$20-25. Click HERE for tickets.

Howard Alden, guitar

Andy Brown, guitar

Joe Policastro, bass

Bob Rummage, drums

Most everyone who is a Chicago jazz fan would agree that in this city of wonderful guitarists, Andy Brown is among the finest. So when Andy said to me, "Steve, Howard Alden is the real deal -- when I play with him it's like getting a free lesson," I had to pay attention. New York-based musician Howard Alden really is an astounding talent. Throughout a long career he has played with all the major names in jazz, and he provided the guitar parts for Woody Allen's movie Sweet and Lowdown. Howard even taught Sean Penn how to play guitar for the film. Back in 2014, Howard and Andy played a jaw-dropping concert as a duo at the Whiskey Lounge to a packed house (an audience, I might add, peppered with many other fine Chicago guitarists) and I’ve been dying to get them back to our stage ever since. Studio5 should provide a great setting. Howard and Andy recently played an extended engagement at a club in Germany with their quartet, featuring bassist, Joe Policastro, and drummer, Bob Rummage. We are so fortunate to have that same swinging group perform for us. For a sample, click HERE to see them play Louisiana from an appearance a few years ago at the Green Mill. Yowser. Howard is not often in Chicago, and their appearance at Studio5 may be their only Chicago show together this year. So don’t think twice. Come, sit up close and drink it in. And if you’re a guitarist, you’re welcome for the lesson. Oh – as with many of our other shows, we’ll be recording this for broadcast on Chicago Jazz Live on WDCB. This will be fun on top of fun! –SR

Cash bar, light snacks, free parking right outside! Doors open at 7:00.