MAGIC IN THE MOMENT – The Ben Lewis Trio

Ben Lewis, piano
Clark Sommers, bass
George Fludas, drums

It will be no surprise to anyone who knows me that Ben Lewis is one of my favorite pianists ever. The last time he came to Studio5 he presented an evening of music in honor of Bill Evans that was breathtaking. Ben and I discussed this upcoming performance and he proposed something completely different: Instead of carefully curating a full evening of music centered on a theme, what if this time he prepared absolutely nothing ... and focused the evening completely on the creation that happens fully in the moment? This is what he wrote to me:

It can be terrifying, arriving at the start of something undiscovered, devoid of preparation or intent. But that, for jazz musicians, that is where the purest Magic is found. This concert invites you to share with the musicians on stage the joy, the poignancy and exhilaration that lives and breathes in each of those unrehearsed, unplanned moments. You will hear great music, yes - but also gain a deeper understanding & exploration of what it feels like for the musicians… a rare chance to have that conversation.

Ben, Clark and George have only played as a trio once before. A new experience - shared with you and driven by the insights and emotions brought into the Studio5 space. As the great Thelonius Sphere Monk wrote … Let’s Cool One, together.

So on November 22, these three extraordinary musicians will perform a musical high-wire act without a net, allowing us to witness the intimacy of raw creation. I wouldn't miss this for the world. Won't you join us? –SR

Cash bar, light snacks, free parking right outside! Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime. [NOTE: Ticket sales on this website end one hour before showtime. Any remaining tickets are available for purchase at the door.]

LIVESTREAM: For those unable to attend this event in person, we now offer online streaming. Online viewers can watch live or up to seven days following the event, broadcast in high resolution audio and video, using multiple cameras. Tickets to watch this event online are available HERE.

Live taping for CHICAGO JAZZ LIVE on WDCB!
Our syndicated radio program, CHICAGO JAZZ LIVE, is now in its ninth season! Be part of the studio audience and behind the scenes for an exciting live recording of this performance. CJL airs locally on WDCB (90.9FM or WDCB.org), Tuesdays 7-8PM. Come to the taping ... and then tune in!

Many thanks to our media sponsor, WDCB!