For Immediate Release
2024 Chicago Jazz String Summit
May 17, 18, 19 2024

Press Contact
chicagojazzstringsummit@gmail.com

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CHICAGO (March 20, 2024) – For ten years, the Chicago Jazz String Summit (CJSS) has showcased the contributions of phenomenal string players to jazz, improvised, and experimental music. Founded by critically acclaimed cellist and composer Tomeka Reid, this year’s featured performances take place on May 17th & 18th at Constellation Chicago and the University of Chicago’s Logan Center for the Arts. To conclude the summit, an improv session featuring past and present Summit artists convenes at Hungry Brain on May 19th.

The 2024 Artist Lineup features two cellists: Chicago’s up and coming experimentalist Dorothy Carlos and the genre crossing Janel Leppin. Violist Joanna Mattrey, known for pushing the limits of her instrument's sonic palette, performs solo. The summit continues to highlight string traditions from around the world by welcoming DoYeon Kim, renowned for her unique approach to the Korean gayageum, and Malian master kora player Yacouba Sissoko.

Each year, CJSS highlights the legacy of one notable string player working in creative music. For 2024, CJSS is proud to honor trailblazing violinist Regina Carter, presenting the New String Trio with festival founder Tomeka Reid and bassist Junius Paul.

Speaking on Carter, who needs no introduction, Reid simply states, " I said if I made it to 10 years, I would ask Regina Carter to participate, and so I am extremely honored that she said yes!"

Proudly celebrating its 10th iteration in 2024, the Chicago Jazz String Summit is the only BIPOC-founded, curated and produced summit of its kind. Known for “stunning sets showcasing artists seldom seen in the Midwest, plus an up-and-coming local aggregation, too” (Downbeat), CJSS was initially founded as a response to other instrument specific summits in Chicago which did not feature string players.

"The Chicago Jazz String Summit has truly been a labor of love!" says Reid. "I can't believe it's already been ten years. The
whole point of this event has been to highlight the amazing contributions from specifically violinists, violists, cellists and strings of the diaspora that may not be thought of to play on jazz and improvised music festivals. So in the true spirit of the AACM, create your own space! It's been amazing to connect with so many different string players and to celebrate a wide spectrum of string improvisation."

Chicago Jazz String Summit is pleased to partner with Constellation Chicago, the University of Chicago, and Experimental Sound Studio. Please contact chicagojazzstringsummit@gmail.com for more details.

Friday, May 17, 2024, 8:30PM at Constellation
3111 N. Western Ave Chicago, IL 60618

Dorothy Carlos - solo cello
DoYeon Kim - gayageum & Tomas Fujiwara - drum set
Yacouba Sissoko’s SIYA duo - kora w/ Moussa Diabate - ngoni

Saturday, May 18, 2024, 7:30PM at The University of Chicago/ Logan Center for the Arts
915 E 60th St Chicago, IL 60637

Joanna Mattrey - solo viola
Janel Leppin - cello, Chad Taylor - drums, and Brian Settles - sax
Regina Carter - violin, Tomeka Reid - cello, and Junius Paul - bass

Sunday, May 19, 2024, 9PM at Hungry Brain
2319 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Improv session featuring current and past CJSS featured artists