A CONVERSATION WITH CHARLES MCPHERSON

A Conversation with Charles McPherson

For more than 60 years, saxophonist Charles McPherson has been one of the most expressive and highly regarded voices in jazz. His rich musical style, rooted in the blues and bebop, has influenced and inspired generations of musicians and listeners. Join Charles McPherson and MJI artistic director Mark Davis for a conversation about Charles’s amazing career. Taking place just two days before the 100th anniversary of Charlie Parker’s birth, Bird and bebop are sure to be part of the discussion. Attendees are invited to ask questions and hear about Charles’s incredible experiences.

Growing up in Detroit, Charles studied with the renowned pianist Barry Harris and began playing jazz professionally at age 19. He moved to New York in 1959 and performed with Charles Mingus from 1960 to 1972. He has toured the U.S., Europe, Japan, Africa, and South America with his own group, as well as with jazz greats Barry Harris, Billy Eckstine, Lionel Hampton, Nat Adderley, Jay McShann, Wynton Marsalis, James Moody, Dizzy Gillespie, and others. His new recording, Jazz Dance Suites, will be released this fall.

Photo credit: Carlos Catarecha

Cost: This program is part of the Jazz Circle and is FREE

The Jazz Circle of the Milwaukee Jazz Institute provides free online classes and events for youth and adults who want to learn more about jazz. Those who wish to make a donation to support this program and other MJI initiatives can make a donation here: DONATE NOW.

Attendees need to reserve advance tickets. Attendees will receive a link and instructions an hour prior to the event to allow easy access to the workshop from a computer, tablet, or smartphone via Zoom Video Conferencing. Registration is open until 15 minutes before the start of the workshop. Links will be sent promptly to those who sign up just prior to the start time. (Be sure to check your SPAM/JUNK if you don't find a message in your inbox.) 

Participants will be able to see and hear the conversation through live video. Attendees will not be seen on video but will have the option of asking questions during the session. Please call (414) 234-5565 or send an email to mji@milwaukeejazzinstitute.org if you have questions or need more info.