This will be the second record cycle of Hannah’s that I’ve contributed to. Her new album Nested in Tangles releases this fall on Fire Talk Records.

Hannah Frances (b. 1997) is a vocalist, guitarist, composer, dancer and poet. Her work is centered at the intersection of grief and nature, exploring the pathways of healing through cathartic process and land connection.

NPR's Ann Powers calls Frances a stunning vocalist and songwriter, making monumental and mythic freak folk, and she was awarded Pitchfork's Best New Music for her triumphant new album Keeper of the Shepherd, as well as nods for Best Albums of 2024 from Pitchfork, Paste Magazine, and Bandcamp, and a full feature in the Chicago Tribune.

A classically trained vocalist and self-taught guitarist with virtuosic dynamism, there is no singular way Hannah grips us with her complex open-tuned guitar work and storytelling. Through profoundly cutting lyricism, percussive polyrhythmic fingerpicking, and a prodigious voice, Frances’ unorthodox sound melds avant-folk, progressive rock, and jazz.

A persistent troubadour, Frances lives in Vermont with roots in Chicago, though she is most often touring internationally and nationally, opening for artists such as Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes, Hurray for the Riff Raff, The Weather Station, Hiss Golden Messenger, Billie Marten, Whitney, and Damien Jurado, among others. Whether performing as a solo act or leading her full seven-piece ensemble, her mythology spellbinds with an insistent gravity.

GRAY is thrilled to announce OH, YOU’VE GOT TO COME BACK TO THE CITY, a solo exhibition by Theaster Gates. The exhibition opens at GRAY Chicago with a public reception for the artist on Thursday, October 16, and will be on view through December 20, 2025.

In OH, YOU’VE GOT TO COME BACK TO THE CITY, Gates brings together a new series of tar paintings, sculpture, and installation to tell an allegory of the city in decay and the potential contained within its ruins. The exhibition’s title comes from a song by Chicago musician and poet Marvin Tate, in which the City, personified as a character, has cleaned up its act and attempts to lure its residents back from the suburbs.

Oh, you’ve got to come back to the city, the place where you belong
Oh, you’ve got to come back to the city, the place where you were born
Oh, you’ve got to come back to the city, the city of dreams
—Marvin Tate, “City Promenade”

A new exploratory woodwinds/guitar/electronics duo with Elijah McLaughlin.

Second set from Jon Camp.

Ana Everling is a vocalist and storyteller whose artistry bridges the rich traditions of Romanian folklore from Moldova with bold originality and a love for improvisation. Drawing inspiration from her heritage, Ana creates music that is entirely her own—an innovative fusion of ancestral echoes and modern expression. Her performances invite listeners into an immersive experience where every moment feels both timeless and new.

This performance is presented as part of Lincoln Center’s Festival of Firsts.

More Information

presented as part of the Sundays on State festival.

Recalling the iconic sounds of King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, Lil Hardin, and Duke Ellington, Pollinator is abounding in the infectious grooves and spontaneous group improvisation which Ulery notes are two of the most exciting aspects of the jazz artform to have survived and flourished within the music over the course of the past 100 years.  The composer remarks, “With respect, we’d like to present this art project with joy, humor, and sincerity in celebration of the innovators that helped give birth to this revolutionary age of American art music.”

Mike Reed’s The Big Gig assembles an animated crew of Chicago’s improvisors to present some of the music we love most - from The Netherlands to South Africa to outer space, the ensemble highlights the joyous side of some of the 20th century’s beloved composers and bandleaders.

Greg Ward - alto saxophone

Hunter Diamond - tenor saxophone

Keefe Jackson - tenor and baritone saxophones

Cole DeGenova - piano, organ

Christian Dillingham - bass

Mike Reed Drums

This performance is in support of Theaster Gates’ current exhibition Unto Thee

Radio Outernational is a collaborative vehicle for new Chicago groove music. Founded by the Eternals rhythm section (Wayne Montana, Areif Sless-Kitain, and Aaron Shapiro), and rounded out by the flute/saxophone frontline of Hunter Diamond and Kenthaney Redmond.

