The Jon Irabagon Quartet is a mesmerizing and innovative ensemble at the forefront of the contemporary jazz scene. Led by the virtuosic saxophonist Jon Irabagon, who is known for his boundless creativity and astonishing technique, the quartet redefines jazz with their unique blend of modern improvisation and traditional influences. The quartet will make its Midwestern debut for this tour, unveiling new originals and reworked standards while celebrating their recent release “Recharge the Blade.” The evening will bring familiarity and unpredictability in a celebration of group interaction and individual voices.

Jon Irabagon is a Filipino American saxophonist and composer from Chicago. He was named one of New York City's 25 Jazz Icons by Time Out New York. Equally adept at composing for rising stars in new music and the most intricate modern jazz ensemble, Irabagon builds on this foundation by adding modern classical and late-period John Coltrane to his compositional base, focusing primarily on mixed chamber ensembles to take advantage of hand-chosen musicians’ voices and attitudes. After earning a Bachelor of Music from DePaul University, Irabagon continued his education by earning a Master of Arts from the Manhattan School of Music and completing post-graduate studies in the jazz program at Juilliard, where he received an Artist Diploma. However, Irabagon’s accomplishments do not end with his education. Irabagon was also the winner of the 2008 Thelonious Monk Saxophone Competition, the winner of the Rising Star award in DownBeat magazine for both alto and tenor saxophones, and the recipient of a Philippine Presidential Award, the highest civilian honor an overseas Filipino can receive in commemoration for their contributions to the perception of Filipinos worldwide. Irabagon currently runs his own imprint, Irabbagast Records, to release his own uncategorizable works as well as other cutting-edge, creative artists.

Matt Mitchell, a pianist and composer, delves into the intersections of acoustic, electric, composed, and improvised new music. He currently composes for and leads multiple ensembles, featuring renowned musicians like Tim Berne, Ava Mendoza, and Tyshawn Sorey. As a pivotal member of significant creative music groups, including Tim Berne's Snakeoil and John Hollenbeck's Large Ensemble, Mitchell seamlessly blends composed and improvised elements. His musical journey encompasses an array of collaborations, making him a notable force in the contemporary jazz landscape.

Chris Lightcap is an accomplished bassist and composer with a wide-ranging performing and recording career. He has worked with Marc Ribot, Regina Carter, Craig Taborn, Glen Hansard, Mark Turner, John Medeski, Jason Moran, the Kronos Quartet, Tomasz Stanko, Chris Potter, Paul Motian, John Scofield, Dave Liebman, Paquito D'Rivera, Anthony Braxton, Joe Morris, Sheila Jordan, James Carter, Butch Morris, Ben Monder, Mary Halvorson, and many other artists. His playing is featured on over 80 albums, and as a bandleader/composer, he has produced six critically acclaimed albums of original music.

Shifting Foundation grantee Dan Weiss has been hailed as one of the top five jazz drummers by the New York Times, and his large ensemble recording "Fourteen" made the top 10 list of their best recordings of 2014. Weiss's innovative drumming and forward-thinking compositions have been pushing musical limits for years. Weiss was named ‘The Top Up and Coming Percussionist’ in the 60th and 61st annual DownBeat Critics Poll and earned a spot in Modern Drummer’s coveted Top 5 Jazz Drummers of 2014.