Sat Feb 8
The ensemble's 20th Annual Black History Month Celebration at An die Musik Live,
and their 51st Black History Month Tour
Kahil El'Zabar, drums, voice, kalimba
Corey Wilkes, trumpet
Kevin Nabors, Jr., saxophone
Sir Kahil El’Zabar was Knighted by the Council General of France for his Global contributions to the Arts. He has performed with luminaries like, Dizzy Gillespie, Cannonball Adderley, Pharoah Sanders, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Archie Shepp, Eddie Harris, Donny Hathaway, Paul Simon, Ntozake Shange, Nona Hendryx, Neneh Cherry, Lester Bowie, Hamiet Bluiett, Malachi Favors, Billy Bang, Gene Ammons, to name a few. Dr.El’Zabar, holds a PHD from Lake Forest College in Inter-Disciplinary Arts. He taught music at the U. Nebraska/Lincoln, and U. IL/Chicago. He was Appointed by Pres. Bill Clinton to the National Task Force for Arts Presenting in Education.
El’Zabar was presented the International Ambassador Award from Pres. Barak Obama’s Administration. He has served on the prestigious boards of the Lila Wallace Readers Digest Fund, The National Endowment of the Arts, and the National Campaign for the Freedom of Expression. He is the former chairmen of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM). El’Zabar has recorded 70+ acclaimed projects. He founded and leads the legendary Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, Ritual Trio, Kahil El’Zabar Quartet, and Orchestra Infinity. El’Zabar is the conceptual director a founder of OOH NOW, an online culture network.
Corey Wilkes one of the most sought after trumpeters in the world today, is an alumnus of the famed Berkley School of Music. He is a former associate professor of jazz trumpet at Roosevelt U., 2008-2016. He is a member of the world famous AACM. Mr. Wilkes had the honor of being chosen to replace the late, great Lester Bowie in the Art Ensemble of Chicago. He is currently starring in a recurring role on the hit TV show, ”Empire”. Wilkes has played with the greats: Roy Hargrove, Dr.Lonnie Liston Smith, James Carter, Bilal, Roscoe Mitchell, Nona Hendryx.
Born and raised on Chicago’s South side, Kevin Nabors Jr. attended Gershwin Academy. The youngest musician in All-City, Kevin set a record of nine years as a band member. He attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff where he majored in Music Performance. Kevin also attended Chicago State University where he majored in Music Education. He has studied under Von Freeman, Ernie Watts, Jimmy Heath, Pharez Whitted, Ernest Dawkins, Ari Brown and Roxanne Stevenson. These days he shares the stage with the likes of Wynton Marsalis, Fred Anderson, George Freeman, Roy Hargrove, Ernest Dawkins, Ari Brown, Ken Chaney, Robert “Babe” Irving, Dee Alexander, Hamid Drake, Harrison Bankhead, Obert Davi, Maurice Brown, Isaiah Spencer, Guy King, Big James And the Chicago Playboys, Chicago12, Lubriphonic, Chico Debarge, Greg Osby, Oliver Lake, KRS-1 and Corey Wilkes.
Two shows: 7 pm & 9 pm Eastern
Admission: $25 / $10 full-time students with valid ID
In-person attendees receive a link to the recording to view for one week.
Streaming Cost: $15
The link will be revealed to live stream participants 15 minutes before the show
and will remain active through Feb. 15
Donations welcome