Happy Birthday to you, Mr. Chopin!
“A Classical & Jazzy Celebration”
Saturday 2/27/16 @ 7pm

Chopin Theatre in Chicago has the pleasure to celebrate the birthday of the great Polish composer and pianist, Fryderyk Chopin with music and a birthday party.

The headlining artists for this celebration is Grazyna Auguscik Group featuring pianist Ben Lewis, bassist Matt Ulery, guitarist John Kregor and drummer Nate Freedman led by acclaimed vocalist and composer Grazyna Auguscik. Grazyna is one of the jazz scene’s most intriguing vocalists.  Her rewriting of classical works pays tribute to their authors while simulataneously charting new territory.   Named  Best Jazz Vocalist for three consecutive years by European Jazz Forum Magazine -- Grazyna Auguscik is doing important work in advancing the potential for imaginative jazz singing.  She is a singer to be watched” – Los Angeles Times;  “..She is one of the hottest jazz talents in the country” – American Jazz Scene;  “She’s a music machine” – Jazz Times;  “..an individual voice in a world of sound-alike singers” – Chicago Tribune.  The Grazyna Auguscik Group ey will present jazz interpretations of Chopin’s music and other jazz tunes.


The opening performers are Caroline & The Priority (C.T.P).  The young & upcoming band features pianist/saxophonist Michael Brook, bassist Michael Salgado, guitarist Daniel Jonak, trombonist Michael Vilker and drummer Sam Subar lead by Polish vocalist & pianist Caroline Baran. The band, named 2015 Artist of the Year (Polish Weekly Chicago), fuses pop, soul, funk and rock styles and recently released their debut single available on iTunes and Facebook (CarolineAndThePriority)

The young artists performance will be followed by the already established pianist, Jana Pavlovska.  She is a
Faculty member of Roosevelt University and winter of fifteen 1st and 2nd Prizes in international and national piano competitions.  Ms. Pavlovska has performed alongside renowned pianists such as Boris Slutsky, Edward Auer and Emanuel Ax.  She will present her favorite Chopin Nocturnes: Op. Posthume in C sharp Minor; Op. 27, No. 2, in D flat Major and Op. 48, No.1, in C Minor.

Jana’s performance is followed by intermission and then the concert from Grazyna Auguscik Group.  Evening  concludes with complimentary reception (courtesy Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago)  and a special, for the occasion, designed cake created by Oak Mill Bakery along with Champagne toast.  And of course Zywiec beer.

This is Chopin Theatre’s 25th anniversary as an independent, private arts center presenting annually 500+ events across its Mainstage, Studio Theatre and Pregnant Buffalo Lounge.  The events include avante garde presentations from some of Chicago’s finest companies; international troupes as well as jazz, classical music and literary lectures.  Chopin Theatre has been actively involved in changing Wicker Park from the most abandoned neighborhood to one of Chicago’s most thriving.  Since 1990, over 1,000,000 have visited Chopin Theatre for its presentations.

Tickets are $25/$15 (students).  More information 773.278.1500 or www.ChopinTheatre.com