Event

Live at Studio5: BOB LONG / AL DAY / MARC SMITH

Marc Smith, poet
Al Day, guitar/vocal
Bob Long, keyboard
Brian Gephart, saxophone
Doug Lofstrom, bass

This one is going to be mind-blowing. I've long considered Al Day one of Chicago's best kept musical secrets ... and it frustrates the hell out me. Why doesn't EVERYBODY know about this guy?? He is the complete singer/songwriter package: a beautiful lyric poet with a stunning melodic and harmonic sense ... and a voice that will tear you apart. Al is also a compelling interpreter of jazz standards, and he often teams up with the brilliant pianist, Bob Long, to present innovative programming for our series. Seeing them live is always a delight for me. Well, Bob and Al approached me about putting together a live jazz/poetry performance at Studio5 featuring the legendary FOUNDER of the poetry slam movement, Marc Smith. Who would turn that down?? Marc Smith established a poetry open mic at the Get Me High Lounge in 1984 which evolved into his crowd-inclusive "poetry slam" concept, establishing a permanent home at the Green Mill in 1987. Now more than thirty years later the movement is still going strong and has been exported to over 500 cities worldwide. Yeah, that guy -- the guy that started it. Adding the beauty and power of Marc Smith's poetry to the evening helps fulfill our mission at Studio5 of presenting truly unusual artistic performances to our audiences. Rounding out the ensemble will be two other talented musicians, saxophonist Brian Gephart, and bassist Doug Lofstrom. I am SO excited about this show ... and I have absolutely no idea what is going to happen. I hope you can join us and if you're interested in seeing Marc Smith in action, check out the video link.

We'll be recording this performance for Chicago Jazz Live on WDCB, so you'll be part of the studio audience! See you there! SR

Cash bar, light snacks, free parking right outside! Doors open at 7:30.

[NOTE: ONLINE TICKET SALES END ONE HOUR PRIOR TO THIS EVENT. REMAINING TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR.]