Pianist, composer, improviser and scenographer, Jean-François Alcolea met me on the roof of Reggie’s when he was in Chicago for his “Right in the Eye” multimedia event. I can’t do the “Right in the Eye” event justice with a description,…

Chicago composer Maxx McGathey, best known for his work with Gramps the Vamp, releases his first solo album, “Imaginary Eyes,” on September 27. We met at Roma’s (4237 N. Cicero) for Italian beef (that’s what we do here in Chicago)…

Musician and composer (and former Chicagoan) Marcus Norris is the Chicago Philharmonic’s new composer in residence. You can see his epic piece, “Glory,” performed in the Philharmonic’s season opening production OUT OF THE SILENCE this Sunday (9/12) at the North…