Night two of the weekend at Andy's Jazz Club Chicago. Late set at 10:30pm. Tonight I’m joined by Lucas Gillan, Michael Barton & Chad McCullough.

Will be spending some time with the students of Waubonsie High School this week as a guest artist. Today I worked with all the clarinets & saxophones on reeds & mouthpieces courtesy of Vandoren USA

Here’s a pic of Marvel staring out the window and wondering if you’ve purchased your tickets for tomorrow’s album release show at the The Jazz Showcase Chicago. Myself & Keri Johnsrud have two sets at 8 PM and 10 PM. Hope to see you out.

2025 marks 20 years since I released my first album of all original material. So far that puts me with 13 albums as a leader. (Again, all originals) Going to celebrate this year with new projects, releases, videos, gigs/tours and more. Looking forward to it. More info soon.

Tomorrow…

This Weekend in Iowa - mailchi.mp/a7dedb033e6d/t…

Republican women are beginning to GET IT, but will it last until 2026? They’re trying to SUPPRESS a MARRIED woman’s right to vote via HR 22 THE SAVE ACT -

In more positive news… had a great time working with the students at Marion Catholic High School & Hauser Jr High today. Vandoren USA

This might be the best SNL skit in the last 20 years

Thanks again to all who came out to The Venue in Aurora IL last week. And thanks to Traughber Jr high jazz band & Lewis Achenbach for being part of the evening.

From last year. Gina DeGregorio was tapped by the Romanian embassy to reimagine some old Romanian tunes. My arrangement, but can’t remember the tune name.

This Saturday I’ll be part of the Jazz Thaw Festival in Oak Park IL. WDCB Public Radio

I’m very happy to announce that I’ll be soon recording the next Maxwell album with friend & classical saxophonist Chika Inoue . I have composed new tunes that are mixing classical music with modern jazz. We will have a good amount of performances as well while Chika is in town.

Stop whatever you're doing and watch John Larson. We are witnessing the Nazification of America and doing nothing about. I have never been so ashamed of my country and the people who were elected to represent us. 🥺👇

Myself, Keri Johnsrud, Tom Vaistas, Tim Seisser & Lucas Gillan will be at City Winery Chicago Chicago in a few weeks. Make your plans to join us. #jazz #chicago #chicagojazz #citywinery

City Winery Chicago Performance

Tonight we start our 10 day run & weekend at Andy's Jazz Club Chicago. Make your plans to join myself & Chika Inoue tonight or tomorrow. (Definitely need to get tickets beforehand)

I recently spoke with local artists Keri Johnsrud and Shawn Maxwell for the CHIRP Radio 107.1FM podcast! Take a listen: chrp.at/5s-E

Shawn Maxwell, Collin Clauson, Michael Barton & Greg Essig performing Shawn’s original tune “Bridge Closed.” A tune about growing up in Joliet & dealing with bridges constantly being closed for different reason. #Jazz #bridgeclosed #joliet #saxophone

The entire world saw Trump order the United States military to literally get on their hands and knees to roll out a red carpet for the most murderous dictator of the 21st century. This was an appeasement the world has not seen since Neville Chamberlain.