Chicago Jazz Musicians Cope With COVID-19 Mandates
WDCB’s Gary Zidek caught up with some Chicago jazz musicians to find out how they’re dealing with life in the time of COVID-19.
LISTEN
“I have some gigs that have been rescheduled, but even those aren’t certain. This timeline is getting pushed back further and further, and rightfully so, we want to make sure we keep everyone safe. But just not knowing is the anxious part of it, the stressful part of it, because this is how we make a living.” - vocalist and bandleader Keri Johnsrud talking about the uncertainty of the current situation.
Vocalist/bandleader Keri Johnsrud
Over a month after Illinois restaurants, bars and clubs were forced to close and then a stay-at-home order was put into place, Chicago-area jazz musicians are still figuring out life in the time of COVID-19 pandemic.
While some artists have started streaming performances, others are still looking into ways to monetize virtual concerts.
Vibraphonist Thaddeus Tukes
“Not only has it affected me financially as an independent artist, it has affected me socially, mentally, and physically. Especially as a musician, I realize I spend so much of my time outside of the house, communing with a variety of people” - Vibraphonist Thaddeus Tukes talking about how his life has changed since the start of the pandemic.
John Dorhauer (second from left) and members of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Players posing in a time before social distancing mandates were put into place.
“I think the best that anybody can do, is just follow the guidelines of social distancing, that’s the only way that we’re going to reach a definitive end point with this. As hard as it is to stay confined and not be social, I think we as musicians tend to be social creatures by nature, (the best thing is) just find ways to interact and make connections.” - John Dorhauer, director of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Players talking about social distancing.
WDCB music director Paul Abella
You can find more information about Chicago-area virtual jazz performances at WDCB.org
Jazz.org has a solid list of daily national streaming performances, click here.
Here are links to the talented people featured in the segment:
Jeannie Tanner (pictured at the very top)
Keri Johnsrud
Thaddeus Tukes
John Dorhauer
Paul Abella
