Let's all remember the life and times of trumpeter Lester Bowie by attending "A Concert Celebrating the Life and Music of Visionary and Trumpet Virtuoso-Lester Bowie" tonight at 7:30 pm? The concert will be held at the Hyde Park Union Church (5600 S. Woodlawn, Hyde Park) and all proceeds will benefit the Zola Bowie College Fund. Artists honoring their fallen comrade will include the Roscoe Mitchell Quintet, the Vandermark 5, the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble (with Fareed Haque), Rob Mazurek's Isotope 217 and a duet by James Carter and Hamiett Bluiett. Of course, Roscoe Mitchell was Lester's bandmate in the now-legendary Art Ensemble of Chicago but all of the musicians performing had a special bond with Bowie (conceptual, personal, and otherwise). Lester served as a great role model and a major inspiration to so many musicians not just here in Chicago, but all over the world. His trumpet style was unique, his sense of humor outrageous, and his ability to organize was truly outstanding. Bowie's sense of tradition in jazz was as impressive as his showmanship. He made every concert and recording session he was involved with a major event (and there were so very many). Bowie made numerous records with the Art Ensemble, as well as lots of solo discs and recordings with his other group, Lester Bowie's Brass Fantasy. Tickets for this show can be purchased in advance for $20 at the Jazz Record Mart (444 N Wabash), all Reckless Records locations and Dr. Wax in Hyde Park. Tickets are $25 at the door. Whatever the price, this remembrance of Lester Bowie will be a poignant and moving occasion.
by Mitch Myers
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