Live at Studio5! SILENT MOVIES with LARRY SCHANKER

[Watch a brilliant 90-second clip from Buster Keaton's One Week, one of the films we will be showing on Friday. Turn off the sound and try to imagine the music Larry will create as accompaniment!]

Classic Silent Films by Buster Keaton with a live, improvised piano score by a Chicago theater music legend ... and fun with our Practical Theatre friends.

Larry Schanker, piano
Special guests: Victoria Zielinski & Paul Barrosse

I have seen Larry do this before, and I must say, it is as breathtaking as it is entertaining. If you happen to be among those who attended our end of the year sketch-comedy/variety show with our friends from the Practical Theatre, you saw a fraction of Larry's immense talents in our band. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of music, and the ability to pull nearly anything up and out though his fingers spontaneously at the piano. I remember remarking to one of the other musicians, "Nobody else thinks like this, and even if they could, nobody else could execute it." And speaking of the Practical Theatre Company, the evening will include special guests, our hilarious PTC friends, Victoria Zielinski and Paul Barrosse, who will serve as our Buster Keaton film historians.

I have always been a fan of silent films, so watching them on a screen in community with other people is a treat in itself. But add to that a live, fully improvised piano score by a virtuoso is absolutely thrilling. And for this special evening we're going to spotlight three mind-blowing films by Buster Keaton: The Blacksmith, One Week, and Sherlock Jr. (click on the image above to see a brief clip from One Week ... but turn off the sound so you can imagine Larry's music!). So come see some century-old artistry from a master of the silent film era, accompanied by a modern-day master of improvisation. I promise a delightful evening ... including popcorn! –SR

Our ticket prices include all fees and taxes, so the price you see is the price you pay. Nothing extra on checkout. We have a cash bar, light snacks, and 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.]

Live taping for CHICAGO JAZZ LIVE on WDCB!
Our syndicated radio program, CHICAGO JAZZ LIVE, is now in its eleventh season! Be part of the studio audience and behind the scenes for an exciting live recording of our live jazz performances. 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!