This summer the Jazz Institute of Chicago has teamed up with the Chicago Park District to start a new program employing and mentoring a group of young jazz musicians for the summer. During a six week intensive program, this select group of 10 young musicians will work with a  roster of local jazz all-stars who will mentor them for one week each. At the end of each week the Jazz Ambassadors perform at a different park in the city with their guest artist as a conductor.

Tonight’s concert will feature Ernie Adams as guest conductor. Mr. Adams who has performed with some of the greatest names in jazz including Ramsey Lewis, Nancy Wilson, Dizzy Gillespie and Clark Terry.  He has served as a Teaching Artists in our Jazz Links Artist in Residence program and performed at many of our JazzCity concerts including  with Dee Alexander's Evolution Ensemble, Bebop Brass, Ken Chaney's Xperience Reunion and many more.  He has been the house drummer for our Jazz links Jam Sessions at the Chicago Cultural Center for the past two years.  Ernie Adam's versatility and sensitivity as a drummer have made him one of the most sought after drummers in Chicago.