Chan + Perkins + Acevedo + Fawcett
Erez Dessel + Aaron Kaufman-Levine
The quartet of Jeff Chan, Michael Perkins, Ausberto Acevedo, and Jacob Fawcett will make its debut at the Improvised Music Series. Blending Indigenous, Latin American, Asian, Electronic, Folk, and European Classical roots, the group brings a wide range of influences to the forefront, all while connecting through a shared love of swing, post-bop, free jazz, and free improvisation.This debut collaboration promises a night of open dialogue, and deeply felt groove.
Erez Dessel and Aaron Kaufman-Levine form a dynamic and innovative musical duo that bridges genres and traditions. Pianist Dessel and saxophonist Kaufman-Levine bring their unique voices into a shared space, exploring their original compositions and song forms through the lens of open improvisation. Their collaboration thrives on a deep mutual respect and an adventurous spirit, resulting in sounds that echo the human experience.
8:30 Dessel / Kaufman-Levine Duo
9:30 Chan / Perkins / Acevedo / Fawcett
$15 / $10 w/ Student ID - Tickets Available at the Door
About the Artists
Chicago multi-instrumentalist and composer Jeff Chan is dedicated to advancing the Asian American experience through music. With a discography of more than 20 recordings as a leader, sideman and producer, Chan has performed extensively in the Chicago area, across the nation and in Europe. Critics have said that Chan is “… a voice to be reckoned with… (Brian Gilmore, JazzTimes)” and that his work is “music of uncommon majesty, spirituality and emotional depth (Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune).”
Since the late 90s pianist/composer Michael Perkins has been regularly performing and recording in the punk, electronic, and jazz scenes in and around Chicago. He’s worked as a session musician on many recordings for bands like Atari Star, Das Kapital, and The Lavellas as well recording with his own groups such as Sig Transit Gloria, Written in the Sand, Far Rad, and Mr 666. Michael spent 7 years as a sound engineer working at various live venues throughout the city, and spent 3 years as the resident recording engineer for Harold Arts Artist Residency in south Eastern Ohio. After leaving Harold Arts, Michael and his partner Heather Lynn started Templehead Gallery, first in Humboldt Park and then later in Pilsen, and for 5 years provided a venue for young artists/musicians who were looking for their first solo art show. Since then, Michael has been continuing to play jazz and blues on a regular basis in addition to the occasional free improvised electronic music set.
Ausberto Acevedo is an experimental bassist, composer, improviser, and educator based in Chicago, Illinois. He has performed and recorded with a diverse array of musicians, in a variety of contexts. Acevedo’s work spans genres from classical to jazz to freely improvised to folk music. In addition to his performance schedule, he currently serves as the orchestra director at Evanston Township High School.
Jacob Little Cloud Fawcett (Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Ojibwe) is a Chicago based improvisational drummer/composer who blends aspects of jazz and traditional Native American music in order to create original compositions that accurately reflect Indigenous culture and experience. Former teachers include the great Frank Rosaly and legendary poly-rhythm guru Peter Magadini.