Announcing Our New Improvised Music Series Curators

Dear Elastic family and friends–

For more than 20 years, Dave Rempis programmed the weekly Thursday night Improvised Music Series at Elastic Arts. With unparalleled dedication, tireless effort, and boundless heart, Dave built the series - and Elastic along with it - into a world-class institution, presenting some of the most acclaimed performers of this music, and perhaps more importantly, providing a stable home for all improvising musicians to present their newest, most challenging concepts, unorthodox, genre-bending compositions, and uncategorizable sounds.

Dave once told me he was inspired by Fred Anderson, saxophonist and owner of the legendary Velvet Lounge, and Von Freeman, saxophonist and organizer of the Apartment Lounge Tuesday jam sessions for many years. These two giants of Chicago's jazz scene were not only beloved for their passionate performances, but also they created spaces where other musicians could learn and grow and find new audiences, and ultimately where robust communities of artists and audiences formed.  Dave continued that tradition with excellence, and the whole jazz and improvised music community is deeply grateful for that great work.

In September 2023, Dave stepped away from his series, recognizing that it is time for new musician/organizers to carry on this tradition. It is emblematic of Dave's wisdom, echoing Fred's and Von's, that the music must always remain new and keep moving forward, with new voices and new visions that make the music live in the present. 

Elastic arts is overjoyed to announce that we have found a team of extraordinary improvising musicians willing to take on the challenge of curating the weekly Improvised Music Series in 2024: Ishmael Ali, Angel Bat Dawid, Molly Jones, and Ben Zucker. Please join us in welcoming the new Improvised Music Series Curators! 

The four curators will perform together on Thursday, January 4th, followed by a trio of Chicago legends Ari Brown, Vincent Davis, and Ed Wilkerson, Jr.  Stay tuned for announcements of other concerts in January 2024 and beyond!

Sincerely,
Dr. Adam Zanolini
Executive Director
 

Please support Improvised Music at Elastic.

Elastic Arts is a non-profit. We don't sell alcohol and we keep ticket prices low in order to welcome people of all ages and circumstances to experience this music. It’s about the music, not about the money. But ticket sales fall short of providing enough support for our beloved artists. We have to make up the difference through grants and donations. Help us keep the music vibrant every week! Please consider making a donation to Elastic to support the ongoing Improvised Music Series. Donate button in top right corner!