PREVIEW RELEASE CONCERT
Saturday May 17, will be a special event sponsored by the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians AACM-Chicago to celebrate its 60th Anniversary. The AACM is a historical cultural organization founded by Muhal Richard Abrams, Jodie Christian, Steve McCall and Phil Cohran. Its mission is to support and encourage jazz performers, composers and educators. A partial list of the impactful musicians of the AACM would include: Dee Alexander, Henry Threadgill, Nicole Mitchell, Anthony Braxton, Roscoe Mitchell, Rene Baker, Ari Brown, Sun Ra & The Art Ensemble of Chicago.
As a recent inductee to the AACM I am honored to play a part in its 60th anniversary.
On May 17th, I will feature a set of my original compositions from my soon to released album (working title) 'Finding Center' Istanbul Stories. I describe it as a "Memoir in Sound', rhythms and sonorities of joy and sorrow, calm and chaos, holding on and letting go. It’s about loss and love, struggle and strength, despair and hope. It’s about finding one's center when life pulls you in every direction.
Personnel on the recording 'Finding Center' is a group of true 'Culture Warriors' : vocalist Sarah Marie Young, pianist Robert Irving III, saxophonist/flautist Fred Jackson Jr., trumpeter Leon Q. Allen, bassist Cory Biggerstaff and drummer Charles Heath.
However, Sarah nor Charles will not be on stage on the 17th. Master percussionist, Juan Pastor will fill in for Charles.
Saturday May 17, will be a special event sponsored by the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians AACM-Chicago to celebrate its 60th Anniversary. The AACM is a historical cultural organization founded by Muhal Richard Abrams, Jodie Christian, Steve McCall and Phil Cohran. Its mission is to support and encourage jazz performers, composers and educators. A partial list of the impactful musicians of the AACM would include: Dee Alexander, Henry Threadgill, Nicole Mitchell, Anthony Braxton, Roscoe Mitchell, Rene Baker, Ari Brown, Sun Ra & The Art Ensemble of Chicago.
As a recent inductee to the AACM I am honored to play a part in its 60th anniversary.
On May 17th, I will feature a set of my original compositions from my soon to released album (working title) 'Finding Center' Istanbul Stories. I describe it as a "Memoir in Sound', rhythms and sonorities of joy and sorrow, calm and chaos, holding on and letting go. It’s about loss and love, struggle and strength, despair and hope. It’s about finding one's center when life pulls you in every direction.
Personnel on the recording 'Finding Center' is a group of true 'Culture Warriors' : vocalist Sarah Marie Young, pianist Robert Irving III, saxophonist/flautist Fred Jackson Jr., trumpeter Leon Q. Allen, bassist Cory Biggerstaff and drummer Charles Heath.
However, Sarah nor Charles will not be on stage on the 17th. Master percussionist, Juan Pastor will fill in for Charles.
Donovan Mixon - guitars
Donovan Mixon, is the founder “Donovan’s Garage” a monthly performance jazz series in North Evanston and a self-described citizen of the world. In 1988, then a Berklee College of Music professor, he was awarded an NEA grant for jazz composition. His artistic journey let to an 18-year residency in Europe, primarily in Italy and Turkey, where he performed at music festivals such as the Umbria and Istanbul jazz festivals and taught concepts from his unique method called Performance Ear Training at music schools and universities such as D.A.M.S in Bologna Italy and at Istanbul’s Bilgi University. Currently he teaches privately at his home studio and as a resident artist for the Jazz Institute of Chicago. Since 2010, Chicago has been his creative hub where he performs in clubs, concert halls and festivals with his World Jazz Quintet as well as with the GBME--Great Black Music Ensemble—of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) of which he is a recent inductee. His latest recording, “Finding Center” is set for prerelease in late 2025. It features all original compositions, fellow AACM members Fred Jackson Jr, Leon Q Allen and other instrumentalists such as Robert Irving III, Charles Heath, Cory Biggerstaff and vocalist Sarah Marie Young.
Donovan Mixon, is the founder “Donovan’s Garage” a monthly performance jazz series in North Evanston and a self-described citizen of the world. In 1988, then a Berklee College of Music professor, he was awarded an NEA grant for jazz composition. His artistic journey let to an 18-year residency in Europe, primarily in Italy and Turkey, where he performed at music festivals such as the Umbria and Istanbul jazz festivals and taught concepts from his unique method called Performance Ear Training at music schools and universities such as D.A.M.S in Bologna Italy and at Istanbul’s Bilgi University. Currently he teaches privately at his home studio and as a resident artist for the Jazz Institute of Chicago. Since 2010, Chicago has been his creative hub where he performs in clubs, concert halls and festivals with his World Jazz Quintet as well as with the GBME--Great Black Music Ensemble—of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) of which he is a recent inductee. His latest recording, “Finding Center” is set for prerelease in late 2025. It features all original compositions, fellow AACM members Fred Jackson Jr, Leon Q Allen and other instrumentalists such as Robert Irving III, Charles Heath, Cory Biggerstaff and vocalist Sarah Marie Young.
