By Raymond Ward, Chicago Crusader
JAZZY GALA!: The acclaimed Chicago Jazz Orchestra (CJO) starring Allan Harris will bring the music of Nat “King” Cole and other pop/jazz favorites to the McAnnich Arts Center, located at 425 Fawell Blvd. on the College of DuPage campus, on Saturday, October 8th at 8:00 PM.
Known for its unique performances and one-of-a-kind collaborations, Chicago Jazz Orchestra, a 17-piece ensemble led by artistic director Jeff Lindberg, has received local and national acclaim for more than 35 years and is considered one of the Windy City’s cultural crown jewels, celebrating the unique American Art Form of jazz orchestra music.
Allan Harris has been hailed by Tony Bennett as his “favorite voice.” Previous collaborations between CJO and Harris have included the 2014 Kennedy Center Honors program, showcasing works by Nat King Cole and the 2013 “A Tribute to Ray Charles” concert at Naperville’s Wentz Concert Hall.
Over the past 20 years, Allan Harris has steadily developed his reputation as one of the finest vocalists of his era. Brooklyn-born and Harlem-based, he has forged his sterling credentials through his 10 previous albums, covering a broad range of context, all netted together within the rich territory of the jazz tradition. In addition to his recordings he has performed on a worldwide stage that has taken him to prestigious international festivals and halls in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, as well as the 2012 Olympics in London. At home, he has toured nationally at festivals and top venues, including New York City’s Lincoln Center and Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center. He has received numerous awards including the New York Nightlife Award for “Outstanding Jazz Vocalist” (which he won three times), the Backstage Bistro Award for “Ongoing Achievement in Jazz,” the Harlem Speaks “Jazz Museum of Harlem Award,” and the DownBeat Critic’s Poll Award for “Rising Star Vocalist.”
Tickets are available at $39 and $49. For an additional $30, patrons can purchase the MAC’s VIP Experience, which includes a private, pre-show hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and champagne reception, followed by coffee and dessert at intermission. For tickets or additional information visit AtTheMAC.org or call 630-942-4000.
McAnnich Arts Center (MAC) at College of DuPage is located 25 miles west of Chicago near I-88 and I-355 .
