with Jazzmeia Horn, Fred Armisen, Gary Bartz, Essiet Okon Essiet, Johnny O’Neal, Javier Santiago, Alexander Claffy, Tiffany Austin, Dennis Adu, and more. He has studied with Greg Hutchinson, Kenny Washington, Johnathan Blake, Jeremy Dutton, Kendrick Scott, George Fludas, and Ulysses Owens Jr. Ben has performed in ensembles at Montreux Jazz Festival, Umbria Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall, SFJAZZ, San Jose Jazz Festival, and led his own projects at the Black Cat, Bird and Beckett, and the Soundroom, to name a few. Ben is currently based in Brooklyn, living in New York City and finishing his studies at the New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music. His debut album, Elation, was recently released and is available on all streaming platforms. 

Born and raised in the Bay Area California, Ben Esposito grew up around a vibrant and diverse community of mentors, peers, and musical styles. He graduated from Berkeley High School in 2019 which gave him the tools to begin playing professionally at age 16. He went on to attend DePaul University in Chicago, studying closely under one of his biggest influences, Dana Hall. During this time, he worked with Bobby Broom, Mary Stallings, Greg Ward, Dennis Carroll, and other professors and peers in Chicago while in school. Esposito has played around the Bay Area as a top-call drummer, working with/being mentored by local greats Marcus Shelby and Howard Wiley. He’s had the honor to perform with Jazzmeia Horn, Fred Armisen, Gary Bartz, Essiet Okon Essiet, Johnny O’Neal, Javier Santiago, Alexander Claffy, Tiffany Austin, Dennis Adu, and more. He has studied with Greg Hutchinson, Kenny Washington, Johnathan Blake, Jeremy Dutton, Kendrick Scott, George Fludas, and Ulysses Owens Jr. Ben has performed in ensembles at Montreux Jazz Festival, Umbria Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall, SFJAZZ, San Jose Jazz Festival, and led his own projects at the Black Cat, Bird and Beckett, and the Soundroom, to name a few. Ben is currently based in Brooklyn, living in New York City and finishing his studies at the New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music. His debut album, Elation, was recently released and is available on all streaming platforms. 

Sofia Koulouvaris - saxophone Joey Skoch- Piano Dennis Carroll- Bass George Fludas- Drums  Sofia Koulouvaris is an up-and-coming jazz saxophonist and educator currently based in Chicago. At age 10, Sofia started playing the saxophone, and shortly after, stumbled upon the music of Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, and John Coltrane, sparking her love for jazz. She recently graduated from DePaul University, where she received her Bachelor's degree in Jazz Studies and Music Education. During her time there, Sofia studied with prominent musicians such as Scott Burns, Dana Hall, and Dennis Carroll. Dennis has been an important mentor to Sofia further inspiring her passion for the tradition of jazz and its deep history especially when it comes to playing bebop and the blues, which is greatly reflected in her music. Creating a sense of community and connection have been her main goals as a musician. Beginning in 2023, Sofia played weekly at Archie’s Cafe with friends hosting a jazz jam until the business’ recent shutdown in August. More recently, she was a member of the Women In Jazz Organization (WIJO) mentor program and had the opportunity to connect to other female jazz musicians. Additionally, Sofia is passionate about education, serving as a teaching assistant at Birch Creek’s summer music academy, and is currently teaching elementary and middle school band. 

Born and raised in the Bay Area California, Ben Esposito grew up around a vibrant and diverse community of mentors, peers, and musical styles. He graduated from Berkeley High School in 2019 which gave him the tools to begin playing professionally at age 16. He went on to attend DePaul University in Chicago, studying closely under one of his biggest influences, Dana Hall. During this time, he worked with Bobby Broom, Mary Stallings, Greg Ward, Dennis Carroll, and other professors and peers in Chicago while in school. Esposito has played around the Bay Area as a top-call drummer, working with/being mentored by local greats Marcus Shelby and Howard Wiley. He’s had the honor to perform with Jazzmeia Horn, Fred Armisen, Gary Bartz, Essiet Okon Essiet, Johnny O’Neal, Javier Santiago, Alexander Claffy, Tiffany Austin, Dennis Adu, and more. He has studied with Greg Hutchinson, Kenny Washington, Johnathan Blake, Jeremy Dutton, Kendrick Scott, George Fludas, and Ulysses Owens Jr. Ben has performed in ensembles at Montreux Jazz Festival, Umbria Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall, SFJAZZ, San Jose Jazz Festival, and led his own projects at the Black Cat, Bird and Beckett, and the Soundroom, to name a few. Ben is currently based in Brooklyn, living in New York City and finishing his studies at the New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music. His debut album, Elation, was recently released and is available on all streaming platforms. 

