Ernest Dawkins

Description

I consider myself a musical cultural historian. I do research that includes archival, historical, mental, and spiritual introspection and research to capture the subject matter, whether it is a person, event or a place.

I can perform a history of jazz program for Children.
Adult performances, workshops, residencies, talks And lectures.

Work Sample

The this video link is Quantum Englewood commissioned by the Joyce Foundation in partnership with the Old Town school of Folk and Live the Spirit Residency in 2018

Quantum Englewood uncovered the unheralded traditions behind contemporary popular urban music as it relates to the Englewood community, instructed a corps of intergenerational musicians in these roots, and generated a very large-scale public performance and point of pride in Chicago's Englewood Neighborhood.

The project was led by Ernest Dawkins.

This sample provides an overview of many of the highlights of my career.

History

Dawkins is one of the world's premiere saxophonists and composers, whose life goal is for his music and compositions to reflect the evolving collective cultural memory of the American jazz aesthetic. He is currently Chairman of the AACM and Executive Director of Live the Spirit Residency. Dawkins is currently in residence at the Rebuild Foundation (Theaster Gates), directing the AACM's Great Black Music Ensemble every first Sunday of the month at Stony Island Arts Bank. This year Mr. Dawkins received a Chamber Music America New Jazz Works Commission.

In 2017 he received the Joyce Award in conjunction with The Old Town School of Folk Music, composing and presenting an original Composition titled Quantum Englewood.

Artistic Vision

I am a singer/songwriter who also performs covers of others' songs, and may wish is to both have the music be accessible to every audience as well as to educate them about the history and background of music being performed. I also like to have audience participation during performances which further includes them in the enjoyment of the show.

Programs for Specific Audience(s) Expertise

I do have special skills in performing for seniors and family audiences. When children are present, I usually have them become a part of the show on a song or two. For seniors, I have a large repertoire of songs from the American Songbook which provides them with the music they have loved much of their lives.