Tradition Meets Tomorrow

This fall brings two must-see events that celebrate music's power to bridge generations and cultures. Chicago's 27th Annual Englewood Jazz Festival (September 17–19, Hamilton Park) honors jazz as Great Black Music, pairing centennial tributes to Oscar Brown Jr., John Coltrane, and Miles Davis with performances by the city's next generation of musicians — a living reminder of how the tradition keeps evolving through community and mentorship. Then, pianist Chengcheng Ma's Carnegie Hall debut (October 13, Weill Recital Hall) puts Chinese, American, and European musical traditions in direct conversation, with world premieres and a U.S. premiere alongside classics by Mary Lou Williams and Prokofiev — a program that mirrors Ma's own journey from China to the U.S. and across genres. Two very different stages, one shared spirit: music that honors where it came from while pushing boldly toward what's next.

The 27th Annual Englewood Jazz Festival hits Hamilton Park in Chicago Sept 17-19

The 27th Annual Englewood Jazz Festival, presented by Live the Spirit Residency, returns to Chicago’s historic Hamilton Park, 513 W. 72nd Street on September 17–19, 2026. This year’s free community festival celebrates the next generation of creative musicians while honoring the centennial legacies of Oscar Brown Jr., John Coltrane, and Miles Davis. All music performed will be original compositions by the featured artists.

The weekend will feature performances by both jazz legends and next-generation artists. Events take place indoors on Sep 17 and 18 and outdoors on September 19 rain or shine, moving indoors in case of inclement weather. Some seating is provided, but attendees are advised to bring their own chairs, blankets, picnics, and an appetite for the kind of music that uplifts and transforms the human spirit! Further information is available at englewoodjazzfestival.org or by calling (773) 789-4227.

Check out this recent press coverage of the event:

​WTTW News​

​ABC7 Chicago Eyewitness News​

​WGN's Spotlight Chicago​

​Chicago Tribune Preview​

Music from the Live the Spirit Residency.

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Pianist Chengcheng Ma makes Carnegie Hall Debut with new and traditional works

Forte International Group presents pianist Chengcheng Ma in an evening celebrating cross-cultural dialogue through piano music on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 7:30 PM at his Carnegie Hall debut at Weill Recital Hall. The program features new works and established masterworks for solo piano and two pianos. Ma is joined by distinguished guest pianists Boaz Sharon, Rodney Lister, EunAe Lee, and Yimiao Fang. The program includes two world premieres by Stella Sung and Rodney Lister, the U.S. premiere of Nansong Huang's Reflections on Dunhuang, and works by Chen Yi, Mary Lou Williams, Prokofiev/Pletnev.

Hear Chengcheng Ma and Boaz Sharon playing Sergei Prokofiev, arranged by Mikhail Pletnev; Cinderella Suite for two pianos
​Sergei Prokofiev, arranged by Mikhail Pletnev; Cinderella Suite for two pianos.

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The performance takes place at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, 57th Street and Seventh Avenue, New York, NY. Tickets start at $30, with student and senior discount tickets available at the box office. Visit www.carnegiehall.org for tickets. Use code CCM57513 get a 20% discount.

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​peter@petermcdowell.com​
www.petermcdowell.com​