Opening set from Leroy Bach & Dan Bitney

Flesh of Fruit is the debut collaboration from Chicago sound artists Hunter Diamond and Allen Moore. Free improvisation and experimental electronics engage reflective nostalgia, creating a sound collage equally at home in a free jazz club, art gallery, or underground noise show.

Presented by the brand new Sound & Gravity Festival.

Ana Everling is a vocalist and storyteller whose artistry bridges the rich traditions of Romanian folklore from Moldova with bold originality and a love for improvisation. Drawing inspiration from her heritage, Ana creates music that is entirely her own—an innovative fusion of ancestral echoes and modern expression. Her performances invite listeners into an immersive experience where every moment feels both timeless and new.

Presented as part of the Instigation Festival

Aurora Nealand - alto saxophone, clarinet, accordion

Hunter Diamond - tenor saxophone, clarinet, sampler

Anton Hatwich - acoustic bass

Dan Bitney - drums, percussion, electronics

Guardians returns for another season of site-specific outdoor performances. This multi-disciplinary performance series is conceived and led by Chicago artist Irene Hsiao.

Explore seasons, elements, colors, and constellations through storytelling, music, and dance in this interactive performance directed by Irene Hsiao in collaboration with dancers Amanda Maraist and Darling Shear, musicians Paige Brown and Hunter Diamond, tai chi master Peter Wong, visual artist Young Kim, and storyteller Penny Li.

Free and open to the public, RSVP here

Guardians of the Earth and Sky is presented as part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series, supported by the Mayor’s Office and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. This project is made possible, in part, by a Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grant, the Awesome Foundation, Calumet Park Advisory Council, and Jackson Park Advisory Council.

Guinga is a legendary underground Brazillian guitarist and composer, and he’ll be playing his first ever concert in the United States. There will be a free workshop with Guinga before the concert.

Tickets and more information

Guardians returns for another season of site-specific outdoor performances. This multi-disciplinary performance series is conceived and led by Chicago artist Irene Hsiao.

Explore seasons, elements, colors, and constellations through storytelling, music, and dance in this interactive performance directed by Irene Hsiao in collaboration with dancers Amanda Maraist and Darling Shear, musicians Paige Brown and Hunter Diamond, tai chi master Peter Wong, visual artist Young Kim, and storyteller Penny Li.

Free and open to the public, RSVP here

Guardians of the Earth and Sky is presented as part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series, supported by the Mayor’s Office and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. This project is made possible, in part, by a Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grant, the Awesome Foundation, Calumet Park Advisory Council, and Jackson Park Advisory Council.

Presented as part of Logan Square Arts Festival’s SPARK series

Second set from Son Monarcas

Free and open to the public

More information here

Guardians returns for another season of site-specific outdoor performances. This multi-disciplinary performance series is conceived and led by Chicago artist Irene Hsiao.

Explore seasons, elements, colors, and constellations through storytelling, music, and dance in this interactive performance directed by Irene Hsiao in collaboration with dancers Amanda Maraist and Darling Shear, musicians Paige Brown and Hunter Diamond, tai chi master Peter Wong, visual artist Young Kim, and storyteller Penny Li.

Free and open to the public, RVSP here

Guardians of the Earth and Sky is presented as part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series, supported by the Mayor’s Office and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. This project is made possible, in part, by a Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grant, the Awesome Foundation, Calumet Park Advisory Council, and Jackson Park Advisory Council.

The expanded iteration of Will Miller’s Resavoir returns this year for a special appearance on the Pritzker Pavillion stage in Millenium Park. More information

Here’s some footage from our performance at Thalia Hall in 2024.

My longtime collaboration with Artie Black has been a grounding presence in the evolution of my performance practice. Our duo will perform one set of textural creative music opening for a new group featuring Sarah Clausen (saxophone/electronics), Jordan Martins (pedal steel), and Zander Raymond (electronics).

Artie Black - woodwinds, shruti, percussion, sampler

Hunter Diamond - woodwinds, percussion, sampler

Herbsaint channels the music and spirit of early 20th-century New Orleans. In a rare appearance at the Shedd Aquarium’s jazz series, we’ll present tunes from Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, Johnny Dodds, Lil Hardin, and more.

