Plans in Place for Fred Anderson's 80th

  I   Chicago saxophone legend Fred Anderson will turn 80 on March 22. In celebration of this special occasion, a series of concerts will take place at Anderson's Chicago club, the Velvet Lounge, from March 18-22. In addition, a March 25 show honoring Anderson will take place at the Hideout.

Musicians participating on the various nights will include Anderson, the AACM Great Black Music Ensemble, Harrison Bankhead, Hamiet Bluiett, Mwata Bowden, Billy Brimfield, Ari Brown, Richard Davis, Ernest Dawkins, Hamid Drake, Kahil el'Zabar, Douglas Ewart, Henry Grimes, Edward "Kidd" Jordan, Nicole Mitchell, Dushun Mosley, Jeff Parker, Avreeayl Ra, Chad Taylor, Ed Wilkerson, Jr., Corey Wilkes, Francis Wong and many more.

Times and ticket prices vary. For details, go to velvetlounge.net.



  • DB26_Joshua_Redman_Courtesy_Joshua_Redman.jpg

    A solo concert by saxophonist Joshua Redman will close the first night of the Hyde Park Jazz Festival on Sept. 26.

  • Coltrane_John_by_Joe_Alper_copy.jpeg

    “It was just that suddenly … I could hear it,” Ravi Coltrane said of an epiphany he experienced during his late teens regarding his father’s music. “And it was almost like a calling, like something saying, ‘Hey, man, come on. It’s time to get serious.’ And the first time you really tune in and dial in and focus like that, it can be very life-changing.”

  • Thurman_copy.jpeg

    Camille Thurman took to the stage alongside bassist Kenny Davis and drummer Tommy Campbell for a rendition of Johnny Mercer’s “I’m An Old Cowhand” that recalled Rollins’ epochal 1957 trio outing Way Out West.

  • 5_Elling_Russell_Cohen_Courtesy_Signature_Cruise_Experiences.jpg

    Kurt Elling, Katherine Russell and Emmet Cohen (host on the 2027 Jazz Cruise) share a laugh at sea.

  • DB-CollegeGuide-Cover-Oct26_copy4.jpg