Southport Records presents an ongoing series of events at Katerina’s, 1920 W. Irving Pk. Rd, Chicago, IL, on the first Saturday of every month! Label partners Bradley Parker-Sparrow, piano and Joanie Pallatto, voice will open each evening with their original duets and improvisations. The early evening sets will present a mix of artists from the label roster, featuring jazz, avant garde, classical, world and new music. The co-host of this event, Katerina’s, has evolved into a unique listening experience and environment, with fine programming, including jazz, world, and pop forms. As always, Katerina’s serves great cocktails and fine food & is an eclectic club with its soul in the arts.
Susan May – Vocalist
The beauty of the human voice, the gift to sing is like a rare flower. Susan May, at the age of twelve, became Southport Records youngest vocalist, releasing her debut CD “The Rose” in 2003. Her voice has been falling from the sky since the tender age of 6. Susan May made her national television debut on the Oprah Winfrey Show, as part of the program called “The World’s Most Talented Kids,” singing “Feeling Good.” Harry Porterfield of ABC Seven News in Chicago reported that “Susan May is Someone You Should Know.” This year, at the age of 19 years old, Susan graduated Summa Cum Laude from Valparaiso University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology. She will be attending the University of Alabama at Birmingham this fall, as she begins her studies at Medical School.
Susan May was the Featured Vocalist for the annual concert at Hyde Park Union Church, "A Jazz Christmas" with Willie Pickens & Trio in 2003. Susan and Willie have performed together on many occasions for Southport Records Festivals over the years. Susan will re- unite with Willie in a special musical sendoff before this college-girl/jazz singer departs for her next journey in life. Susan bears witness to the emotional demands of her music. The beauty of her youth is that it is the beginning of a life journey, and music is a part of her heart. Let’s wish her a wonderful ride.
Willie Pickens – Pianist
When you mention piano, the name Willie Pickens is permanently connected. Pickens continues his remarkable career as a jazz pianist with this intimate early evening performance accompanying vocalist Susan May at Katerina’s in Chicago. Teaching as part of the Ravinia Jazz Mentor program and its REACH*TEACH*PLAY free education programs, Pickens provides students throughout the Chicago region with his invaluable perspective. Longtime educator, arranger, conductor, accompanist and side man at Chicago’s Jazz Showcase, Willie is the doorway from swing to bebop to beyond. He is the Pickens "machine," boasting a mastery of European, Jazz and Blues forms. He began his career on a national hit record — Eddie Harris’ 1961 "Exodus," toured with The Elvin Jones Jazz Machine, and has played with Johnny Griffin, James Moody, Kenny Burrell and Nicholas Payton, among others. Currently a jazz professor at Northern Illinois University, Pickens boasts a unique piano style that showcases his magnificent mastery of the keyboard.
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Photos of Susan May and Willie Pickens taken by and property of Chicago Studio Club 2010.