Saxophonist Christopher McBride is based in New York City. His work includes education, arranging and composition in addition to performance. He has been slowly but steadily turning heads with his ubiquitous work as an invaluable sideman since the mid-2000’s. Now Christopher is gaining respect amongst fans, critics, and his peers as one of the most versatile saxophonists in the world. His 2012 debut album Quatuor de Force certainly establishes his ability to front a group and write his own soulful, melodically indelible tunes. Applauded for his ability to play in all musical situations, McBride has the ability to unleash a fiery attack and serrated tone, but on his first album he explores a more measured, mellow sound heavily influenced by contemporary R&B—with a strong shot of Cannonball Adderley’s post-bop sensuality—but his improvising is very rigorous and cogent. As a composer, McBride was selected as the 2022 Make Jazz Fellowship artist at The 18th Street Arts Center in Santa Monica, California. Born in Chicago, and starting his professional career there in 2007, Christopher made the move to NYC in 2013. His group,The Whole Proof, has played venues all over New York. Christopher ran his ‘Singer Meets Saxophonist’ series at the famed Minton’s Playhouse in Harlem from 2017-2019. The musicians he has performed with over the years span many genres sharing the stage with Billy Preston, Percy Gray, Roy Hargrove, Pete Rock, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Talib Kweli, Lupe Fiasco, Guy Sebastian, Solange, Ne-Yo, Jennifer Hudson, Alice Smith, Brandon Flowers, Lea DeLaria, 88 Keys, Milton Mustafa, Winard Harper, and the Marquis Hill’s Blacktet. As a recording artist, McBride’s February 2023 release ‘Ramon’ made the Top 25 on the JazzWeek Charts and stayed on the charts for 14 weeks as well as making the JazzWeek Top 100 albums for 2023. The sophomore release has received critical acclaim. All About Jazz called the album “a sonic marvel that showcases a robust grasp of bebop and contemporary jazz idioms.” As a performing artist he has received a Grammy win for his work as a collaborator/soloist on Steven Feifke and Bijon Watson’s 2022 album “Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra.” As an educator, McBride has served as the Director of Education for the Second Line Arts Collective, a non-for-profit organization based out of New Orleans. His primary duties included writing curriculum for the Little Stompers division and teacher development. He also teaches for Jazz at Lincoln Center regularly, as well as touring nationally with different educational programs. As a journalist and consultant, McBride has worked with Forbes Ignite, the innovation coalition of Forbes. 

Saxophonist Christopher McBride is based in New York City. His work includes education, arranging and composition in addition to performance. He has been slowly but steadily turning heads with his ubiquitous work as an invaluable sideman since the mid-2000’s. Now Christopher is gaining respect amongst fans, critics, and his peers as one of the most versatile saxophonists in the world. His 2012 debut album Quatuor de Force certainly establishes his ability to front a group and write his own soulful, melodically indelible tunes. Applauded for his ability to play in all musical situations, McBride has the ability to unleash a fiery attack and serrated tone, but on his first album he explores a more measured, mellow sound heavily influenced by contemporary R&B—with a strong shot of Cannonball Adderley’s post-bop sensuality—but his improvising is very rigorous and cogent. As a composer, McBride was selected as the 2022 Make Jazz Fellowship artist at The 18th Street Arts Center in Santa Monica, California. Born in Chicago, and starting his professional career there in 2007, Christopher made the move to NYC in 2013. His group,The Whole Proof, has played venues all over New York. Christopher ran his ‘Singer Meets Saxophonist’ series at the famed Minton’s Playhouse in Harlem from 2017-2019. The musicians he has performed with over the years span many genres sharing the stage with Billy Preston, Percy Gray, Roy Hargrove, Pete Rock, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Talib Kweli, Lupe Fiasco, Guy Sebastian, Solange, Ne-Yo, Jennifer Hudson, Alice Smith, Brandon Flowers, Lea DeLaria, 88 Keys, Milton Mustafa, Winard Harper, and the Marquis Hill’s Blacktet. As a recording artist, McBride’s February 2023 release ‘Ramon’ made the Top 25 on the JazzWeek Charts and stayed on the charts for 14 weeks as well as making the JazzWeek Top 100 albums for 2023. The sophomore release has received critical acclaim. All About Jazz called the album “a sonic marvel that showcases a robust grasp of bebop and contemporary jazz idioms.” As a performing artist he has received a Grammy win for his work as a collaborator/soloist on Steven Feifke and Bijon Watson’s 2022 album “Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra.” As an educator, McBride has served as the Director of Education for the Second Line Arts Collective, a non-for-profit organization based out of New Orleans. His primary duties included writing curriculum for the Little Stompers division and teacher development. He also teaches for Jazz at Lincoln Center regularly, as well as touring nationally with different educational programs. As a journalist and consultant, McBride has worked with Forbes Ignite, the innovation coalition of Forbes. 

