Mandala Arts Unveils Red Line Jazz Project Across Chicago

Mandala South Asian Performing Arts has announced the Red Line Jazz Project, a public arts initiative bringing live jazz performances to Chicago Transit Authority Red Line stations and surrounding community spaces.

Curated by jazz musician and Mandala Artist-in-Residence Fareed Haque, the series will launch on May 21 in Rogers Park and continue through October, culminating in a ticketed performance at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. The project will feature short live sets by local musicians, designed to engage commuters and neighborhood audiences in informal, public settings.

Participating artists will include Fareed Haque, Butter Chicken Brass Band, Ugochi Nwaogwugwu, Renee C. Baker of AACM, Luciano Antonio, and others. The programming will incorporate jazz improvisation alongside global musical influences, reflecting Chicago’s diverse cultural communities.

Schedule

Thursday, May 21, 4–6 p.m., Howard Station, 7519 N. Paulina St.
Thursday, May 21, 6–8 p.m., Pottawattomie Park, 7340 N. Rogers Ave.
Thursday, June 25, 6–8 p.m., Mahalia Jackson Court, 1 E. 79th St.
Thursday, July 2, 4–6 p.m., Sox-35th Station (Rate Field), 142 E. 35th St.
Thursday, July 30, 4–6 p.m., Cermak-Chinatown Station, 138 W. Cermak Rd.
Thursday, July 30, 5–7 p.m., Chinatown Visitor Center, 2189 S. Wentworth Ave.
Thursday, August 13, 4–6 p.m., Argyle Station, 1118 W. Argyle St.
Thursday, August 27, 6–8 p.m., Taylor Park, 39 W. 47th St.
Thursday, September 10, 4–6 p.m., 95th/Dan Ryan Station, 14 W. 95th St.
Friday, October 16, time TBD, Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St.

The Red Line Jazz Project aims to activate public transit spaces through live performance, create accessible opportunities for artists, and encourage cultural exchange in everyday environments. Organizers say the initiative is designed to transform routine travel into a shared artistic experience while highlighting Chicago’s jazz legacy and community voices.

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