On December 12, 2024, the UIC Music Department hosted an engaging Jazz Music Salon at CC129, with Grammy Award-winning jazz keyboardist Jeff Lorber headlining the event. The performance attracted a diverse audience of music enthusiasts, students, and professionals from the arts community, offering a dynamic musical experience that highlighted the department’s commitment to cultural vitality and artistic excellence.

The evening began with an energetic set by the student live band, whose lively performance immediately captured the audience’s attention and set the stage for the high-level performances that followed. Their enthusiasm and musicality created an ideal introduction to the main event of the evening.

Caption: The UIC student live band’s performance energized the audience and set an exciting tone for the evening.

Jeff Lorber, a leading figure in contemporary jazz, took center stage for the night’s main performance. With more than fifty years of experience in music composition and performance, Lorber is widely regarded as a pioneer of Smooth Jazz. His innovative blend of jazz, funk, and R&B earned him the 2018 Grammy Award for "Best Contemporary Instrumental Album." His influential track “Rain Dance” remains a cornerstone of jazz music, having been widely sampled by artists across the world.

Joined by bassist Tsang Tak Hong and UIC jazz drum lecturer Xin Nie, Lorber delivered a captivating performance that showcased his signature keyboard playing. The trio's dynamic interaction and rhythmic intensity brought a rich and engaging musical experience to the audience.

Caption: Jeff Lorber’s expressive keyboard performance captivated the audience, highlighting his exceptional artistry.

Caption: Jazz drummer Xin Nie.

Caption: Bassist Tsang Tak Hong.

The event also underscored the collaborative spirit of the UIC Music Department. Department Head Tom Stein made a special guest appearance, joining Lorber and the ensemble on stage for an unforgettable musical moment. This collaboration highlighted the department’s dedication to fostering creative partnerships between faculty, students, and professional musicians.

Caption: Jeff Lorber and Department Head Tom Stein performing together, exemplifying seamless musical collaboration.

The evening also featured a performance by singer Xu Feiyu, who brought an Eastern cultural touch to the event with a rendition of the Chinese folk song “In That Distant Place.” This added a unique cross-cultural dimension to the concert, offering the audience a memorable and enriching experience.

Caption: Singer Xu Feiyu’s performance of “In That Distant Place” introduced a beautiful cultural element to the evening.

Caption: The ensemble’s performance kept the audience fully engaged, immersing them in the rhythm and energy of jazz.

Following the performance, Jeff Lorber took time to interact with students, signing autographs and posing for photos in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. This interaction allowed the audience to engage more deeply with the artist and further appreciate the nuances of his music.

Caption: Jeff Lorber signing autographs and interacting with students after the performance in a friendly and engaging atmosphere.

In addition, the guest performers visited the office of UIC President Professor Chen Zhi for a brief gift exchange ceremony, where Lorber was presented with a commemorative gift in recognition of his significant contributions to the jazz music world.

Caption: UIC President Professor Chen Zhi (left) presenting a commemorative gift to Jeff Lorber.

Caption: Department Head Tom Stein and the guest performers posing for a photo at the President’s office.

This Jazz Music Salon not only showcased the remarkable talents of Jeff Lorber and his collaborators but also reflected the UIC Music Department’s ongoing commitment to offering diverse and enriching artistic experiences. Through events like this, the department continues to embody its “Dynamic and Vibrant” philosophy, contributing to the cultural vibrancy of UIC’s campus and strengthening its reputation in the field of music education.

Editor and Copywriter: Sienna Xuanxuan Wu
Reviewed by: Sienna Xuanxuan Wu
Photos by: Wu Zimo, Zhang Ruisi

Acknowledgment
Special thanks to MPRO for their support in photography and media coverage.