Saxofonist

A saxophonist, composer, arranger and educator, Bobby Watson grew up in Kansas City, Kan. He trained formally at the University of Miami, a school with a distinguished and well-respected jazz program. After graduating, he proceeded to earn his “doctorate” – on the bandstand – as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. The group, created in 1955 by late legendary drummer who died in 1990, showcased a rotating cast of players, many who, like Watson, would go on to have substantial careers as bandleaders in their own right. The Jazz Messengers – frequently referred to as the “University of Blakey” – served as the ultimate “postgraduate school” for ambitious young players.

After Fest Jam Session hosted by Bobby Watson

Dearborn Station

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Bobby Watson with Reggie Thomas Trio & Special guest vocalist Mardra Thomas

Jazz Showcase

Join us for an unforgettable experience at the Jazz Showcase, the heart of where jazz lives in Chicago, for the historic After Fest Jam Session hosted by the legendary Bobby Watson. This much-anticipated event will take place from Thursday, August 29, 2024, to Sunday, September 1, 2024, with doors and bar opening at 8pm and music starting at 9pm each night.

Bobby Watson, a renowned saxophonist, composer, arranger, and educator with a rich history in jazz, will be leading the session. Having honed his skills as the musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Watson has worked with a plethora of notable artists and has been a pivotal figure in the jazz world for over three decades. His contributions to jazz include more than 30 recordings as a leader and over 100 original compositions, making him a true icon in the genre.

The event will be held at the Jazz Showcase, located at 806 S Plymouth Ct, Chicago, offering a cozy and intimate setting for jazz enthusiasts. This is your chance to witness jazz history in the making, as Watson brings his immense talent and experience to the stage, promising an evening filled with soulful melodies and captivating performances.

Tickets are available for purchase with options for general admission and VIP preferred seating. Prices for Thursday are $25 for general admission and $40 for VIP, while Friday through Sunday tickets are $30 for general admission and $45 for VIP preferred seating. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a musical journey that celebrates the legacy and future of jazz in Chicago.

After Fest Jam Session Hosted By Bobby Watson

Swinging. Stylish. Soulful. Of all the stories Kansas City jazz has to offer, none spin the proverbial yarn more eloquently than two of our greatest: vocalist Deborah Brown and saxophonist Bobby Watson. Compiling careers most could only dream of, these two are KC. The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra is thrilled to invite both living legends to the Folly Theater’s stage to create magic together with our fantastic big band for a live album recording! If you love music, if you love Kansas City, you cannot afford to miss this artistic moment of a lifetime.

This Is Kansas City Featuring Deborah Brown & Bobby Watson

Folly Theater

After Fest Jam Session hosted by Bobby Watson1

In a rollicking homecoming concert, Quentin Baxter electrifies the Cistern Yard— where, as a child, he heard evening concerts from outside its wrought-iron gates. While the Grammy-winning drummer—a Spoleto veteran—has anchored other ensembles, this evening puts Baxter front and center, leading a phenomenal band through time-honored classics and his own compositions that infuse modern jazz with the Gullah and church traditions of his Charleston roots.

Saxofonist

Bobby Watson

Events

Past events

28 - 31 Aug, 2025

After Fest Jam Session hosted by Bobby Watson · Jazz Showcase

20 - 23 Mar, 2025

Bobby Watson with Reggie Thomas Trio & Special guest vocalist Mardra Thomas · Jazz Showcase

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