Percussionist, composer, and educator Thurman Barker presents the world premiere of South Side Suite, a long-form work for 23 musicians that illustrates the profound influence that Chicago’s musical history played in shaping the minds and lives of the members of the AACM and beyond. Featuring Lena Vidulich, Pala Garcia, Leah Asher, Marina Kifferstein, Carrie Frey, Hannah Livingston, Helen Newby, Meaghan Burke (strings); Hsuan Fong Chen, Alice Jones, Paavo Carey, Marty Ehrlich (woodwinds); Eric Davis, Eddie Allen, Willie Applewhite, Bill Lowe (brass); Warren Smith, Malik Washington, Eli Fountain (percussion); Noah Barker (piano); James Emery (guitar); Dean Torrey (bass); Thurman Barker (drum set, conductor).

Saxophonist and composer Andrew Lamb presents his Circadian Spheres of Light Project, which uses improvisation as stimulation for those with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and post-traumatic stress disorder.  Blending music, theater, and performance art, the group features Larry Roland, bass; Jose Luis Abreu, Warren Smith & Lloyd Haber, vibraphone, drums, & percussion; Newman Baker, washboard; Ngoma Hill, poetry & didjeridoo; Vincent Chancey, french horn; Dick Griffin, trombone; Jimmy James Greene, spontaneous visual art; Roberto Cartagena, magic; and Trashina Conner, dance.