Jazz Showcase's Upcoming Shows

Bob Lark is recognized regionally, nationally and internationally as a contemporary jazz educator and performer of integrity. His approach to pedagogy and rehearsal techniques has been noted by participation in professional conferences; publication of articles; compact disc recordings as both a performer and ensemble director; and the direction of numerous student honors ensembles. Down Beat magazine recognized Bob’s work in 2010 with their Jazz Education Achievement Award. In speaking of Lark, jazz icon Clark Terry stated, “He’s a very good trumpet player, a very good musician. He’s paid his dues.” Recordings on the Jazzed Media label include those by The Bob Lark/Phil Woods Quintet, Bob Lark and his Alumni Big Band, and Bob Lark and Friends, with Phil Woods, Rufus Reid, and Jim McNeely. Bob’s playing and writing are also featured on the CD recordings Until You and First Steps on the Hallway label. He is an exclusive Yamaha Performing Artist. Bob is an active clinician, soloist and guest conductor.He has served as host for the Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition, is the past-president of the Illinois Unit of the International Association for Jazz Education, and has chaired the International Trumpet Guild jazz improvisation competition.For thirty-one years, Dr. Lark served as Professor of Music and Director of Jazz studies at DePaul University, in Chicago. Currently, Bob is the Director of Jazz Studies at Valparaiso University in Indiana.He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in performance from the University of North Texas, having earlier earned a Master’s degree from that school, and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from The Ohio State University. 

Johnny O'Neal is a world-renowned pianist and vocalist, known for his soulful, personable, and even humorous performances and virtuosic improvisations. Originally hailing from Detroit, his concerts regularly feature many styles, from jazz and traditional blues to pop, R&B and even gospel music. His extremely versatile resume speaks for itself.  He has performed or recorded with Sarah Vaughan, Dizzy Gillespie, Anita O'Day, Carmen McCrae, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Clark Terry, Stan Getz, Sonny Stitt, and many more. O'Neal started making a splash in the music world early on as a prodigious young teenager winning the 2nd Annual James Cleveland youth gospel piano competition in Kansas City.  Then several years later he was discovered by the legendary bassist Ray Brown who facilitated and played on O'Neal's first album, "Coming Out." Other notable performances include a solo piano concert Carnegie Hall in 1985 opening for Oscar Peterson and Cecil Taylor, and touring as singer with the Ray Charles Band following Mr. Charles' transition.  In the middle of his career, O'Neal was so busy he even had to turn down certain notable opportunities like being the featured singer on tour with the Count Basie Orchestra and playing in Betty Carter's band. O'Neal continues to make waves in the modern era.  He played the part of Art Tatum (at the recommendation of Oscar Peterson) in the 2005 Oscar-winning film "Ray," performing and recording with artists such as Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Harry Connick Jr., and Ron Carter.  He's played the Blue Note in Beijing four times since it's opening in 2018.  As well as performances in Shanghai, annual trips to Europe, performances in South America, Canada, and all across the United States. 

Johnny O'Neal is a world-renowned pianist and vocalist, known for his soulful, personable, and even humorous performances and virtuosic improvisations. Originally hailing from Detroit, his concerts regularly feature many styles, from jazz and traditional blues to pop, R&B and even gospel music. His extremely versatile resume speaks for itself.  He has performed or recorded with Sarah Vaughan, Dizzy Gillespie, Anita O'Day, Carmen McCrae, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Clark Terry, Stan Getz, Sonny Stitt, and many more. O'Neal started making a splash in the music world early on as a prodigious young teenager winning the 2nd Annual James Cleveland youth gospel piano competition in Kansas City.  Then several years later he was discovered by the legendary bassist Ray Brown who facilitated and played on O'Neal's first album, "Coming Out." Other notable performances include a solo piano concert Carnegie Hall in 1985 opening for Oscar Peterson and Cecil Taylor, and touring as singer with the Ray Charles Band following Mr. Charles' transition.  In the middle of his career, O'Neal was so busy he even had to turn down certain notable opportunities like being the featured singer on tour with the Count Basie Orchestra and playing in Betty Carter's band. O'Neal continues to make waves in the modern era.  He played the part of Art Tatum (at the recommendation of Oscar Peterson) in the 2005 Oscar-winning film "Ray," performing and recording with artists such as Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Harry Connick Jr., and Ron Carter.  He's played the Blue Note in Beijing four times since it's opening in 2018.  As well as performances in Shanghai, annual trips to Europe, performances in South America, Canada, and all across the United States. 

Johnny O'Neal is a world-renowned pianist and vocalist, known for his soulful, personable, and even humorous performances and virtuosic improvisations. Originally hailing from Detroit, his concerts regularly feature many styles, from jazz and traditional blues to pop, R&B and even gospel music. His extremely versatile resume speaks for itself.  He has performed or recorded with Sarah Vaughan, Dizzy Gillespie, Anita O'Day, Carmen McCrae, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Clark Terry, Stan Getz, Sonny Stitt, and many more. O'Neal started making a splash in the music world early on as a prodigious young teenager winning the 2nd Annual James Cleveland youth gospel piano competition in Kansas City.  Then several years later he was discovered by the legendary bassist Ray Brown who facilitated and played on O'Neal's first album, "Coming Out." Other notable performances include a solo piano concert Carnegie Hall in 1985 opening for Oscar Peterson and Cecil Taylor, and touring as singer with the Ray Charles Band following Mr. Charles' transition.  In the middle of his career, O'Neal was so busy he even had to turn down certain notable opportunities like being the featured singer on tour with the Count Basie Orchestra and playing in Betty Carter's band. O'Neal continues to make waves in the modern era.  He played the part of Art Tatum (at the recommendation of Oscar Peterson) in the 2005 Oscar-winning film "Ray," performing and recording with artists such as Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Harry Connick Jr., and Ron Carter.  He's played the Blue Note in Beijing four times since it's opening in 2018.  As well as performances in Shanghai, annual trips to Europe, performances in South America, Canada, and all across the United States.