Hunter Diamond - clarinet, drums, voice

John Sutton - bass

Cole DeGenova - piano

Radio Outernational is a collaborative vehicle for new Chicago groove music. Founded by the Eternals rhythm section (Wayne Montana, Areif Sless-Kitain, and Aaron Shapiro), and rounded out by the flute/saxophone frontline of Hunter Diamond and Kenthaney Redmond.

Ana Everling is a vocalist and storyteller whose artistry bridges the rich traditions of Romanian folklore from Moldova with bold originality and a love for improvisation. Drawing inspiration from her heritage, Ana creates music that is entirely her own—an innovative fusion of ancestral echoes and modern expression. Her performances invite listeners into an immersive experience where every moment feels both timeless and new.

Ana Everling - voice

Edhino Gerber - 7-string acoustic guitar

Kenny Reichert - electric guitar

Hunter Diamond - woodwinds, drums, percussion

Guardians returns for another season of site-specific outdoor performances. This multi-disciplinary performance series is conceived and led by Chicago artist Irene Hsiao.

Explore seasons, elements, colors, and constellations through storytelling, music, and dance in this interactive performance directed by Irene Hsiao in collaboration with dancers Amanda Maraist and Darling Shear, musicians Paige Brown and Hunter Diamond, tai chi master Peter Wong, visual artist Young Kim, and storyteller Penny Li.

Free and open to the public

Guardians of the Earth and Sky is presented as part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series, supported by the Mayor’s Office and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. This project is made possible, in part, by a Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grant, the Awesome Foundation, Calumet Park Advisory Council, and Jackson Park Advisory Council.

Duo saxophones + electronics

Ana Everling is a vocalist and storyteller whose artistry bridges the rich traditions of Romanian folklore from Moldova with bold originality and a love for improvisation. Drawing inspiration from her heritage, Ana creates music that is entirely her own—an innovative fusion of ancestral echoes and modern expression. Her performances invite listeners into an immersive experience where every moment feels both timeless and new.

Ana Everling - voice

Edhino Gerber - 7-string acoustic guitar

Kenny Reichert - electric guitar

Hunter Diamond - woodwinds, drums, percussion

Chicago favorites Will Miller (Resavoir) and Matt Gold have teamed up for a collaborative release on International Anthem titled Horizon.

“What started as a love letter to their shared affinity for ‘60s and ‘70s Brazilian music evolved into a dynamic and sprawling body of work. The two had bonded over an admiration for guitarist Luiz Bonfá and songwriter Milton Nascimento, especially the latter’s work with Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter, so they decided to use nylon string guitar as a starting point for collaborative sessions.”

Information and Tickets

Black Diamond will play music from our 2024 release Furniture of the Mind Rearranging (We Jazz) as well as newly recorded material.

Artie Black - winds, compositions

Hunter Diamond - winds, compositions

Matt Ulery - bass

Neil Hemphill - drums

Black Diamond will play music from our 2024 release Furniture of the Mind Rearranging (We Jazz) as well as newly recorded material.

Artie Black - winds, compositions

Hunter Diamond - winds, compositions

Matt Ulery - bass

Neil Hemphill - drums

Black Diamond will play music from our 2024 release Furniture of the Mind Rearranging (We Jazz) as well as newly recorded material.

Artie Black - winds, compositions

Hunter Diamond - winds, compositions

Matt Ulery - bass

Neil Hemphill - drums

After a hiatus, Mike Reed’s only cover band returns to the brain, bringing the same celebratory jazz from Europe and South Africa.

Hunter Diamond, Greg Ward, Keefe Jackson - saxophones

Cole DeGenova - organ, piano

Christian Dillingham - bass

Mike Reed - drums

AM Higgins (France) is the duo of Annie Higgins and Jason Toth, Chicago ex-pats and indie dream-pop crafters. We first linked together during a 2024 tour in France, and we’re charmed to be meeting again.

8:00pm: Black Diamond // Artie Black, Hunter Diamond - reeds, electronics

9:00pm: AM Higgins

Tickets and Information

The second outing of this new collection of songs by James Elkington (Wilco, Tortoise, Jeff Tweedy) that are as inspired by Elvin Jones as they are by his singer/songwriter friends and his deep production practice.

James Elkington - guitar, compositions

Hunter Diamond - saxophone, clarinet

Mike Reed - drums

First set from Josh Berman + Mike Reed duo