Dr. Mark Tonelli, an assistant professor of music at Millikin University and professional jazz musician, will discuss important musical figures, including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and Miles Davis. Combined with beautiful musical examples, this presentation will help people better understand what they are hearing and deepen their appreciation and enjoyment of jazz.

All members of the public are welcome to attend “Jazz: America’s Own Indigenous Art Form.” The History Center’s Coffee Talks are a series of adult programs meant to invite public participation and discussion on a broad range of historical topics per the History Center’s mission.

This event is being produced by the Des Plaines History Center in partnership with Illinois Humanities. The Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau invites Illinois authors, artists, and educators to share their expertise and enthusiasm with people throughout the state, enabling local nonprofit organizations to present free-admission cultural programs of high quality to their communities for a modest fee.

This program is also free thanks to generous sponsorship from Village Bank & Trust.