Robert Irving III - piano
Robert Irving III is an Interdisciplinary Arts Entrepreneur who, after earning an Associate's degree in Business Organization and Administration from Rock Tech in 1974, began his career as a licensed Insurance Agent while simultaneously pursuing music. Proficient in seven instruments, he studied arranging at UNC-G and formed a successful cover band that opened for renowned soul and jazz/rock fusion groups. His passion for music was encouraged by his insurance company president, a former saxophonist. Returning to Chicago in 1978, Irving forged lasting connections with musicians, including members of Earth Wind & Fire, and collaborated with iconic figures like Ramsey Lewis and Miles Davis, where he served as musical director, keyboardist, and producer for Grammy-nominated projects. Throughout the years, he produced for numerous celebrated artists while also delving into technology and Reiki healing practices. Irving later co-founded Sonic Portraits Jazz, created an orchestral suite honoring Davis and Gil Evans, and actively mentored aspiring musicians through lectures and master classes. Recently, he launched documentary projects highlighting seminal Chicago musicians and produced the well-received compilation CD, "Art Of Protest." An accomplished visual artist and columnist, Irving has received multiple Lifetime Achievement Awards and continues to lead the Miles Electric Band, extending the legacy of Miles Davis. His memoir, "Harmonic Possibilities," is nearing completion.
Robert Irving III is an Interdisciplinary Arts Entrepreneur who, after earning an Associate's degree in Business Organization and Administration from Rock Tech in 1974, began his career as a licensed Insurance Agent while simultaneously pursuing music. Proficient in seven instruments, he studied arranging at UNC-G and formed a successful cover band that opened for renowned soul and jazz/rock fusion groups. His passion for music was encouraged by his insurance company president, a former saxophonist. Returning to Chicago in 1978, Irving forged lasting connections with musicians, including members of Earth Wind & Fire, and collaborated with iconic figures like Ramsey Lewis and Miles Davis, where he served as musical director, keyboardist, and producer for Grammy-nominated projects. Throughout the years, he produced for numerous celebrated artists while also delving into technology and Reiki healing practices. Irving later co-founded Sonic Portraits Jazz, created an orchestral suite honoring Davis and Gil Evans, and actively mentored aspiring musicians through lectures and master classes. Recently, he launched documentary projects highlighting seminal Chicago musicians and produced the well-received compilation CD, "Art Of Protest." An accomplished visual artist and columnist, Irving has received multiple Lifetime Achievement Awards and continues to lead the Miles Electric Band, extending the legacy of Miles Davis. His memoir, "Harmonic Possibilities," is nearing completion.
Fred Jackson Jr. -Saxophone and Flute
Chicago’s Fred Jackson, Jr. is a jazz fusion saxophonist and flutist who studied at Southern University in Baton Rouge where he was taught by the world renowned jazz clarinetist, Alvin Batiste. Fred has recorded with Earth, Wind, & Fire; Jimmy Smith, Bobby Hutcherson, and Solomon Burke. He played saxophone for the Ken Burns documentary “Baseball.” Over the course of his long career, Fred has been a sideman for such legends of music as BB. King, Boz Scaggs, Carole King, Gladys Knight, Herbie Hancock, Frank Zappa and hundreds more. Fred credits his base in Chicago with giving him the opportunity to play all types of music including House, Funk, Jazz, and many other genres. A special interest has been exploration of the music of Cuba, culminating in a visit to Cuba with the “Hot House”in 2017. Working with his publishing label, Spacetronic Music, he performs with Magic Carpet (Chicago) and AACM’s Great Black Music Ensemble. He holds the title of Dean of the AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians) School which provides free training for disadvantaged youth.
Leon Q. Allen – Trumpet and Flugel Horn
Jon Faddis said, “This boy can play!” Wynton Marsalis said, “He can swing.” Bone Thugs-N-Harmony calls him “Chicago’s finest.” Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, MC Lyte, and Ice Cube call this “young lion” of a musician “the truth.”
This whirlwind musical master from the Windy City has been captivating international audiences for the past 17 years as the most versatile trumpet player of choice for today’s shining stars. The person they are referring to is none other than Chicago’s very own Leon Q. Allen.
Since his entrance into the professional arena in 1994, at age 14, Leon Q. has given his gift of music to audiences around the world. Leon Q., in his personal, versatile way, has shared the stage with such dynamic musical icons as Common, Kanye West, James Brown, Wynton Marsalis, Carl Thomas, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Drake, Tito Puente Jr., and countless others.
The world has not seen such a versatile musical force with the power to inspire people like Leon Q. Simply put, Leon Q. will truly move your heart, mind, body, soul, and spirit through the powerful gift of music that he bestows upon the masses.
Jon Faddis said, “This boy can play!” Wynton Marsalis said, “He can swing.” Bone Thugs-N-Harmony calls him “Chicago’s finest.” Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, MC Lyte, and Ice Cube call this “young lion” of a musician “the truth.”
