Live at Studio5! THE LAST WORD

Marc Kelly Smith, poetry
Al Day, vocal/guitar
Bob Long, piano
Michael Levin, saxophone
Doug Lofstrom, bass
Sarah Allen, drums

What a great way to end our 2025 Spring Season, with a group that literally had its beginnings within our walls. One of the first appearances of The Last Word anywhere was on the Studio5 stage. At that point the band didn’t even have a name. Frankly, I didn’t quite know what to expect that evening. I knew the brilliant musicians in the band, and Bob Long and Al Day described to me this new ensemble they were assembling with Marc Kelly Smith, the legendary founder of the Slam Poetry movement. The idea was that the musicians would play, Al would sing, and Marc would recite poetry … all simultaneously. That sounded like it had the potential to be a holy mess. But because I knew the caliber of artistry of these folks, I was intrigued. What happened was not a holy mess, but something that did feel like it bordered on the sacred. For me it was all the things that good art should be: it made me think, it challenged my preconceptions about expression, and it moved me. Watch the video above for a sample. Years have passed since that night and the band has visited our stage several times since. We are honored to welcome them back. Please join us. You can thank me later. – 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!