Saxofonist

The Ravinia Jazz Mentors are eight of Chicago’s finest jazz artists, working with Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play to not only give school performances and master classes but actively train an auditioned group of top Chicago Public High School student musicians in skills for future professional studies and music careers. The ensemble (and the Jazz Mentor Program) is led by saxophonist Pat Mallinger, who for nearly three decades led regular late-night sets at the Green Mill, and joined on winds by 2016 Chicagoan of the Year trumpeter Pharez Whitted and former longtime Chicago Jazz Ensemble lead trombonist Audrey Morrison. The rhythm section includes Ernie Adams, who has drummed with a who’s-who ranging from Al Jarreau and Dianne Reeves to Joe Zawinul and Arturo Sandoval, and twice Grammy-nominated Latin percussionist Eric Hines, plus Chicago Jazz Orchestra bassist Dennis Carroll; pianist Richard Johnson, who has been a member of two Marsalis ensembles and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra; and guitarist Bobby Broom, who co-led the Deep Blue Organ Trio and currently fronts a namesake trio and Organi-Sation.

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Ravinia Jazz Mentors

Ravinia Festival

Pat Mallinger was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota and began playing the saxophone at 11 years of age. He received his Jazz Studies degree from North Texas State University on a “One O’clock Lab Band” Scholarship.

Pat Mallinger Quartet

Jazz Showcase

The Ravinia Jazz Mentor Program comprises eight of Chicago’s finest jazz artists working with Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play to not only give school performances and master classes but actively train an auditioned group of top Chicago Public High School student musicians in skills for future professional studies and music careers. Led by saxophonist Pat Mallinger, the ensemble presents a concert tribute to visionary jazz composer and saxophonist Wayne Shorter, the jazz legend who died in March at age 89.

Ravinia Jazz Mentors: Tribute to Wayne Shorter

Founded around 1990, Sabertooth is led by two saxophonists:  Cameron Pfiffner & Pat Mallinger. The band started out with the unique pairing of its two lead reedmen at an old musicians hang called Jazz Bulls in Lincoln Park West neighborhood of Chicago. From that night’s collaboration the idea of Sabertooth began to take shape with a driving force behind the widely varied stylings best summed up as, “just groove it”.

Saxofonist

Pat Mallinger

Events

Upcoming events

Mar 12, 2026

Sabertooth Organ Quartet · Jazz Showcase

Past events

Apr 4, 2025

Ravinia Jazz Mentors · Ravinia Festival

Jan 30 - Feb 2, 2025

Pat Mallinger Quartet · Jazz Showcase

About

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