Join the Lenard Simpson Quartet at our Third Tuesday Jazz Series with an intimate performance in Café Logan.
March 18th | 7:30pm | Free with RSVP
Logan Center for the Arts | Café Logan
915 E. 60th Street | Chicago
Lenard Simpson, sax
Julius Tucker, piano
Runere Brooks, bass
Samuel Jewell, drums
Originally hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lenard Simpson’s well-earned reputation as “quickly becoming one of the most important saxophonists of this generation” (Kiefer) has secured him a spot as a rising star among his contemporaries. From his early days in Milwaukee as a self-taught beginner, to formal studies at Northern Illinois University (B.M., jazz performance) and UCLA’s Herbie Hancock Institute (M.M., music performance jazz), Simpson’s natural ability and outstanding musicianship have been recognized by some of the most celebrated jazz musicians and pedagogues across the world, including Herbie Handcock, Christian McBride, Wayne Shorter, and many more.
An active, in-demand performer, composer, arranger, and educator, Simpson “is trusted and called upon by some of the highest-level musicians anywhere” (Kendall Moore) due to his strong collaborative musicianship, unique sound marked by “profound soulfulness combined with a sparkling intelligence and curiosity” (Billy Childs), and compassionate and individualized approach to teaching.
As a band Leader, Simpson’s quartet has played at the major jazz festivals in the midwest and recently released an album entitled New Beginnings. Simpson’s work as an in-demand sideman has included performances both local and abroad with Billy Childs, Kurt Elling, Marquis Hill, Kiefer, Knower, Sara Gazarek, Clayton Cameron and Brian Lynch.
As an Educator, Simpson teaches at the Milwaukee Institute of Jazz, he served as an adjunct saxophone professor at Northern Illinois University. and has taught masterclasses for international Jazz Day in Melbourne, Australia, at the Sitka Jazz Festival in Sitka, Alaska. Additionally, Simpson has taught at the Birch Creek Jazz camp, Northern Illinois Jazz camp, and the UCLA Global Jazz camp.
ABOUT THE SERIES
The Hyde Park Jazz Society selects local jazz musicians and those with a Chicago connection to perform on the third Tuesday of the month from October to June at Café Logan. The Café will offer its full menu for purchase, including wine, beer, and a coffee bar.
Third Tuesday Jazz is presented by the Logan Center, Hyde Park Jazz Society, and 90.9FM WDCB Jazz Radio with support from the Robert S. Guttman Family Charitable Fund and friends of the Logan Center.
Admission is free; suggested donation $5, seating is first come, first served.
Parking is free in surface lot at 60th and Drexel Avenue.