Saxophonist Christopher McBride is based in New York City. His work includes education, arranging and composition in addition to performance. He has been slowly but steadily turning heads with his ubiquitous work as an invaluable sideman since the mid-2000’s. Now Christopher is gaining respect amongst fans, critics, and his peers as one of the most versatile saxophonists in the world. His 2012 debut album Quatuor de Force certainly establishes his ability to front a group and write his own soulful, melodically indelible tunes. Applauded for his ability to play in all musical situations, McBride has the ability to unleash a fiery attack and serrated tone, but on his first album he explores a more measured, mellow sound heavily influenced by contemporary R&B—with a strong shot of Cannonball Adderley’s post-bop sensuality—but his improvising is very rigorous and cogent. As a composer, McBride was selected as the 2022 Make Jazz Fellowship artist at The 18th Street Arts Center in Santa Monica, California. Born in Chicago, and starting his professional career there in 2007, Christopher made the move to NYC in 2013. His group,The Whole Proof, has played venues all over New York. Christopher ran his ‘Singer Meets Saxophonist’ series at the famed Minton’s Playhouse in Harlem from 2017-2019. The musicians he has performed with over the years span many genres sharing the stage with Billy Preston, Percy Gray, Roy Hargrove, Pete Rock, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Talib Kweli, Lupe Fiasco, Guy Sebastian, Solange, Ne-Yo, Jennifer Hudson, Alice Smith, Brandon Flowers, Lea DeLaria, 88 Keys, Milton Mustafa, Winard Harper, and the Marquis Hill’s Blacktet. As a recording artist, McBride’s February 2023 release ‘Ramon’ made the Top 25 on the JazzWeek Charts and stayed on the charts for 14 weeks as well as making the JazzWeek Top 100 albums for 2023. The sophomore release has received critical acclaim. All About Jazz called the album “a sonic marvel that showcases a robust grasp of bebop and contemporary jazz idioms.” As a performing artist he has received a Grammy win for his work as a collaborator/soloist on Steven Feifke and Bijon Watson’s 2022 album “Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra.” As an educator, McBride has served as the Director of Education for the Second Line Arts Collective, a non-for-profit organization based out of New Orleans. His primary duties included writing curriculum for the Little Stompers division and teacher development. He also teaches for Jazz at Lincoln Center regularly, as well as touring nationally with different educational programs. As a journalist and consultant, McBride has worked with Forbes Ignite, the innovation coalition of Forbes. 

