Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Committed to Telling Chicago Immigrant Stories

WDCB’s Gary Zidek sat down with Orbert Davis to talk about Chicago Jazz Philharmonic’s ongoing Chicago Immigrant Stories project.

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WDCB's Gary Zidek talks to Orbert Davis about Chicago Jazz Philharmonic's Immigrant Stories series.

“I wouldn’t mind if it becomes our identity. Partly because, imagine creating a TV show where we cover the world, in search of art. And finding out what makes us common, using our art to communicate. . And to communicate to the world, we’re not as different as we may seem.” - Orbert Davis talking about continuing the Immigrant Stories project.

Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, founder and artistic director Orbert Davis

Chicago Jazz Philharmonic was established with the goal of bridging different musical styles. That commitment to bringing different sides together goes beyond music. Chicago Jazz Philharmonic’s ongoing Chicago Immigrant Stories project uses music to bring people together.

Musicians performing in Chicago Jazz Philharmonic’s first Chicago Immigrant Stories concert in the summer of 2018.

Last year, Chicago Jazz Philharmonic hosted a series of music labs with musicians of Chinese, West African and South Asian heritage. Those music-making labs led to a giant concert at Millennium Park last June. CJP co-founder and artistic director Orbert Davis says he knew the project needed to continue. This year, CJP is hosting innovation labs with a focus on Greek, Mexican and other musical influences.

Chicago Jazz Philharmonic’s next innovation lab performance is at the National Museum of Mexican Art on Thursday February 21. The event is free, but you need to reserve tickets, go here to do that.

And CJP plans to present a second Chicago Immigrant Stories concert this summer.