Brown Derby Jazz Series – Alexander McLean Project

Brown Derby Jazz Series – Alexander McLean Project

Don’t miss the Brown Derby Jazz Series, presented by the  51^st Street Business Association and Bronzeville Winery – hosted by Sandra Bivens, Executive Director.

Scheduled for the second Monday nights of March-December 2024, the series is hosted at Bronzeville Winery, 4420 S. Cottage Grove Avenue.

November 11 – Alexander McLean Project (Dee Alexander and John McLean)

The Alexander/McLean Project is a collaboration between a group of like-minded musicians who are interested in working along the nexus of poetry, long-form composition, and jazz improvisation. This project is designed to expand upon each of the band members’ previous artistic efforts and incorporates a variety of stylistic approaches and strategies. Dee Alexander, the ensemble’s vocalist and co-leader and Westside native has been a prominent member of Chicago’s arts scene for the last four decades. Dee is widely known for her close association and longtime membership with Chicago’s legendary AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians). In addition, Ms. Alexander has recorded and toured extensively in both leadership and collaborative roles. Likewise, John McLean the co-leader of the ensemble has a long-standing relationship with Chicago’s creative music scene. Mr. McLean has participated in over sixty recordings as both a sideman and a leader and has toured worldwide in a variety of creative music ensembles. The goal of the Alexander/McLean Project is to delve as deeply and as creatively as possible into the art of songwriting as it relates to and intersects with the world of jazz improvisation. While the beloved works that we refer to as the “The Great American Songbook” provide us with a sturdy and beautiful template for this undertaking, the purpose of this project is to explore the extension of that legacy as well as presenting original material that reflects the times we are living in with love, hope, and happiness being the goal of every man, woman, and child.

Dee Alexander, vocals
John McLean, guitar
Steve Million, keys
Jeremiah Hunt, bass
Charles Rick Heath, drums

Enjoy music, arts, and culture with friends and family in Bronzeville. Suggested $10 donation.

Sponsored by the 51^st Street Business Association, Bronzeville Winery, City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, The University of Chicago Office of Civic Engagement, The Jazz Twins, Magpie Productions, and Singing Lady Productions.

For more information, go to http://www.51ststreetchicago.com/events