I will premiering a new work for solo double bass by Isaac Barzso as part of his residency with line upon line.

Celebrate 150 years of the University of Northern Iowa with an evening that honors the power of partnership, artistry, and education. The wcfsymphony starts with a bold new Concerto for Jazz Trombone by UNI faculty member and composer Mike Conrad, featuring UNI professor and wcfsymphony principal trombonist Anthony Williams. Then, wcfsymphony shares the stage with the Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra for a side-by-side performance of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4—a passionate and emotionally-charged masterpiece that brings the program to a dramatic close.

Jazz meets the concert hall in this genre-blending evening of bold musical expression. Saxophonist Simon Harding and the Iowa Bop Collective—an ensemble of top jazz artists rooted in the Cedar Valley—take the spotlight in Charlie Parker with Strings, a heartfelt tribute to the legendary bebop innovator. Their Iowa-grown take on this iconic work bridges traditions with style and soul. The night concludes with Mendelssohn’s radiant Symphony No. 4, a joyful journey inspired by his travels through Italy.

The debut performance of my new duo with flutist Sasha Ishov will feature works by Beat Furrer, Silvia Borzelli, a premiere of a new work by Christine Burke, and more. We will be joined on the bill by Chicago titans Flannau Duo.

BOSS Tenors: A Night of Classic Jazz

Throughout jazz history, some of the most iconic recordings have featured two horns leading the charge — and none are more electrifying than albums built around two tenor saxophones in the frontline. There’s a unique fire that emerges when two master saxophonists share the spotlight, trading ideas, pushing each other, and creating that unmistakable “dueling tenors” vibe. This special performance brings that tradition to life. Simon Harding (tenor saxophone) and Wayne Page (tenor saxophone) join forces to recreate the spirit of legendary pairings such as Gene Ammons & Sonny Stitt on Boss Tenors and Sonny Rollins & John Coltrane on Tenor Madness. You’ll also hear selections inspired by Johnny Griffin & Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, Clifford Jordan & John Gilmore, Eric Alexander & Vincent Herring, and many more. Supporting them is a stellar, hard-swinging rhythm section featuring Mike Conrad (piano), Will Yager (bass), and Josh Hakanson (drums) — a powerhouse trio that brings the classic sound of ‘50s and ‘60s straight-ahead jazz to life. Expect an evening filled with soulful melodies, high-energy exchanges, deep grooves, and plenty of excitement to keep your toes tapping and your head nodding all night long. 

Wombat’s annual emergence will be heralded by Dan Padley (guitar) and Gabi Vanek (bassoon/electronics)

Board of Regents
Ritwik Banerji, tenor sax & no-input mixer
Jean-François Charles, clarinets & electronics
Will Yager, bass

Tracteur Hammer
Hunter Diamond, tenor saxophone & electronics
Florian Nastorg, baritone saxophone
Yoram Rosilio, double bass
Mikel Patrick Avery, drums

I will be joining loadbang and Miranda Cuckson for the premiere of a new work by Eli Greenhoe.

An evening of chamber/solo music by Liza Lim including The Table of Knowledge for double bass.

Doors: 8:00PM | Show: 8:30PM

Tickets here: https://wl.eventim.us/event/ty-boque-liza-lim/664073?afflky=ConstellationChicago

Weapon X (Justin Comer & me) open for Rushadicus

Combining Violin Festival, Viola Festival, CelloFest, and Bass Day, this hands-on workshop for high school string players will include master classes, technique classes, workshops and a final concert. Featured guest artists include Amy Schwartz Moretti, violin, Julia Bullard, viola, Austin Huntington, cello, and Mark Urness, bass. Attendees will have the chance to work with our featured guests, UNI faculty members, and current UNI students and experience what the UNI campus has to offer!

Chicago-Iowa-Kansas City-Chicago noise improv quartet of Alexander Adams, Seth Andrew Davis, Bob Bucko Jr., and Will Yager make a rare appearance.

Andrew Scott Young leads a quartet with himself plus Dave Miller, Luke Polipnick, Jacob Fawcett.