Jimmy Burns and The Soul Message Band

Tue May 26 at 7:30pm

Evanston, IL

Event Info

Join us for a very special evening of blues and jazz as the legendary Jimmy Burns and The Soul Message Band perform songs from their Blues Music Award nominated album, Full Circle on Delmark Records.The Soul Message Band has long been co-led by organist Chris Foreman and drummer Greg The Rock Rockingham. Foreman and Rockingham were part of the Deep Blue Organ Trio along with guitarist Bobby Broom, and they also recorded together with guitarist Henry Johnson and saxophonist Red Holloway. Long-time fixtures in Chicago, they opened for Steely Dan for eight years and were inducted into the Hammond B3 Hall of Fame.The Soul Message Band previously recorded such albums as Soulful Days, Live At The Blue Llama, and People. On Full Circle, in addition to its co-leaders, The Soul Message Band features its newest member altoist Greg Jung on two songs and has appearances by guitarist Lee Rothenberg, tenor-saxophonist Geof Bradfield, and Steve Eisen on baritone and tenor with Typhanie Monique contributing background vocals on four numbers.Jimmy Burns, who turned 82 in 2025, was born in the Mississippi Delta as the youngest of 11 children. When he was 12, he moved with his family to Chicago where he has lived ever since. He recorded a series of singles starting in 1964, took some time off to raise his family, and in the early 1990s became active again, leading six albums for the Delmark label during 1996-2007.Full Circle teams Jimmy Burns with the Soul Message Band and is a joyful listening experience. With the instrumentalists playing in the tradition of such classic 1960s soul jazz groups as those of Charles Earland, Jack McDuff, and Jimmy Smith, Burns sounds quite comfortable, contributing soulful and expressive vocals on eight of the ten songs. He particularly excels on the blues World Of Trouble, over the funky groove of I Really Love You, the rollicking Too Much Lovin, and Rock Me Mama, playing a bit of guitar on the latter.The Soul Message Band takes Aint That Funk For You and Since I Fell For You as instrumental features for altoist Greg Jung, Chris Foreman is a major force throughout the date both as an accompanist to the singer and as a soloist, and Greg Rockingham keeps the music grooving. Full Circle is a fine showcase for Jimmy Burns and the Soul Message Band and is easily recommended for fans of high-quality blues, soul jazz, blues ballads, and soulful music.

Tue - May 26, 2026 • 7:30 PMTickets

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Venue

1245 Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns SPACE Evanston?: SPACE in Evanston is owned by Jake Samuels and Dave Koslowski, who opened the venue in 2008. Together, they envisioned SPACE as a premier live music destination in the Chicagoland area, focusing on creating an intimate listening environment for artists and fans alike. The ownership team is committed to delivering high-quality live performances, and their passion for music and community engagement has positioned SPACE as one of the top independent music venues in the Midwest. Over the years, SPACE has hosted a diverse range of local and national acts, contributing to Evanston's vibrant cultural scene.
Does SPACE in Evanston serve food?: Yes, SPACE in Evanston serves food. The venue partners with Union Pizzeria, located adjacent to the performance space, to provide a delicious menu for concertgoers. Guests can enjoy a variety of artisan pizzas, small plates, salads, and other Italian-inspired dishes before or during shows. Food and beverage service is available in both the lounge and the main concert area, offering a full bar with craft cocktails, local beers, and a curated wine list. Dining at SPACE enhances the overall experience, making it a popular choice for those seeking a great night out with fantastic music and flavorful cuisine.
Where to park for SPACE in Evanston?: Parking for SPACE in Evanston is convenient and accessible. Guests can utilize the City of Evanston's public parking garage located at 525 Church Street, which is just a short walk from the venue. Street parking is also available on surrounding roads, though it may be limited during peak hours. Additionally, there are several paid parking lots in the vicinity. It's recommended to arrive early, especially for sold-out events, to secure the best parking spots. Some areas may require payment via meters or mobile apps, so be sure to check signage for restrictions and rates. SPACE's central location ensures easy access via public transit as well.
What is Evanston, IL famous for?: Evanston, IL is famous for being the home of Northwestern University, a prestigious Big Ten institution known for its academic excellence and beautiful lakeside campus. The city is also recognized for its vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary options, and historic architecture. Evanston played a key role in the temperance movement, earning the nickname “Heavenston” for its early prohibition of alcohol. Today, it boasts a lively downtown, picturesque beaches along Lake Michigan, and a strong sense of community. Its proximity to Chicago makes Evanston a desirable place to live, work, and visit, drawing both students and tourists to its cultural attractions.
Is SPACE in Evanston standing room only?: SPACE in Evanston offers both seated and standing room options, depending on the concert or event. Many shows are set up with reserved table seating and general admission standing room, allowing guests to choose their preferred concert experience. Some performances are fully seated, while others are standing room only, particularly for high-energy or sold-out acts. It's important to check the event details when purchasing tickets to confirm the setup for your chosen show. Regardless of the arrangement, SPACE is designed to provide excellent sightlines and superior acoustics throughout the venue, ensuring an intimate and memorable live music experience for all attendees.