Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Ignites 20th Anniversary Celebration with Havana Blue at the Kehrein Center for the Art


Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Ignites 20th Anniversary Celebration with Havana Blue at the Kehrein Center for the Art

CJP Celebrates Two Decades of Artistry With an Immersive $1 Concert Highlighting Cuba’s Rich Musical Culture

CHICAGO (September 16, 2024) –Chicago Jazz Philharmonic (CJP), in collaboration with Kehrein Center for the Arts, is excited to bring an unforgettable evening featuring the dynamic symphonic jazz masterpiece, Havana Blue as part of the 20th Anniversary Celebration! This vibrant concert will take place Saturday, November 2 at 7:00 PM at 5628 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60644.

Guests will experience the captivating sounds of Havana as CJP’s visionary artistic director, Orbert Davis, returns to the stage with this original work inspired by the rich cultural tapestry of Cuba. A project that blossomed from Davis’s awe-inspiring first trip to Cuba in October 2012, Havana Blue encapsulates the spirit, passion, and rhythms of Afro-Cuban life, weaving a story that spans romance, energy, and the vibrant diversity of a society in turmoil.

First premiered at Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre in 2013, this stunning production celebrates Chicago Jazz Philharmonic’s deep-rooted connection to Cuba through a groundbreaking residency at the Universidad de las Artes (ISA).

As CJP's creative leader, Davis passionately explains, “The music of CJP crosses boundaries on every level, paving the way for the full appreciation of all cultures and sounds. Our integration of classical and jazz creates a shared experience for everyone involved—audience and musicians alike.”

Reesheda Graham Washington, executive director of KCA, echoes this excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Chicago Jazz Philharmonic during this significant milestone and are committed to bringing the richness of Cuba’s cultural heritage to life right here in the heart of Chicago’s West Side.”

To purchase $1 tickets, log on to  Havana Blue Tickets.

Funding and support for this concert season is made possible by Ozinga, the Caerus Foundation, the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, WDCB, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Illinois Arts Council, Chicago Cultural Treasures, The Aaron Copland Fund for Music, and the Pritzker Traubert Foundation. For more information about our amazing season, visit www.chijazzphil.org.

Connect with Chicago Jazz Philharmonic: Website: https://www.chijazzphil.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChiJazzPhil Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicago_jazz_philharmonic/

About Chicago Jazz Philharmonic


Music has the power to enhance all lives. This core belief has always been at the heart of our organization. When musicians and lifelong friends Orbert Davis and Mark Ingram saw the powerful impact of the arts on elementary school students, they founded a music education program to expand the number of lives music could touch. In 2004, Orbert Davis received an invitation from the Jazz Institute of Chicago to “think big” when planning his appearance at that year's Jazz Festival, and the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic was born. This performance marked the first time a resident Chicago Jazz artist headlined the festival, not to mention being accompanied by a 55-piece jazz orchestra. Shortly after, the decision was made to combine the music education program and the orchestra, creating a unique education-centered performing ensemble.


About the Kehrein Center for the Arts


The Kehrein Center for the Arts provides a home for artistic creative expression and civic engagement that animates and engages the human spirit in ways that prioritize the Black experience in the Austin Community!

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