Victor Garcia Latin Jazz Orchestra: Play On Benefit Concert for Merit School of Music at City Winery

City Winery Chicago Presents Victor Garcia Latin Jazz Orchestra: Play On Benefit Concert for Merit School of Music live on Wednesday, October 28th at 7:30 PM! Experience an unforgettable night of world-class Latin jazz and salsa dancing while making a difference for the next generation of musicians. Join Merit School of Music at City Winery for the 8th Annual Play On Benefit Concert, a special evening dedicated to expanding access to high-quality music education for young people across Chicago. The night’s headliner is acclaimed jazz trumpeter Victor Garcia, whose electrifying performance promises to captivate audiences from the first note to the last. You'll also hear from Merit's talented Honors Jazz Combo, showcasing the remarkable students whose futures are shaped by your support. Come early to join us for a FREE salsa dancing lesson so you can dance the night away during the show. Whether you're a devoted jazz fan, a passionate advocate for arts education, or simply looking for a memorable night out, this event offers the chance to enjoy exceptional live music while supporting a powerful mission: breaking down barriers to music education and helping young musicians thrive. Come celebrate, dance, and be inspired. Together, we can help the next generation Play On. -- Victor Garcia Grammy-nominated Victor Garcia is a musical force to be reckoned with! Examiner.com’s Neil Tesser calls him “one of the most exciting young musicians.” Chicago Tribune’s Howard Reich says that he “stands out as an ebullient soloist offering a formidable technique and a radiantly polished tone.” JazzChicago.net’s Brad Walseth regards him as a “young lion trumpeter.” Garcia is as versatile as he is creative. His trumpet talent heralds his international acclaim. He sings, plays percussion, and his songwriting, arrangements and charts have led him to professorial positions at Roosevelt University, Loyola University and the University of Illinois in Chicago. The lineup of greats Garcia has performed with speaks for itself: Aretha Franklin, Arturo Sandoval, Spoon, Monty Alexander, Wynton Marsalis, Victor Manuelle, Nicholas Payton, La India, the Temptations, Steve Turre, BeBe Winans, Tito Puente, Jr., Paquito d’Rivera, Christian McBride, Randy Brecker, Branford Marsalis, The Isley Brothers, and Dr. John. He released his debut album, The Grind/The Groove, in 2018 and he’s recorded on dozens of other albums, three of them Grammy-nominated. -- All proceeds from the concert support Merit School of Music, a nonprofit helping thousands of young people across Chicago access high-quality music education, regardless of a family’s financial means. In fact, more than 80% of Merit students receive their training at a reduced or no cost. By providing access, mentorship, and world-class instruction, Merit empowers motivated young musicians to grow their talent, express themselves, and reach their full potential, on and off the stage. Learn more at meritmusic.org.