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CHICAGO— Navy Pier is honored to host Carnegie Hall’s national youth jazz orchestra, “NYO Jazz,” from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 4 at the Lake Stage, located within Polk Bros Park. The free performance showcases the legacy and bright future of American jazz—returning for its fifth year following critically-acclaimed performances at Carnegie Hall and successful international tours to Europe and Asia.
The ensemble features 22 outstanding young American jazz musicians (ages 16–19) selected from across the United States who will come together for an extraordinary outdoor summer performance. Acclaimed trumpeter Sean Jones will return to lead the NYO Jazz performance, with Grammy Award-nominated jazz vocalist Jazzmeia Horn as a special guest artist.
For NYO Jazz’s 2022 concerts, the ensemble will play a diverse program including a new Carnegie Hall commissioned work, entitled “Single-Cell Jitterbug,” by Brooklyn-based composer and Secret Society bandleader Darcy James Argue, a new piece inspired by the life and work of activist Ida B. Wells by Detroit native and bassist Endea Owens and a new arrangement of “The Star-Spangled Banner and Lift Every Voice and Sing” by John Clayton.
The program will also include several songs from Jazzmeia Horn’s new Grammy award-nominated album, “Dear Love,” and other contemporary pieces that explore jazz’s influence on hip-hop, R&B, and pop music, as well as big band classics by Bob Brookmeyer, Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus and Mary Lou Williams.
NYO Jazz’s touring activities are designed to allow America’s finest young musicians to share their artistry with audiences at home and abroad via webcast.
This summer marks the first time NYO Jazz will be able to perform at Carnegie Hall and tour since 2019. Although NYO Jazz was unable to travel over the last two years, the musicians convened virtually during the summer of 2020 and at Purchase College, just north of New York City, rehearsing and recording a wide range of repertoire. This included NYO Jazz’s debut album, “We’re Still Here,” which was released by Platoon on June 24, 2022. For Press Listening Purposes Only: Click here for a private link to listen to the album. NYO Jazz Album Trailer NYO Jazz U.S. Tour Summer 2022 Trailer
To learn more about NYO Jazz, visit www.carnegiehall.org/NYOJazz.
About Navy Pier
Navy Pier is the People’s Pier, Chicago’s lakefront treasure, welcoming all and offering dynamic and eclectic experiences through partnerships and programs that inspire discovery and wonder.
Since its reopening in 1995, more than 180 million guests have come to enjoy the Pier’s 50 acres of unparalleled attractions and experiences. In 2022, Navy Pier continues to evolve into an accessible, year-round centerpiece for Chicago’s diverse arts and cultural treasures.