Jason Roebke Archives

James Falzone: Cross-Pollinating Classical in an Avant-Garde Ecclesia

With his work in countless avant-jazz ensembles such as Klang, Allos Musica, and Vox Arcana, Chicago-based clarinetist James Falzone is adroitly cross-pollinating the worlds of improvised jazz and classical, while also doing so in an atypical congregation.

Fifth annual Umbrella Music Festival set for November 3-7

The acclaimed Umbrella Music Festival returns November 3-7 for its fifth annual celebration of jazz and improvised music from Chicago and beyond. The festival opens with a special evening of free concerts dubbed “European Jazz Meets Chicago,” co-presented by Umbrella Music, the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and 10 different European consulates and cultural organizations.

Jason Adasiewicz: Virtuosic Jazz Vibraphonist

Jason Adasiewicz has made a name for himself as a strong, unique voice in Chicago’s rich underground jazz and improvisational scene. He has lent his gorgeous, melodic vibraphone playing to literally dozens of ensembles and recordings, weaving his way through the highly collaborative network of progressive improvisers that has established itself in the clubs and practice spaces of Chicago.

What We’re Seeing This Weekend: William Elliot Whitmore, Serengeti, Zing!

As we make our rounds this weekend, we plan to catch soulful folk crooner William Elliot Whitmore, multi-genre rapper Serengeti, rock/jazz/electronic quintet Zing!, and a local festival (Chicago Soundmap 2009) that asks selected composers to balance improvisation and composition.