Ernest Dawkins: Chicago, IL

Ernest Dawkins Photo courtesy Shuman Associates

A Chicago native, jazz composer Ernest Khabeer Dawkins's New Residencies project will be based in the Englewood community on the south side of Chicago in partnership with four host organizations: the Museum of Contemporary Art, Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago, the Community Film Workshop of Chicago, and the Chicago Park District. Through this residency, Mr. Dawkins will work to develop a community jazz band and a composers mentoring program. He will teach classes for young people throughout the park district; mentor new young artists in Muntu's Performing Arts Institute; and compose a new work celebrating the distinctiveness of the community. Through these activities, as well as workshops and community forums, Mr. Dawkins hopes to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of jazz and to affirm the important role that composers and musicians can play in the life of the community.

Ernest Dawkins has long been involved in the community, both as a resident and as an artist seeking to both better the Chicago neighborhood and broaden his own means of artistic expression. He developed his love for jazz from his father's Lester Young recordings, and at age 19, inspired by the alto sax of Guido Sinclair, he purchased his first saxophone, clarinet, and flute—all for $24. It wasn't long before he earned both his Bachelor's and Masters in Fine and Performing Arts degrees, with an emphasis on Music Education from Governors State University. Mr. Dawkins has received numerous awards and commissions, including a 1999 commission from the Jazz Institute of Chicago's Jazz & Heritage Program in association with the American Composers Forum and the Chicago Park District, to compose a new work in tribute to the historic Bronzeville community. He also received an award from the Chicago Artists International Program to participate in a cultural exchange program in Southern Africa. Mr. Dawkins has performed with many music greats from Lester Bowie and Ramsey Lewis to Aretha Franklin and Muhal Richard Abrams, and has recorded over 11 CDs. In 1978 he formed the New Horizons Ensemble, which has performed throughout the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. This year he will again travel to Southern Africa for performances in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and other cities.