Saxophonist Christopher McBride is based in New York City. His work includes education, arranging and composition in addition to performance. He has been slowly but steadily turning heads with his ubiquitous work as an invaluable sideman since the mid-2000’s. Now Christopher is gaining respect amongst fans, critics, and his peers as one of the most versatile saxophonists in the world. His 2012 debut album Quatuor de Force certainly establishes his ability to front a group and write his own soulful, melodically indelible tunes. Applauded for his ability to play in all musical situations, McBride has the ability to unleash a fiery attack and serrated tone, but on his first album he explores a more measured, mellow sound heavily influenced by contemporary R&B—with a strong shot of Cannonball Adderley’s post-bop sensuality—but his improvising is very rigorous and cogent. As a composer, McBride was selected as the 2022 Make Jazz Fellowship artist at The 18th Street Arts Center in Santa Monica, California. Born in Chicago, and starting his professional career there in 2007, Christopher made the move to NYC in 2013. His group,The Whole Proof, has played venues all over New York. Christopher ran his ‘Singer Meets Saxophonist’ series at the famed Minton’s Playhouse in Harlem from 2017-2019. The musicians he has performed with over the years span many genres sharing the stage with Billy Preston, Percy Gray, Roy Hargrove, Pete Rock, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Talib Kweli, Lupe Fiasco, Guy Sebastian, Solange, Ne-Yo, Jennifer Hudson, Alice Smith, Brandon Flowers, Lea DeLaria, 88 Keys, Milton Mustafa, Winard Harper, and the Marquis Hill’s Blacktet. As a recording artist, McBride’s February 2023 release ‘Ramon’ made the Top 25 on the JazzWeek Charts and stayed on the charts for 14 weeks as well as making the JazzWeek Top 100 albums for 2023. The sophomore release has received critical acclaim. All About Jazz called the album “a sonic marvel that showcases a robust grasp of bebop and contemporary jazz idioms.” As a performing artist he has received a Grammy win for his work as a collaborator/soloist on Steven Feifke and Bijon Watson’s 2022 album “Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra.” As an educator, McBride has served as the Director of Education for the Second Line Arts Collective, a non-for-profit organization based out of New Orleans. His primary duties included writing curriculum for the Little Stompers division and teacher development. He also teaches for Jazz at Lincoln Center regularly, as well as touring nationally with different educational programs. As a journalist and consultant, McBride has worked with Forbes Ignite, the innovation coalition of Forbes. 

There are many moments that can define a man’s life and for Pharez Whitted, this is one of them. He’s taken on the new role as Chicago’s Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO) Jazz Director and Howard Reich at the Chicago Tribune described Pharez perfectly - “Few Chicago musician-educators are more qualified than Whitted to build the new band, for he commands a richly deserved reputation as a trumpet virtuoso, seasoned educator and irrepressible champion of the music.” Whitted is humble with his legacy and his deep roots in music go as far back as the 1930’s in Indianapolis where the Hampton Family Band first began performing. His mother VIrtue, his uncle Slide Hampton and the other 10 siblings (12 in total) laid the foundation with their self-educated and courageous father, Clarke “Deacon” Hampton at the helm. With that level of determination and talent, Whitted was destined to inherit the gift of music. He began his career in 1982 not long after earning his Master’s Degree at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. He’s been on staff at Chicago State University The Ohio State University and Wabash College. He recorded his first self-entitled album, ‘Pharez Whitted’ with Motown in 1994 and continued recording solo albums ever since. He’s performed with Nancy Wilson, Freddie Hubbard, Slide Hampton, John Mellencamp, Chaka Khan, Ahmad Jamal, George Duke, Kirk Whalum, Elvin Jones, Branford Marsalis and Meshell Ndegeocello to name a few. He is currently a clinician Jazz at Lincoln Center youth outreach program, he’s a staple at Rivinia’s Jazz Scholar program in Chicago and his newest role at CYSO to help find its identity and sound while bringing new faces to the young jazz scene of Chicago. 

There are many moments that can define a man’s life and for Pharez Whitted, this is one of them. He’s taken on the new role as Chicago’s Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO) Jazz Director and Howard Reich at the Chicago Tribune described Pharez perfectly - “Few Chicago musician-educators are more qualified than Whitted to build the new band, for he commands a richly deserved reputation as a trumpet virtuoso, seasoned educator and irrepressible champion of the music.” Whitted is humble with his legacy and his deep roots in music go as far back as the 1930’s in Indianapolis where the Hampton Family Band first began performing. His mother VIrtue, his uncle Slide Hampton and the other 10 siblings (12 in total) laid the foundation with their self-educated and courageous father, Clarke “Deacon” Hampton at the helm. With that level of determination and talent, Whitted was destined to inherit the gift of music. He began his career in 1982 not long after earning his Master’s Degree at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. He’s been on staff at Chicago State University The Ohio State University and Wabash College. He recorded his first self-entitled album, ‘Pharez Whitted’ with Motown in 1994 and continued recording solo albums ever since. He’s performed with Nancy Wilson, Freddie Hubbard, Slide Hampton, John Mellencamp, Chaka Khan, Ahmad Jamal, George Duke, Kirk Whalum, Elvin Jones, Branford Marsalis and Meshell Ndegeocello to name a few. He is currently a clinician Jazz at Lincoln Center youth outreach program, he’s a staple at Rivinia’s Jazz Scholar program in Chicago and his newest role at CYSO to help find its identity and sound while bringing new faces to the young jazz scene of Chicago.