AACM Z Fest II

Join us at the Stony Island Arts Bank for Z Fest II to honor the life of Saalik A. Ziyad ‘Z’ put on by the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musician (AACM).

Saalik A. Ziyad ‘Z’ was a dynamic performer and inventive composer. He was a unifying and supportive force in Chicago's music landscape. 'Z' was also a member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musician, where he was a former student and teacher from the age of 18.  At the age of 40, Saalik had already established himself as a consummate professional musician, brilliant composer, band leader, and arts leader in Chicago. His musical groups “the 5 After 7 Project”, and the “Z Quartet” influences touched Poznan, Poland (Made In Chicago Festival), Europe and the Mediterranean.

Z Fest II will begin June 2nd with a special dedication to Saalik by Renee Baker’s Chicago Modern Orchestra Project. This special concert entitled “Baldwin Chronicles IV: The Art of Being Black” will be held at the Reva and David Logan Center auditorium. Starting June 3rd, six sets of music will take place over three days at Constellation, Elastic Arts, and at the Stony Island Arts Bank.

The festival is a collaboration between committee members: Lewis Achenbach (Jazz Occurrence), Adam Zanolini (Elastic Arts), and Taalib-Din & Daaiyah A. Ziyad (Saalik’s parents); and venues: Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts; Constellation; Elastic Arts; and the Stony Island Arts Bank.

For more info, visit zfestchicago.com