Saturday December 10, 2022

Corky Siegel is known internationally as one of the world’s greatest blues harmonica players, blues pianist, singer and writer. He celebrates 55 years of performance, as co-founder of the popular Siegel-Schwall Band and created Chamber Blues, an ensemble that weaves blues and classical music together . A Chicago Blues Hall of Famer inductee and Lifetime Achievement awardee, Corky’s extensive catalogue of recordings are on RCA, Vanguard, Alligator, including selling millions of blues/classical recording on the iconic classical label, Deutsche Gramophone. He learned his craft at the feet of such legendary bluesmen like Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Willie Dixon, Little Walter, and Otis Spann. It was Maestro Seiji Ozawa, who walked into the bar and asked Corky Siegel to perform as a guest soloist with the Chicago Symphony that resulted in a blues/classical collaboration. "He plays wonderfully on piano as well as harmonica. Siegel has a fine blues touch, and he combines it all with a grand sense of humor and showmanship" - San Francisco Examiner Joining Corky will be Ernie Watts, one of the most prolific and versatile saxophone players in music. Winner of two Grammys, Watts has been featured on over 500 recordings by artists ranging from Cannonball Adderley to Frank Zappa. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, he began playing saxophone at 13. He attended Berklee College of Music on a Down Beat magazine scholarship. He toured with Buddy Rich in the late-1960s. He visited Africa on a U.S. State Department tour with Oliver Nelson's group. For 20 years he played alto saxophone with The Tonight Show under Doc Severinsen. He was a featured soloist on many of Marvin Gaye's albums on Motown during the 1970s, as well as on many other pop and R&B sessions. He has won two Grammy Awards as an instrumentalist. "He is one of the greatest living tenor saxophone players" Ian Petterson - All About Jazz Please read an important COVID-related message and a note from Corky: We have made a commitment to our artists to respect their wishes regarding COVID protocol. Corky has requested attendees be vaccinated and masked. We will be checking Vax Cards. "Cousin Corky here. I'm still requiring proof of vaccination and masks (both "reduce" viral load and work in all directions, offeribng layers of protection). People come to be uplifted and nurtured and take that home. I don't want anyone to take home Cyrus the Virus home and get sick from my music. LOL! When it to creating a clean and safe environment "for each other", it's really not such a big deal to wear a mask, show proof of vaccination, fasten a seatbelt, or drive carefully. Thank you for your understanding. I look forward to seeing your smiling and laughing....eyes. :-)" Cousin Corky Please note this concert will be available both in-person or to livestream at home. Doors will open at 6:15 PM. Music will begin at 7:00 PM.