ROSELAND — International jazz artist Ronnie Laws will perform at Chicago State University on Friday to celebrate the school's approaching 150th year anniversary.
Laws is the feature performer for the annual "Jazz in the Grazz" series, which was always promoted by the late Ronald "Kwesi" Harris.
Laws played the saxophone and flute for group Earth, Wind & Fire's "Last Days and Time" album in 1972.
He launched his solo career in 1975 with the album "Pressure Sensitive." Over the years he has recorded with numerous artists including Arthur Adams, Howard Hewett, Brian Culbertson, Ramsey Lewis and more.
What's new this year is that money raised from the outdoor concert will help students buy books for the winter semester of 2017.
Laws and other special guests will perform R&B music from 5:30-10 p.m. on the grounds of the university, 9501 S. King Drive. People will be able to buy tickets on eventbrite by clicking here. Guests with $50 VIP tickets will be provided with free drinks and food. Lawn seating is $35. Parking is included with the ticket.
Partnering with CSU to sponsor the concert is the University Foundation at Chicago State, Chicago Teachers College and the university's alumni association.
Chicago State will celebrate 150 years next year.
“This was such a tough economic year for the university especially for its students," said, Maria Foxhall, president and chairwoman of The University Foundation at Chicago State. "Scholarships for textbooks and supplies are the perfect way to reduce some of the stress they face, and the foundation is pleased to provide that support."
Sponsors include rideshare company Lyft, KBK Enterprises, a nationwide commercial and housing development company, Seaway Bank and Liberty Mutual.
Part of Lyft’s sponsorship will provide support to CSU by offering the following deals to current and new riders:
• $10 contribution back to Chicago State for every new Lyft user who activates through a special dode
• Lyft will promote the offer through its blog and twitter posts
• Lyft will provide a special drop off and pick-up location for the benefit concert
Liberty Mutual will launch a special campaign the day of the concert to support the scholarship fund by donating $5 for every quote they provide to Chicago State alumni and friends.
Buy event tickets at csufoundersday.eventbrite.com.
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