Nine talented student musicians from throughout Chicago have been selected to perform in the Jazz Links Summer Ensemble, a new educational program created by the Jazz Institute of Chicago. The ensemble will perform free lunchtime concerts at the Chicago Cultural Center in addition to performances at Theater on the Lake and Millennium Park. The Summer Ensemble was designed to give student jazz musicians performance opportunities and professional leadership development in a rigorous five week program. 
 

The ensemble is directed by Zakiya Powell, a trombonist and Education Associate at the Jazz Institute. Under her leadership, the ensemble performs their original music as well as arrangements of jazz standards.    
 
In addition to composing and preparing for weekly concerts, the Jazz Links Summer Ensemble program incorporates discussions about leadership issues in music, professionalism, and music business. 
 
The members of the 2012 ensemble are Spencer Brown, bass; Manuel Canchola, alto saxophone; John Foster, tenor saxophone; Samuel Frampton, guitar; Yael Litwin, percussion; Anthony Milano, piano; Irvin Pierce, tenor saxophone; Everett Reid, drums.
 
Jazz Links Summer Ensemble 2012 Calendar

    Friday July 20th
    Chicago Cultural Center
    78 East Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602
    12pm

    Thursday July 26th
    Millennium Park
    Jay Pritzker Pavillion, Chicago, IL 60602
    6:30pm

    Friday August 3rd
    Chicago Cultural Center
    78 East Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602
    12pm

    Saturday August 4th
    Theater on the Lake
    2401 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60614
    3pm

    Friday August 10th
    Chicago Cultural Center
    78 East Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602
    12pm