This whirlwind musical master from the Windy City has been captivating international audiences for the past 17 years as the most versatile trumpet player of choice for today’s shining stars. The person they are referring to is none other than Chicago’s very own Leon Q. Allen.
Since his entrance into the professional arena in 1994, at age 14, Leon Q. has given his gift of music to audiences around the world. Leon Q., in his personal, versatile way, has shared the stage with such dynamic musical icons as Common, Kanye West, James Brown, Wynton Marsalis, Carl Thomas, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Drake, Tito Puente Jr., and countless others.
The world has not seen such a versatile musical force with the power to inspire people like Leon Q. Simply put, Leon Q. will truly move your heart, mind, body, soul, and spirit through the powerful gift of music that he bestows upon the masses.
Cory Biggerstaff - Bass
Cory Biggerstaff attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln where he received a degree in Music Education. After teaching in the Lincoln Public Schools for a year, he moved to Chicago to attend DePaul University where he received a Masters Degree in Jazz Performance in 2004. Since then, he has taught privately at the Laughlin School and is the bass instructor at Harold Washington College and Harper College. He performs a wide variety of musical styles and is a freelance musician on both acoustic and electric bass around the Chicago area.
On drums is Juan Pastor, a fixture in the Chicago jazz scene, whose mastery of Afro-Peruvian rhythms seamlessly blends with contemporary jazz. Born in Lima, Peru, his early immersion in the rich tapestry of Peruvian folk music laid the foundation for his unique musical voice. His passion for jazz led him to Chicago where he majored in Jazz Studies at Northern Illinois University followed by a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies from DePaul. In 2013 he formed Chinchano, an ensemble that weaves the evocative rhythms of Afro-Peruvian music with modern jazz. Internationally, Juan has performed with Chinchano in the North Sea Jazz Festival, the Made in Chicago Jazz Festival in Poland, and the Chicago Latin Jazz Festival. Over the course of his career he has collaborated with a constellation of musical greats, including Fareed Haque, Makaya McCraven, Marquis Hill, Miguel Zenón, Paquito de Rivera, Howard Levy, and Kurt Elling. Juan’s artistry extends beyond performance—he’s a highly regarded educator, currently serving as the Coordinator of the Jazz Program at North Central College. He is the author of the book “Bateria Peruana, a groundbreaking exploration of polyrhythmic grooves inspired by Peruvian folk music.
Lewis Achenbach – Visual Artist & Live Painter of Music
Lewis Achenbach is a visual artist, filmmaker, and live painter known for capturing the energy of music in real time. A graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts with a background in film, animation, and traditional printmaking, Achenbach has been painting live music since 2012 through his signature project, Jazz Occurrence. This ongoing series brings together musicians and visual art in immersive events where Achenbach paints within the sound, translating performances into vibrant, expressive works on canvas.
His work has been featured at major festivals and institutions, including TEDx Naperville, Hyde Park Jazz Festival, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and the NYC Winter Jazz Festival. He has collaborated with artists like Joel Ross, Gina Saputo, Val Jeanty, and Drake’s saxophonist Mike Allemana, and has exhibited nationally and internationally—from Chicago to Poland. During the 2021 pandemic, he launched Thursday Night Life Music, a virtual live-art series now in its third season.
Currently the 2025 Chair of Wheaton’s Fine and Cultural Arts Commission, Lewis is also a board member of Z FEST, treasurer of Birdhouse Inc. (founded by Fred Anderson), and producer of the Herbs & Spices Herb Alpert tribute project. His work has been featured in the Chicago Tribune and JAZZIZ magazine and praised by jazz critic Howard Mandel for its dynamic blend of improvisation, rhythm, and visual storytelling.
Lewis Achenbach is a visual artist, filmmaker, and live painter known for capturing the energy of music in real time. A graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts with a background in film, animation, and traditional printmaking, Achenbach has been painting live music since 2012 through his signature project, Jazz Occurrence. This ongoing series brings together musicians and visual art in immersive events where Achenbach paints within the sound, translating performances into vibrant, expressive works on canvas.
His work has been featured at major festivals and institutions, including TEDx Naperville, Hyde Park Jazz Festival, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and the NYC Winter Jazz Festival. He has collaborated with artists like Joel Ross, Gina Saputo, Val Jeanty, and Drake’s saxophonist Mike Allemana, and has exhibited nationally and internationally—from Chicago to Poland. During the 2021 pandemic, he launched Thursday Night Life Music, a virtual live-art series now in its third season.
Currently the 2025 Chair of Wheaton’s Fine and Cultural Arts Commission, Lewis is also a board member of Z FEST, treasurer of Birdhouse Inc. (founded by Fred Anderson), and producer of the Herbs & Spices Herb Alpert tribute project. His work has been featured in the Chicago Tribune and JAZZIZ magazine and praised by jazz critic Howard Mandel for its dynamic blend of improvisation, rhythm, and visual storytelling.