Greg Ward Quartet

Thu Dec 05 2024 at 10:00 pm to 11:30 pm UTC-06:00

Jazz Showcase | Chicago

Jazz Showcase
Publisher/HostJazz Showcase
Greg Ward Quartet
Advertisement
Saxophonist Greg Ward at the Jazz Showcase!
About this Event

Greg Ward is a saxophonist and composer that was born in Peoria, IL. Currently based in Chicago, Ward has had the opportunity to perform and record with a varied group of artists like Prefuse 73, Lupe Fiasco, Tortoise, William Parker, Andrew D'Angelo, and Mike Reed.

In 2000, Ward began his studies at Northern Illinois University where he worked with Steve Duke, Fareed Haque, Ron Carter, and Joey Sellers. Already interested in composition, having the opportunity to compose for NIU's jazz combos deepened his understanding of the inner-workings of music. Also, working with composer and arranger, Joey Sellers, equipped Ward with some important tools to further explore this new love.

Around his sophomore year in college, Ward started spending many nights performing in the jazz clubs of Chicago. Soon, he would meet another one of his mentors, saxophonist, Fred Anderson, who would later select him to host a jam session at the Velvet Lounge for four years. During this time period, Ward experienced much growth as a performer and composer and developed a vibrant community of performers, artists, dancers, and listeners.

After graduating from NIU in 2004 with a degree in Jazz Studies/Saxophone Performance, Ward moved to Chicago and took advantage of every opportunity that was offered to him. Composing two pieces for the International Contemporary Ensemble, performing a quartet composition for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Chamber Music Series, composing Wings for the Peoria Ballet Company, and being commissioned by the Jazz Institute of Chicago for a new composition, which was performed at the Chicago Jazz Festival in 2009, are just a few of the many experiences that shaped Ward during his years in Chicago.

In 2009, Ward decided to move to New York City. Almost immediately after he arrived in NYC, he began working with JazzReach, an NYC-based jazz education organization that shares multi-media programs throughout the US. In 2010, he would produce his first CD as a leader with his Chicago-based band, Fitted Shards. South Side Story received much critical acclaim, including "Recording of the Year" by the Chicago Tribune. Next, in 2011, Ward formed Phonic Juggernaut, which features Damion Reid on drums and Joe Sanders on bass. Together, they recorded and released a CD on Thirsty Ear Recordings that same year. Also, in 2011, Ward composed and performed a commission from the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra for a concerto for jazz quartet and string orchestra. In 2012, Ward was selected as one of the two New Music USA Van Lier Fellows. In 2014, he received a commission/residency from the Jazz Gallery and premiered Capturing Sunlight, which was an hour-long work for septet and included a short documentary by Diana Quinones Rivera. The Capturing Sunlight project was inspired by the life and work of Preston Jackson.

Recently, Ward has collaborated with another composer, sound designer, and performer, Caleb Willitz. First, they composed the film score for Beresford Bennett's film, Pinch, which was an official selection of the 2015 San Diego Black Film Festival. Second, Ward and Willitz will be releasing an electro-acoustic project, Gaps and Spaces: Synoptic Optiks.

Ward maintains an active international touring schedule with various ensembles and has recently been appointed to the faculty of the Jacob School of Music at Indiana University as Assistant Professor of Jazz Saxophone.

Advertisement

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Jazz Showcase, 806 South Plymouth Ct, Chicago, United States

Tickets

USD 30.10 to USD 45.53

Sharing is Caring:

More Events in Chicago

Cyndi Lauper: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour
Thu Dec 05 2024 at 08:00 pm Cyndi Lauper: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour

United Center

Marc Rebillet
Thu Dec 05 2024 at 08:00 pm Marc Rebillet

Thalia Hall (Chicago)

Cyndi Lauper: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour
Thu Dec 05 2024 at 08:00 pm Cyndi Lauper: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour

United Center

She\u2019s So Prude: Meg Indurti LIVE in Chicago
Thu Dec 05 2024 at 08:00 pm She’s So Prude: Meg Indurti LIVE in Chicago

The Lincoln Lodge

Dylan Schneider - The Bad Decisions Tour with MaRynn Taylor
Thu Dec 05 2024 at 08:00 pm Dylan Schneider - The Bad Decisions Tour with MaRynn Taylor

Joe's on Weed Street

Bats with Red Pk and Toadvine
Thu Dec 05 2024 at 08:30 pm Bats with Red Pk and Toadvine

The Hideout

Morbid Angel
Fri Dec 06 2024 at 12:00 am Morbid Angel

Avondale Music Hall

Celtic Angels Christmas
Fri Dec 06 2024 at 01:00 am Celtic Angels Christmas

Thalia Hall

Wishy (18+)
Fri Dec 06 2024 at 02:00 am Wishy (18+)

Schubas Tavern

Swearwords (17+)
Fri Dec 06 2024 at 02:00 am Swearwords (17+)

Beat Kitchen

Par-A-Dice Casino & Festival of Lights Trip
Fri Dec 06 2024 at 08:00 am Par-A-Dice Casino & Festival of Lights Trip

1400 Chicago Rd, 60411

The Get Rich Tour (Chicago, IL)
Fri Dec 06 2024 at 08:00 am The Get Rich Tour (Chicago, IL)

Chicago

Chicago is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Chicago Events