Hamid Drake - percussion
Ernest Dawkins - winds
Joshua Abrams - bass

Tickets: $20 in advance/$23 at door/$10 full-time students with ID

Hamid Drake lives in Chicago, but spends a great deal of time touring worldwide. He is widely regarded as one of the best percussionists in jazz and avant improvised music. Incorporating Afro-Cuban, Indian, and African percussion instruments and influence, in addition to using the standard trap set, Drake has collaborated extensively with top free-jazz improvisers. He frequently plays without sticks; using his hands to develop subtle commanding undertones. His tabla playing is notable for his subtlety and flair.

One of Ernest Dawkins' goals is for his music and compositions to reflect the evolving collective cultural memory of the American jazz aesthetic. Dawkins is one of the world’s premiere saxophonists and composers. He is an entrepreneur with years of experience working with new media technologies to produce and promote his work and that of the jazz community online and in digital venues. He is leader of several ensembles, including the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble. In 2011, he released two new recordings: New Horizons Ensemble, The Prairie Prophet [Delmark Records] and Chicago Trio, Live at the Velvet Lounge, Dedicated to Fred Anderson [Rogue Art].

Bassist & composer Joshua Abrams has been in the thick of Chicago's vibrant music scene for fifteen years, playing & recording as leader & sideman in projects across the genres. He co-founded the "back porch minimalist" band Town & Country (Thrill Jockey/Box Media) & with Matana Roberts & Chad Taylor the trio Sticks & Stones (Thrill Jockey/482 Music). He has released four records under his own name as well as two under the moniker "Reminder" that navigate the realms of jazz & improvisation, electro-acoustic composition, beatmaking, minimalism and field recordings.