Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month at Oakton College, April 11

Des Plaines, Ill. (April 5, 2024) – Spend a lunch break at Oakton College’s Des Plaines campus and indulge in jazz melodies performed by the Midwest’s finest and most talented musicians celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month. The annual concert, April 11, is free and open to the public and will feature a varied selection showcasing timeless classics and modern favorites, guaranteeing enjoyment for all.

Oakton faculty member Mark Olen will lead the ensemble, showcasing his talents on trumpet and flugelhorn. Fellow faculty member Tim McNamara will accompany Olen, contributing on soprano and baritone saxophones as well as clarinet.

Additionally, esteemed local musician Jim Trompeter will showcase his exceptional piano skills. Trompeter has appeared alongside Gloria Estefan in more than 350 live and televised concerts. He has also performed with distinguished jazz musician and songwriter Kurt Elling.

Completing the sextet will be nationally sought-after Dennis Caroll on bass, Grammy-nominated Nick Bisesi on alto and tenor saxophone along with flute, and nationally acclaimed Bob Rummage on drums.

Jazz Appreciation Month recognizes and celebrates the extraordinary heritage and history of jazz during the entire month of April. The annual concert, generously sponsored by the Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) and the Chicago Federation of Musicians (CFM), aims to bring the community together through the universal language of music. Headquartered in New York City, the MPTF brings music to the public and supplements the income of musicians, all at no cost to those receiving the precious gift of music. The CFM works to ensure fair pay and working conditions for musicians.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable musical experience:
Date: Thursday, April 11
Time: noon – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Performing Arts Center lobby, Oakton’s Des Plaines Campus, 1600 East Golf Road