Francis Wong
Ritwik Banerji
Tatsu Aoki
The 14th annual Chicago Asian American Jazz Festival kicks off Thursday with the first of three CD-release concerts. The fest showcases the best of Chicago’s contemporary Asian American music and collaborations, bringing together the modern sounds of American-born jazz with the traditional music of the artists’ Asian heritage.
“Through music,” says saxophonist Francis Wong, “I envision a way to create continuity through the integration of tradition and innovation.”
The local movement has its roots in bassist Tatsu Aoki’s Innocent Eyes and Lenses, founded in 1984, and now called Asian Improv aRts Midwest, an organization dedicated to presenting Asian American artists and related programs.
Opening night features Bradley Parker-Sparrow and “The New World” 
The fest continues Friday night with the Ritwik Banerji Quintet featuring Ritwik Banerji, Satya Gummuluri, Patrick Mulcahy, Steve Ptacek and Rob Frye, followed by Jeff Chan’s Trio plus One and Friends and the “Horns of Plenty” 
Wong, Aoki and Jeff Parker lead off Saturday night with the “Three Big Guys Plus One” 
- 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, Katerina’s in North Center, $8.
Bradley Parker-Sparrow “The New World”
Asian Improv Records jam sessionKatarina’s offers a full menu of Greek-inspired fare if you need a bite before the show.
- 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13 and 14, The Velvet Lounge in the South Loop, $15 each.
Friday:
Ritwik Banerji Quintet
Jeff Chan’s Trio plus One and Friends “Horns of Plenty”Saturday:
Francis Wong, Tatsu Aoki and Jeff Parker “Three Big Guys Plus One”
Hal Tsuchida Organ TrioFor pre- and post-concert dining, the delights of Chinatown are just a few blocks west on Cermak. Check out Dining Chicago’s guide to Chicago’s Chinatown.
