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Mike Reed’s Chicago Inspirations
May 1, 2026 — 8:00 PM
Overview
The Magic Box: Music inspired by the Chicago bassist Fred Hopkins
Drummer-composer Mike Reed explores the legacy of Chicago bassist and AACM member Fred Hopkins with new works, including a commission by Henry Threadgill. Performed by a powerhouse ensemble of fellow Chicago improvisers, the program reflects Hopkins’ deep influence on avant-garde jazz.
The City Was Yellow: Chicago Jazz & Improvised Music 1980-2010
Saxophonist Geof Bradfield and talented high-school jazz musicians open the concert with Reed’s collection of music composed in Chicago between 1980 and 2010, a transformative era of risk-taking within the city’s jazz scene.
Curated by Mike Reed, Owner and Director, Chicago’s Constellation and Hungry Brain
Performers
Students from the Jazz Institute of Chicago Jazz Links Program
The City Was Yellow
Students from the Jazz Institute of Chicago Jazz Links Program
Geof Bradfield saxophone and musical director
The Magic Box
Mike Reed drums, guest curator
Nicole Mitchell flute
Tomeka Reid cello
Greg Ward alto saxophone
Joshua Abrams bass
Jason Adasiewicz vibraphone
Extras
Enhance your concert experience.
May 1-3: Haunts & Heroes photography exhibit
Part of the International Jazz Day celebrations in Chicago, the Haunts & Heroes exhibition is a photographic overview of the history of Chicago Jazz, harking back to the late Steve Schapiro’s portraits of Lil Hardin Armstrong and Earl “Fatha” Hines to Michael Jackson’s images of contemporary artists Isaiah Collier and Nicole Mitchell. Curated by journalist-photographer Michael Jackson, the mobile exhibit includes pictorial visits to Fred Anderson’s Velvet Lounge, The Green Mill, Joe & Wayne Segal’s Jazz Showcase, Hothouse, Hungry Brain, Elastic, Andy’s, Constellation, the South Side’s legendary New Apartment Lounge and a host of other "haunts."
Open to all ticketholders in Symphony Center's Forte event space; doors open to the exhibit space 45 minutes before the concert start time.
Preconcert Dining
Explore Symphony Center’s on-site dining options for a seamless preconcert experience. Preorder a Sound Bites meal to enjoy in the Rotunda before the concert — or make a reservation to dine at the Thomas Club, offering a prix fixe menu featuring traditional American fare and a spectacular view of Lake Michigan. View menus and learn more »
CSO African American Network Reception
The CSO African American Network will host a preconcert event. Tickets required for entry. Learn more about the event at CSO AAN »
Sponsors & Partners
Funding for educational programs during the 2025/26 Season of SCP Jazz has been generously provided by Dan J. Epstein, Judith Guitelman and the Dan J. Epstein Family Foundation.
Media Partners
Discover more on Experience CSO
After obtaining papers that belonged to the late Fred Hopkins (1947-1999), drummer-composer Mike Reed decided to salute the bassist's legacy with a program he's dubbed The Magic Box.
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Jazz bassist Fred Hopkins had a special connection to Orchestra Hall. As a young musician, he performed as a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and studied with Joseph Guastafeste, longtime CSO principal bass.
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With dozens of events, including an all-star concert streamed live worldwide, Chicago will serve as the Global Host City for the 15th annual International Jazz Day on April 30.
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