Name: Mike Reed's Chicago Inspirations
Start: 2026-05-01T20:00:00-05:00
Location: 220 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, United States, Illinois 60604

The Magic Box: Music inspired by the Chicago bassist Fred Hopkins
Drummer-composer Mike Reed explores the legacy of Chicago bassist and AACM member Fred Hopkins with new works, including a commission by Henry Threadgill. Performed by a powerhouse ensemble of fellow Chicago improvisers, the program reflects Hopkins’ deep influence on avant-garde jazz.
The City Was Yellow: Chicago Jazz & Improvised Music 1980-2010
Saxophonist Geof Bradfield and talented high-school jazz musicians open the concert with Reed’s collection of music composed in Chicago between 1980 and 2010, a transformative era of risk-taking within the city’s jazz scene.
Curated by Mike Reed, Owner and Director, Chicago’s Constellation and Hungry Brain
Performers
Mike Reed drums, guest curator
Nicole Mitchell flute
Tomeka Reid cello
Greg Ward alto saxophone
Joshua Abrams bass
Jason Adasiewicz vibraphone
Students from the Jazz Institute of Chicago Jazz Links Program
Geof Bradfield saxophone and musical director
Sponsors
Funding for educational programs during the 2025/26 Season of SCP Jazz has been generously provided by Dan J. Epstein, Judith Guitelman and the Dan J. Epstein Family Foundation.
Chicago Jazz, DownBeat Magazine and WDCB 90.9FM Jazz are Media Partners for this event.