Jazzin to Feed

MAIN EVENT: 7 PM – 10 PM

ROCKET AND GIZZAE

Gizzae is truly a band of the world – With musicians hailing from the four corners of the Earth, Rocket and Gizzae have been playing for crowds across the country for over 35 years! Their musical experiences have collectively earned them Grammy® awards, Chicago Music Awards and they have opened for some of the biggest names in Reggae. They have also recorded and played professionally with such acts as:

Ziggy Marley, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Third World, Toots and Maytals, Burning Spear, Carly Simon, The Talking Heads, Rita Marley, Judy Mowatt, Chachi, Michael Black, Moja Nya, Dallol, Rude Beat Society, The Mighty Baron of Trinidad, Bell Combo and many others.

Working and playing with such a vast array of musical styles and talents has enabled Gizzae to create a unique blend of Roots Reggae. Rocket and Gizzae’s brand of jam-reggae is always backed with strong guitar solos, riffing-warm pads and ambient vibes from their lineup.

Some songs are heavily influenced by Soca, Cumpas, Calypso and other genres such as Jazz, Rock and Blues. Just when you think you’ve heard everything Gizzae has to offer, the band instinctively and seamlessly transitions into Bob Marley reggae/blues finale to satisfy the keyboard and guitar solo fans. This is the way to see a Chicago reggae band!

Formed in 1992 after the breakup of Dallol (Ziggy Marley’s Touring Band) and Moja Nya (New York), Gizzae soon became a fan favorite in the Chicago and Midwest reggae scene. A Sunday night staple at the fledgling Wild Hare, fans started to come out to hear this new reggae band in force and 29 years later, they still rock the house.

If you like live jams and wicked solos, come dance the night away with Gizzae!

VIP: 5 PM – 7 PM

LYNN HILTON

As a Composer, Arranger, Vocalist, Instrumentalist, Music Director, and Educator Ms. Hilton continues to expand her proven track record of professionalism, creativity and charisma. This modern-day Renaissance woman is one of the most sought-after musicians in the industry. Ms. Hilton energizes her audiences with charismatic and exciting performances, both nationally and internationally.  According to Russia’s St. Petersburg Times: “Lynn Hilton captivates the most demanding audiences with her innovative style and wit.”

Beginning her musical journey as a teenager, Ms. Hilton was appointed musical director for the KUUMBA repertory theater in her native Chicago. She represented the U.S.A. in the International Festival of Song and Voice competition in San Juan Puerto Rico where she was awarded Best Arrangement and Best New Composer honors. Ms. Hilton continues to work on behalf of American Theatrical companies by serving as musical director for several theatrical productions. She continues her hallmark of excellence as composer of several theatrical scores, including Kasimu and the Coconut Palm (Runako Jahi), and Thunderstorm (Shongodina Ifatunji).

Continuously working the live jazz scene, Ms. Hilton is one of the most sought-after performers on stage and in the studio with her versatile repertoire that includes Jazz, Blues, Latin, Gospel, and today’s contemporary music. She has shared her unique performances with fans in many countries in Asia, the Caribbean, Middle East, South America, Africa, and Europe. Her unique keyboard and extraordinary vocal stylings have resulted in her affiliation with a variety of luminaries including Stevie Wonder, Morgana King, Jonathon Butler, Marion Meadows, Hugh Masekela, Steve Winwood, and Cyndi Lauper.

As a composer Ms. Hilton has written and arranged many national television and radio commercials often serving as composer, contractor, pianist, vocalist, voice-over announcer and was recently was commissioned to score a soon to be released independent film.

Currently Ms. Hilton teaches piano and voice privately both in-person and remotely.

For many years St. James Food Pantry has been a beacon of hope for families and individuals living in near-by public housing and the elderly living in several of the Chicago Housing Authority Senior Buildings.

Today, St. James Food Pantry is on the front-line assisting struggling families and individuals who are impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. We have made adjustments in the way we serve our clients to ensure the safety of our staff, volunteers and clients through social distancing. Among our most vulnerable clients are home-bound seniors and homeless individuals. The demand for food has increased dramatically, especially, among the poor. St. James Food Pantry is actively working to meet this need; however, we need your help.

Provided by Polo Inn and Chef Dave Samber.

“SOMETHING DIFFERENT . . . SOMETHING WONDERFUL!”

For over 35 years now, Chef Dave Samber continues to create 
“something different . . . something wonderful” for thousands of folks. Whether with his beautiful cookies and candy trays adorned by a signature hand-tied bows, scrumptious brunches, lunches and dinners, or lavish buffets and catered productions in some of Chicago’s great spaces. Touching so many lives and providing precious memories for loyal customers and guests.

Chef Dave Samber served over 500,000 Garlic Mozzarella Cheese Breads and some two million Baked Crab Cake Nuggets and introduced dozens of dishes during his 21 years at The Taste of Chicago. 

Click on the image to see Polo Inn feature on WGN-TV’S CHICAGO’S BEST:

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!