The Chicago Jazz Ensemble led by Artistic Director, Jon Faddis is recognized internationally as one of American's leading jazz ensembles. Founded in 1965 by distinguished composer and conductor William Russo, the CJE has remained dedicated throughout its history to preserving the innovative tradition of American big band jazz music, performing and reinterpreting the classics of big-band repertoire, while promoting the continuing evolution of the art form by regularly performing and commissioning contemporary works. As a professional jazz ensemble in residence at Columbia College Chicago, the CJE is equally committed to education, building new audiences and fostering the next generation of American talent by training and mentoring young musicians.

Dear Friends of The CJE:

It is with great sadness that we inform you that Frank Dawson, guitarist with The CJE since 2000 and a Columbia College Chicago faculty member, passed away June 2nd after a brief illness.    Frank was a gracious, warm human being who was dedicated to music, his students and his family.  His presence and spirit will be missed greatly.

Louis Armstrong Legacy Program and Celebration
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM, Thursday, May 6, 2010
The Claudia Cassidy Theater
Chicago Cultural Center
78 E Washington Street
FREE ADMISSION

The Chicago Jazz Ensemble is proud to conduct the third annual Louis Armstrong Legacy Program and Celebration (LALPC). As in previous years, mentors from The CJE are dispatched regularly during the spring semester to several Chicago Public Schools to spread the art that is the music of Louis Armstrong. This year, the schools each receive arrangments of Armstrong's music tailored to the needs and strengths of the individual schools. At the end of the program, all of the schools are invited to showcase their burgeoning talent.

March 3, 2010 2pm-3:30pm
Cassidy Theater, Chicago Cultural Center
"Listening Sessions: Teranga: Exploring the Roots of African Percussion"

Teranga is a Senegalese word roughly translating as hospitality in the English language, but its meaning really extends beyond literal translation to represent an approach to life which is full of generosity and an open spirit. In this Chicago Jazz Ensemble Listening Session program, Chicago Jazz Ensemble Artistic Director Jon Faddis and Music Director Dana Hall welcome you to an an interactive discussion, demonstration and record listening session about rhythm and percussion of the African Diaspora. The discussion will include CJE guest artists Alioune Faye and Rich Baba Faye, percussionists from Senegal. Audience members are encouraged to participate in the discussion. The session is co-sponsored by the Center for Black Music Research, Columbia College Chicago.

The Chicago Jazz Ensemble is proudly in residence at Columbia College Chicago as it has been since 1965. As part of our initiative to maintain a strong relationship between The CJE and the Columbia College Chicago Music Department, The CJE has featured students in some of its major performances at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. This provides a great hands-on learning opportunity for some of Columbia's brightest music students. It also increases the visibility and enhances the reputation of Columbia College Chicago as a premier arts and media college.