Brown Derby Jazz Series Celebrates Neighborhood Jazz Night 2026 with Theodis Rodgers Jr. Quartet on Chicago’s South SideChicago, IL — April 28, 2026 — As Chicago takes center stage as the Global Host City for International Jazz Day 2026, the Brown Derby Jazz Series (BDJS) will present an evening of exceptional live jazz at the Little Black Pearl Art & Design Center on Chicago’s South Side. Held on April 28, 2026, this special concert is part of the citywide celebration leading up to International Jazz Day on April 30, highlighting Chicago’s rich jazz legacy while showcasing neighborhood-based producers who continue to sustain and evolve the city’s vibrant jazz culture.
Presented by the 51st Street Business Association in partnership with Little Black Pearl, this Neighborhood Jazz Night celebrates the 15th annual International Jazz Day—honoring jazz as a powerful force for cultural expression, community connection, and global unity. As the 2026 host city, Chicago will feature performances across its neighborhoods, reinforcing its global reputation as a cornerstone of jazz history and innovation.
The evening will feature the acclaimed Theodis Rodgers Jr. Quartet, with Rodgers joined by an outstanding ensemble: Charles “Rick” Heath IV (drums), James Perkins (saxophones), and Runeer Brooks (bass). Rodgers’ repertoire will include a tribute to Chicago jazz legends Ramsey Lewis and Herbie Hancock, honoring their enduring contributions to the art form.
Special guest appearances include celebrated trumpeter Mario Abney, vocalist Nanette Frank, and the dynamic 2 Brown Sisters—Maggie and Africa Brown, who will also help launch a centennial celebration of their iconic father, Oscar Brown, Jr. Together, these artists promise a vibrant and memorable evening of jazz artistry. Audiences are invited to experience world-class live music in an intimate neighborhood setting, celebrating the sounds that unite Chicago and the global community.
Presented by the 51st Street Business Association in partnership with Little Black Pearl, this Neighborhood Jazz Night celebrates the 15th annual International Jazz Day—honoring jazz as a powerful force for cultural expression, community connection, and global unity. As the 2026 host city, Chicago will feature performances across its neighborhoods, reinforcing its global reputation as a cornerstone of jazz history and innovation.
The evening will feature the acclaimed Theodis Rodgers Jr. Quartet, with Rodgers joined by an outstanding ensemble: Charles “Rick” Heath IV (drums), James Perkins (saxophones), and Runeer Brooks (bass). Rodgers’ repertoire will include a tribute to Chicago jazz legends Ramsey Lewis and Herbie Hancock, honoring their enduring contributions to the art form.
Special guest appearances include celebrated trumpeter Mario Abney, vocalist Nanette Frank, and the dynamic 2 Brown Sisters—Maggie and Africa Brown, who will also help launch a centennial celebration of their iconic father, Oscar Brown, Jr. Together, these artists promise a vibrant and memorable evening of jazz artistry. Audiences are invited to experience world-class live music in an intimate neighborhood setting, celebrating the sounds that unite Chicago and the global community.
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51ST STREET BUSINESS ASSOCIATION220 E 51st Street
Chicago, IL 60615 P: (773) 285-3401 |