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Named a 2024 Downbeat Magazine “Rising Star”, composer and percussionist Thaddeus Tukes is one of the most dynamic musicians in America. Presented as the "World's Best Vibraphonist" by World Expo 2020 in Dubai, his virtuosity and creativity "brings poetry to the vibraphone" (Chicago Tribune, 2019), which has captivated audiences around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York City, Symphony Center in Chicago, and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. As one of “Chicago’s Hidden Gems” (CBS, 2023), Thaddeus honors the legacy of the jazz tradition and beyond. Tukes began playing the piano at the age of five, and soon began inclusive percussion instruction with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association’s Percussion Scholarship Program. While studying classical music, he was inspired to play Jazz after hearing vibraphonists Lionel Hampton and Stefon Harris. At age 16, he received superior ratings in city- and state-wide solo competitions in classical music, and recognition as the best Illinois Jazz vibraphonist among high school competitors by the Illinois Music Education Association. Tukes graduated with a combined bachelor’s degree in Jazz piano and vibraphone studies from Northwestern University, the first Jazz vibraphone degree program at a non-conservatory university in the United States. The summer of 2020 found Tukes forming a group of local musicians called the Chicago Freedom Ensemble, a music performance and social justice advocacy organization. Through the Chicago Freedom Ensemble, he has supported and led protests, provided political and financial literacy for the local music community, conducted jam sessions throughout the city, and created a citywide network of young multicultural instrumentalists. Tukes, along with a small delegation of musicians, were performed at the 2020 World’s Expo in Dubai. That same year, Tukes and the ensemble led an impromptu Halloween parade in Tukes‘ childhood community, in an effort to reduce violent interactions between youth and the police. “Thriller on 53rd Street” has now become a yearly tradition in the neighborhood, sponsored by the residents and organized by Tukes. In addition to performances, Tukes teaches percussion ensembles at various elementary and high schools in the Chicagoland area. He gives masterclasses to music students at universities throughout the United States. A former apprentice of Chicago’s Gallery 37/After School Matters Jazz Band program during high school, Tukes is currently its director, mentoring the next generation of jazz musicians from Chicago. Tukes is currently pursuing a master's degree in music therapy.

Named a 2024 Downbeat Magazine “Rising Star”, composer and percussionist Thaddeus Tukes is one of the most dynamic musicians in America. Presented as the "World's Best Vibraphonist" by World Expo 2020 in Dubai, his virtuosity and creativity "brings poetry to the vibraphone" (Chicago Tribune, 2019), which has captivated audiences around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York City, Symphony Center in Chicago, and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. As one of “Chicago’s Hidden Gems” (CBS, 2023), Thaddeus honors the legacy of the jazz tradition and beyond. Tukes began playing the piano at the age of five, and soon began inclusive percussion instruction with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association’s Percussion Scholarship Program. While studying classical music, he was inspired to play Jazz after hearing vibraphonists Lionel Hampton and Stefon Harris. At age 16, he received superior ratings in city- and state-wide solo competitions in classical music, and recognition as the best Illinois Jazz vibraphonist among high school competitors by the Illinois Music Education Association. Tukes graduated with a combined bachelor’s degree in Jazz piano and vibraphone studies from Northwestern University, the first Jazz vibraphone degree program at a non-conservatory university in the United States. The summer of 2020 found Tukes forming a group of local musicians called the Chicago Freedom Ensemble, a music performance and social justice advocacy organization. Through the Chicago Freedom Ensemble, he has supported and led protests, provided political and financial literacy for the local music community, conducted jam sessions throughout the city, and created a citywide network of young multicultural instrumentalists. Tukes, along with a small delegation of musicians, were performed at the 2020 World’s Expo in Dubai. That same year, Tukes and the ensemble led an impromptu Halloween parade in Tukes‘ childhood community, in an effort to reduce violent interactions between youth and the police. “Thriller on 53rd Street” has now become a yearly tradition in the neighborhood, sponsored by the residents and organized by Tukes. In addition to performances, Tukes teaches percussion ensembles at various elementary and high schools in the Chicagoland area. He gives masterclasses to music students at universities throughout the United States. A former apprentice of Chicago’s Gallery 37/After School Matters Jazz Band program during high school, Tukes is currently its director, mentoring the next generation of jazz musicians from Chicago. Tukes is currently pursuing a master's degree in music therapy.

In August 1979, the ensemble was the opening band on the first night of the First Annual Chicago Jazz Festival. 46 years later, the CJO stands as not only the oldest professional big band in Chicago, but also the second oldest professional civic jazz orchestra in the United States (second only to the Columbus Jazz Orchestra).

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.