Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Brings Rising Young Musicians to Free Summer Concert Series

Student Tour Italy. Photo courtesy of appreypr
Student Tour Italy. Photo courtesy of appreypr

Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Brings Rising Young Musicians to Free Summer Concert Series

CJPNext Performances Showcase the Power of Music Education as Saturday Jazz Academy Opens Registration for Chicago Youth

For some of Chicago’s rising young musicians, the journey from the classroom to the international stage is becoming a reality.

Chicago Jazz Philharmonic (CJP) is showcasing the next generation of jazz talent through its CJPNext ensemble during two free summer concerts presented as part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series.

The performances feature young musicians whose experiences with Chicago Jazz Philharmonic demonstrate how music education can open doors to performance, mentorship, travel and professional opportunities.

Among the featured musicians are 16-year-old drummer Morgan Chatman, a current CJP Jazz Academy student, and 17-year-old pianist Daniel Johnson, a recent alumnus. Both recently returned from a musical residency in Italy, bringing their international experience back home to Chicago.

They join CJPNext, led by critically acclaimed saxophonist and CJP Jazz Academy alumnus Kevin King II. The ensemble also features bassist Daniel Perez, trumpeter Gabriel Wade and CJP Jazz Academy alumni Tommy Haepp on trombone and Mayshell Morris on flute.

The concerts are designed to do more than entertain. Chicago Jazz Philharmonic hopes seeing young musicians perform at a high level will encourage other Chicago students to imagine what may be possible through music education.

“The concerts represent more than outstanding performances—they’re an opportunity to inspire the next generation of musicians,” said Dr. Orbert Davis, co-founder and artistic director of Chicago Jazz Philharmonic. “We’re creating meaningful cultural connections while encouraging Chicago youth to discover their own artistic voices through music education just like members of CJPNext have.”

The first concert was held Friday, Aug. 14 at Cole (Nat King) Park on Chicago’s South Side. The second performance will take place Friday, Aug. 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Norman’s Bistro on the Lake at Rainbow Beach, 3111 E. 77th St.

The concert is free and open to all ages. The program will include music from King’s forthcoming release, Lost in Space.

From Chicago Classrooms to International Experiences

The participation of Chatman and Johnson following their time in Italy highlights one of the goals of Chicago Jazz Philharmonic’s education programs: giving young musicians opportunities to develop their talent while expanding their understanding of music, culture and the world around them.

Through performing alongside their peers and professional musicians, students develop technical skills as well as confidence, creativity, collaboration and relationships that can continue beyond the classroom.

That development is central to CJP’s Saturday Jazz Academy, which is now accepting students for its 2026–27 program.

The academy welcomes students at various skill levels and offers an educational experience that combines jazz and classical music. Students study improvisation, music theory, performance techniques, creativity and self-expression while developing strong musical foundations.

The upcoming Saturday Jazz Academy season will run Sept. 19, 2026 through May 8, 2027, with classes held Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m.

CJP leaders hope families attending the free summer concerts will see the performances not only as an opportunity to enjoy live music, but also as an invitation for young people to explore their own musical abilities.

Creating Access to the Arts

Founded by trumpeter, composer and educator Dr. Orbert Davis, Chicago Jazz Philharmonic has built an international reputation for its distinctive “third-stream” approach, bringing jazz and classical traditions together.

Along with its professional performances, education remains an important part of the organization’s mission. Programs such as the Saturday Jazz Academy are designed to cultivate future musicians while making high-quality music education accessible to Chicago youth.

The Night Out in the Parks series similarly works to expand access to arts and culture by bringing performances directly into Chicago neighborhoods. Presented by the Chicago Park District in partnership with artists and cultural organizations, the year-round initiative includes music, theater, dance, film, community festivals and other programming.

For young musicians watching CJPNext take the stage, the upcoming Rainbow Beach concert could provide more than an evening of entertainment. It could offer a glimpse of where their own musical journey might lead.

CJPNext at Rainbow Beach
Friday, Aug. 21, 2026
6–8 p.m.
Norman’s Bistro on the Lake at Rainbow Beach
3111 E. 77th St., Chicago
Admission: Free

Registration for Chicago Jazz Philharmonic’s Saturday Jazz Academy is now open. Students and families can learn more and register through the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic website.

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