Support the 2025 Chicago Jazz String Summit

For over 10 years, the Chicago Jazz String Summit (CJSS) has showcased the contributions of phenomenal string players to jazz, improvised, and experimental music. Founded by critically acclaimed cellist and composer Tomeka Reid, this year’s featured performances take place on April 25th & 26th at Constellation Chicago. To conclude the summit, an improv session featuring past and present Summit artists convenes at Hungry Brain on April 27th.

This year’s line up includes violinists yuniya edi kwon, Gwen Laster and Terry Jenoure, pipa player Min Xiao-Fen, cellists Lester St. Louis, Ellie Weedon, Teddy Rankin Parker and Chicago’s own Olula Negre, and violists Melanie Dyer and Scott Rubin, with supporting musicians Andrew Drury, Reggie Nicholson and Joe Fonda!

Each year, the CJSS highlights the legacy and contribution of one notable string player working in creative music. For 2025, CJSS is proud to honor the legacy of violinist LeRoy Jenkins.

Until now, Tomeka has personally funded a majority of the Summit’s activities but with the rising costs of travel and lodging, she is reaching out for your support to keep this amazing event going. We’ve launched a GoFundMe with the goal of raising $5000 to cover about 25% of projected expenses for this year’s festival. Please consider making a tax deductible donation to this year’s String Summit and help the festival continue for years to come!