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One of the life goals of Ernest Dawkins, is for his music and compositions to reflect the evolving collective cultural memory of the American jazz aesthetic.  Dawkins is one of the world’s premiere saxophonists and composers. He is an entrepreneur with years of experience working with new media technologies to produce and promote his work and that of the jazz community online and in digital venues. He is leader of several ensembles, including the New Horizons Ensemble, Aesop Quartet, Chicago Trio, Live the Spirit Big Band, and the Chicago 12. 

He is also a member of the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble.https://www.normansbistro.com/ Dawkins has recorded numerous CDs.  His publishing company, Dawk Music, has eight releases to date.

In 2011, he released two new recordings:
1. New Horizons Ensemble, The Prairie Prophet [Delmark Records];

2. Chicago Trio (Ernest Dawkins, Hamid Drake, Harrison Bankhead) Live  at the Velvet  Lounge, Dedicated to Fred Anderson [Rogue Art].

The Music of Ernest Dawkins

-up-coming events-

Constellation | 3111 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618 | Doors: 8:00PM | Show: 8:30PM

Ernest Dawkins - Thursday, Dec 14, 2023

CD Release Party for Redefining Frederick Douglass honors, illuminates, and reinterprets the life and legacy of this African American hero and scholar.  Commissioned by Chamber Music America and presented by Live the Spirit Residency, this extended original work features a 10-piece instrumental ensemble and spoken word artistry.   

The Personnel 
Ernest Dawkins • Composer, Director, Alto Saxophone and Soprano Saxophone, Vocals, and Percussion
Khari B. • Disco poetry
Kevin King • Woodwinds Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute and Oboe
Corey Wilkes • Trumpet, Electronics
Jamal Damien • Trumpet
William Faber • Banjo, Electronics 
Caramani Edwards • Bass
Brian Mayo  Trombone
Miles Richey • Piano 
Isaiah Spencer • Drums

Every Sunday at Norman's Bistro

Ernest Dawkins Jam Session

every sunday, 2023

Open Jam Session
8pm-11pm

Norman’s Bistro
1001 East 43rd Street
Chicago, IL 60653

$20 minimum

https://www.normansbistro.com/

Musican, Composer, Educator

“Chicago saxophonist Ernest Dawkins has pursued music professionally for nearly 40 years, and in that time he’s built a legacy that’s among the city’s richest.”

2019 Englewood Jazz Festival

© 2021 All Rights Reserved | Ernest Dawkins

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