Big Band Boom!

A 17 piece big band crammed on to one small stage.

This months featured vocalist is:

Kimberly Gordon!

Wednesday May 11, 2011

9:30 pm til 1:00 am

Gallery Cabaret

2020 N. Oakley

Chicago, IL

No Cover

Come out for some serious fun – big band style!

"If I’m Not Home"

The feature documentary about

Chicago jazz musician, RON COOPER

The second showing is on Monday, February 28, 2011 at 8:00 pm, Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State (between Lake and Randolph), Chicago, IL.

Dustin Grove and jazz musicians featured in the documentary will be present for audience discussion at the screening. These Chicago Studio Club photos were taken at the first screening, Sat., Feb. 26, 2010.

Ron Cooper, Chicago jazz vocalist, pianist, drummer, and songwriter, almost succeeded in burying his own legend. "If  I’m Not Home" documents two years in the peerless scat-singer’s life, who went from frequently singing in legendary jazz clubs like the Green Mill to living in bars and on the El. Through the words of Cooper and many fellow jazz musicians, the film examines his unique contributions to the Chicago jazz scene, his struggles with homelessness and alcoholism, and the musical passion that sustained him.

In addition to Cooper, "If I’m Not Home" features musicians Von Freeman, Fareed Haque, Kimberly Gordon, Joanie Pallatto, Lou Marini, John Roothaan, Pete Crawford, and Tom Allen. Club owners Dave Jemilo (The Green Mill), Earle Johnson (Quenchers), and Ken Strandberg (The Gallery Cabaret) also contribute their perspectives on Ron’s talent, temperament, and lifestyle.

The film chronicles the enigmatic Cooper and his struggles for both survival and musical recognition in the city, showcasing him singing in venues from el platforms to jazz clubs, coffee shops, street corners, and finally, a nursing home. Cooper died at age 62.

Dustin Grove is a prolific independent filmmaker who lives and works in Chicago.  He shot 25 hours of footage for the film from 2005 to 2007 and edited it into its current feature-length format from 2009 to 2011. "If I’m Not Home" has a running time of 62 minutes.

For more info (312) 545 – 1036 or info@roncooperjazz.com

All photos taken by/property of Chicago Studio Club.

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Kimberly Gordon Organ Quartet

Friday, May 7, 2010

8:00 pm

Sharon Lynne Wilson Center For The Arts

Wilson Center Jazz Club

DAWES STUDIO THEATER

19805 W. Capitol Drive

Brookfield, Wisconsin  53045

Wilson Center, 19805 W. Capitol Dr, Brookfield, WI.

Main Phone: (262) 781-9470 / Box Office: (262) 781-9520 / Fax: (262) 781-9798

The Wilson Center is nestled in Brookfield’s Mitchell Park, south of Capitol Drive

between Brookfield Road and Barker Road. 

Click here for more about tickets ($25) to this event.

Jazz Club presented in part by Dr. and Mrs. Roger Lyon

Dawes Theater photo credits: Heather Turner and Larry D’Attilio.