Jazz in the Park

This summer, join us for an unforgettable series of Jazz in the Park concerts, where friends, family, and neighbors come together to enjoy live music in the great outdoors. Experience the magic of jazz in a different neighborhood park each month as talented musicians take the stage to serenade the crowd. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and refreshments, and get ready to relax and unwind as you soak up the soulful sounds of jazz under the open sky.

May 23 | Location: Clark Park | Band: Frank Kurtz Trio featuring Reginald Lewis – tenor saxophone, Emma Taylor – bass and vocals, Frank Kurtz – drums

June 20 | Location: Mattis Park | Band: Jenelle Orcherton & Friends

July 25 | Location: Commissioners Park | Band: The Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project

August 22 | Location: Powell Park | Band: Chip McNeill & Friends

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Musician Bio

The best of both worlds when Latin meets jazz! The Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project is a fresh mix of outstanding jazz soloists, rich, Afro-Cuban inspired rhythms, and unique arrangements of jazz standards. The group is led by drumset artist and percussionist Craig Russo, who  has a special interest in Afro-Cuban music styles. Craig has traveled to Cuba extensively to study at the prestigious National School of Arts in Havana. He toured Cuba with the all-star Midwest Cuban music group “Charanga Tropical,” the first American group ever invited to perform at  Cuba’s prestigious, International Festival of Danzon.  Craig also  performed with the international, Grammy-winning Cuban salsa singer Mayito Rivera on his first U.S. solo tour. He recently played Levitt Amp Foundation and St. Louis Hispanic Festival Midwest shows with Tito Puente Jr.

The group plays a familiar jazz repertoire but uses Latin rhythms, which makes for a unique and engaging form of jazz. The Latin, tropical sound lends itself especially well to summer events.  The music is multicultural and easily accessible to a wide audience.

Chip McNeill is currently a full professor and Chair of Jazz Studies at The University of Illinois. He was formerly associate professor and Director of Jazz Studies at Florida International University. Prior to that he was associate professor and Director of Jazz Studies at Virginia Tech University for six years. He currently tours with Doc Severinsen and the Tonight Show Band as well as with Grammy award winning vocalist Natalie Cole. He is formerly the musical director and jazz tenor saxophonist for Grammy award winning recording artist Arturo Sandoval and has recorded with Arturo on his CD “Americana” as well as the Grammy Award winning release “Hot House” on Encoded Music. The “Hot House” CD won a Grammy Award for “Best Latin Jazz Performance”. Prior to Arturo Sandoval, Mr. McNeill was the musical director and jazz saxophonist for legendary jazz trumpeter Maynard Ferguson. Mr. McNeill produced, wrote, and performed on five CD’s with Maynard Ferguson including “Swingin’ For Schurr”(’01) Concord Jazz with guest jazz vocalist Diane Schurr, “One More Trip To Birdland” (’96) Concord Jazz, “These Cats Can Swing” (’95) Concord Jazz, “Live From London” (’94) Warner Bros. Jazz, and “Footpath Cafe”(’93) Avion Jazz.

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