Stride pianist and jazz enthusiast Judy Carmichael

This weekend, we welcome stride pianist Judy Carmichael, whose public radio program, Jazz Inspired, brings jazz front-and-center as an inspiration to artists of all stripes.

Interestingly, Judy has family ties to Springfield.  Her paternal grandfather, Albert Edward Hohenstein, was from Springfield.  He offered all of his grandchildren $50 for the first one who learned his favorite rag, “Maple Leaf Rag.”  Judy learned it and got the prize.  Obviously a very critical piece to young Judy’s development as a stride pianist!

Stride pianist Judy Carmichael

Since 1980, Carmichael has released a number of solo recordings — often playing music from the American songbook with compositions by Hoagy Carmichael, Fats Waller, Richard Rodgers, George Gershwin and Duke Ellington. Her album "Two Handed Stride" received a Grammy Award nomination.

Following Friday's concert in the UIS Studio Theatre, the audience is invited to a dessert reception hosted by Carmichael's aunt, Jo Alessandrini, and Jo's husband Guerry Suggs.  For more information and tickets, visit our website.