Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Honors Black History Month with 'When the West Side Burned' – A Musical Reflection on Turmoil and Resilience


Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Honors Black History Month with 'When the West Side Burned' – A Musical Reflection on Turmoil and Resilience

Chicago, IL (January 10, 2026) — The Chicago Jazz Philharmonic (CJP), led by visionary Artistic Director Orbert Davis, is set to illuminate a pivotal chapter in American history through music and dialogue during its upcoming Black History Month celebration. Titled When the West Side Burned, this powerful two-day event will take place at the Kehrein Center for the Arts, located at 5628 W. Washington Blvd., on Friday, February 6, and Saturday, February 7, 2026.

The performances are rooted in the evocative compositions originally crafted by Davis for WTTW’s Chicago Stories documentary of the same name. Featuring exclusive footage and a sweeping musical score, the concert explores the tumultuous aftermath of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in April 1968—a tragedy that ignited unrest across the nation and deeply impacted Chicago’s West Side.

Produced by acclaimed filmmaker Dan Andries, When the West Side Burned captures the grief, anger, and resilience of a community grappling with loss and systemic injustice. The documentary delves into King’s close ties to Chicago, the hope he inspired, and the ongoing journey of healing for neighborhoods still recovering from the upheaval.

On Friday, the CJP invites school groups and seniors to participate in open rehearsals and talkbacks, providing a rare behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. These sessions will foster meaningful conversations about the historical significance of the events and their enduring relevance. Special teacher guides will be distributed to participating educators to enhance classroom discussions.

Friday, February 6, 2026
When the West Side Burned
Open Rehearsals & Talkbacks: 10:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.
Admission: $1 per person

Saturday, February 7, 2026
When the West Side Burned – Screening, Conversation & Concert
4:00 p.m.: Screening of When the West Side Burned (55 minutes)
6:00 p.m.: Community Conversation moderated by Dan Andries, featuring West Side leaders who will share memories of Dr. King and discuss the ongoing fight for justice.
7:00 p.m.: A stirring concert of original compositions by Orbert Davis, alongside music from the 1960s that encapsulate both the turbulence and hope of that era.

All Saturday events are accessible for just $2 per person, and attendees can enjoy food and beverages from local West Side vendors throughout the evening.

This impactful series of events is made possible through partnerships with WTTW-PBS, Discover Music: Discover Life, the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelly Foundation, the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Illinois Arts Council, Ozinga, The Seabury Foundation, Pritzker Traubert Foundation, and an anonymous donor.

For tickets and additional information, visit www.chijazzphil.org.

About Chicago Jazz Philharmonic
Founded in 2004 by Orbert Davis and Mark Ingram, the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic is dedicated to transforming lives through music. From its inception as the first Chicago Jazz artist-led orchestra at the Chicago Jazz Festival to its innovative educational initiatives, CJP continues to inspire audiences and students alike. Driven by a belief in music’s power to foster understanding and change, CJP’s performances celebrate cultural heritage, resilience, and hope—especially during Black History Month.

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