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MARCH 20, 2014 — CHICAGO — University Church is launching a quarterly concert series, kicking off on Thursday, March 27, 2014, with piano virtuoso Willie Pickens. The concert will begin at 7:00 P.M. in the Sanctuary of University Church, 5655 S. University Ave. The cost is free and open to the public.

Willie Pickens is a treasured member of Hyde Park and Chicago’s jazz community. A former faculty member of the American Conservatory of Music, Mr. Pickens has performed with a wide variety of internationally recognized jazz artists, including Elvin Jones, Clark Terry, Eddie Harris, and Wynton Marsalis. He is currently jazz piano professor at NIU. At more than 80 years old, some say he is at his “creative peak.” Mr. Pickens is a gifted jazz pianist who has been dedicated to mentoring and teaching for generations. No wonder H. Reich of the Tribune commented calling him a “piano powerhouse” in a recent performance: “Pickens proved that youthful passion is not confined to the young.”

University Church music director Charles Hayes and Senior Minister Julian DeShazier have initiated the concert series as part of a number of cultural arts offerings being planned in 2014 at the Church. The church also houses a recording studio and is expanding a youth theatre troupe. This event is free, but proceeds collected during an offering will go towards the restoration of the church organ.

In earlier times, the University Church building was a hub of activity for the community, once housing the Blue Gargoyle organization. Since becoming Senior Minister in 2010, Pastor DeShazier has had intentions to bring more arts and community friendly events to the space. Seeing that Pastor Julian is also a hip hop artist, the arts have become a renewed priority, and bringing youth productions and cultural exhibitions back to the space is something University Church wants to help lead in Hyde Park. To that end, Maggie Brown (renowned jazz vocalist, and member of UChurch) will present a Variety Show series in the church’s upstairs theatre beginning this spring.

Maggie will also serve as host for the March 27th event with Willie Pickens. Maggie has appeared with Pickens as his special guest for his highly acclaimed, annual Jazz Christmas Concert at Pickens’ home church, neighboring Hyde Park Union Church.

The other performers scheduled in the quarterly series are: Regina Bunton (soprano) , Sean Harris (tenor); Jacqueline Peatry; & Heritage Choral Concert.

 

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