“Art of Jazz” and more concerts light up CLC this fall

Music lovers can look forward to the return of College of Lake County’s (CLC) fall concerts beginning in October.

A major highlight of the season is the 49th Annual “Art of Jazz” Concert Series featuring Grammy®-winning saxophonist and “Saturday Night Live” band veteran Ron Blake on Sunday, Nov. 9. Known for his dynamic blend of Caribbean roots and modern innovation, Blake will deliver a powerful performance that fuses vibrant tradition with fresh rhythms.

"I'm excited to welcome three-time Grammy winner Ron Blake to perform with our award-winning jazz ensemble,” said Michael Flack, CLC music instructor. “In addition to his tenure (twenty years and counting) as a saxophonist with the ‘Saturday Night Live’ band, he also performs with the Christian McBride Big Band, Jack DeJohnette and Regina Carter and teaches at the Julliard School. He is a native of Puerto Rico and incorporates Caribbean rhythms into his music."

All concerts take place on the Mainstage at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts (JLC), 19351 W. Washington Street, Grayslake, except the free Jazz Combo Spring concert in room P101. This fall’s concerts include:

• Jazz Ensemble Concert: 4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 5 

• Wind Ensemble Concert: 4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 12 

• Choral Ensembles Fall Concert: 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 25 

• 49th Annual “Art of Jazz” Concert Series: 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 9

• Choral Ensembles Holiday Concert: 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6 

• Wind Ensemble Holiday Concert: 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7 

• Free Jazz Combo Spring Concert: 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 8

• Concert Band Holiday Concert: 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10

To purchase tickets, visit www.jlcenter.clcillinois.edu or call (847) 543-2300. Tickets also can be purchased at the JLC Box Office 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Community members who are interested in performing with the groups can sign up for classes.