Overview
“Lenard Simpson is an extraordinary young voice on the saxophone. His playing is displayed by a profound soulfulness combined with a sparkling intelligence and curiosity. ” – Billy Childs
Lenard Simpson is a saxophonist, composer and educator from Milwaukee. He was mostly self-taught through high school, but his natural ability and musicianship earned him accolades such as membership in the esteemed Grammy Camp Jazz Session, and an outstanding soloist award at the Mingus Jazz Competition in New York City. Lenard has had the opportunity to play and travel with artists such as pianist and composer-Billy Childs, Kurt Elling, Marquis Hill, and Clayton Cameron. Lenard received a B.M in Jazz performance at Northern Illinois University. While studying at NIU, Lenard was awarded first place in Chicago’s esteemed Luminarts Jazz Competition.
Upon graduation, Lenard moved to Chicago and soon became one of the city’s top call saxophonists playing sideman to legendary local drummers, George Fludas and Charles Heath. The trio has appeared at premier clubs and jazz festivals throughout the area. Lenard recently graduated from the Thelonious Monk Institute Fellowship, (now called the Herbie Hancock Institute) where he was selected by a panel of Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, James Newton and Ambrose Akinmusire.
Ticket Information
- Season Tickets are available until Saturday, January 4, 2025
- Individual Tickets will go on sale Monday, December 9, 2024
- Flex Passes available to customize your RTG experience by picking and choosing the shows and seats that works best for you, plus save money across series! Visit our Subscribe & Save page to learn more.
- $20 – Adults
- $18 – Seniors (62+)
- $5 – Students (21 and under)
Jean’s Jazz Series
Twenty-five years of memories and music come together for Jean’s Jazz in 2025. Throughout the years, the concerts have become so much more than just a celebration of jazz as we have recorded live albums, welcomed emerging artists, offered student instruction, and remembered Jean, whose spirit has lived on. We are thrilled to commemorate such a wonderful milestone with all of you!
In 2001, Joe Mooney created the Jean’s Jazz Series in memory of his wife, Jean, who passed away from ovarian cancer. Since then, over 23,000 people have attended our concerts, grossing over $130,000 to benefit the Racine Theatre Guild. Jean’s love of the Theatre Guild and her love of Jazz inspired a series that has truly enriched the community.
A new Jean’s Jazz Program celebrates and supports the 25th Season of Jean’s Jazz by paying tribute or placing an ad in a special milestone program that will be used throughout the season. Jean’s Jazz 2025 Program Details
Sponsored by
