Andy Brown, solo guitar

Special Guests:
Petra Van Nuis, vocal
Joe Policastro, bass

Before I tell you about this concert, I'd like you to try something. Open up a new browser window and search for "jazz guitar video". Seriously. I'll wait.

OK, let me describe two things that just happened: The first is that you got a gazillion results. The second is that on the first page, near or at the top of the list is the video I've linked to above, Andy Brown Solo at the Whiskey Lounge. Here's the story: On March 19, 2015 – ten years almost to the day before this concert – Andy Brown played a solo concert at the Whiskey Lounge, a small club in Evanston where I hosted and recorded live jazz events before we opened Studio5 (sadly, the Whiskey Lounge is no more and the building has been razed). It was Andy's 40th birthday and he was celebrating a then-new solo recording on Delmark Records. It was a great evening. After the show, Andy uploaded the video from that night to his YouTube channel, and boy oh boy did the internet love it. Tens, then hundreds of thousands of views. At this writing it is approaching four MILLION. Incredible! Not bad for one guy sitting quietly in a small club playing solo guitar. Listen to a little of it and you can understand why people flocked to it. So fluid, so soulful. Here is an absolutely masterful player, without any flash or pretense. We were so lucky to capture it, and obviously jazz fans worldwide are grateful.

So to celebrate this video's 10-year anniversary (and now Andy's 50th birthday!) we will be devoting an evening to Andy's singular virtuosity, the way we enjoyed it 10 years ago. Welcome back, Andy! In addition to playing solo, he will be bringing up two special guests during the show, vocalist (and Andy's wife) Petra Van Nuis, and bassist Joe Policastro. Andy told me, “I’ve been playing with both of them for over 30 years, and they are two of my oldest and dearest musical colleagues – I wouldn’t want to celebrate my 50th birthday without them.” So if you'd like to spend a joyous evening transported by quiet, sublime artistry, join us. There might even be cake. –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 can be purchased HERE.

Live taping for CHICAGO JAZZ LIVE on WDCB!
Our syndicated radio program, CHICAGO JAZZ LIVE, is now in its tenth 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!