Jazz Legend Fred Anderson Passes Away

Chicago recently lost a Jazz legend and today we read a couple stories in the Chicago Journal talking about his legacy. For those unfamiliar with Anderson, he also ran the Velvet Lounge (67 E Cermak) in the neighborhood. With his passing it appears that the club's future in uncertain:

One of the themes that emerged at Tuesday’s wake was the city’s jazz community wants to keep the Velvet Lounge open and running.

AACM leader Nicole Mitchell’s message asked for “all of us here can do whatever it takes to keep the Velvet alive for us and for the next generation of musicians that need a place to learn.” But the club’s future isn’t clear. The Anderson family is asking that in lieu of flowers, well-wishers send donations to help the Velvet Lounge survive.

Stuart Mann, who booked a night at the club each week, said “there seems to be universal agreement that Fred wanted the club to continue. There may not be a lot of agreement beyond that.” Legal issues need to be ironed out, he said.

Mann asked that those wanting to see the Velvet remain open simply visit the club and support its operations and musicians.

“Now more than ever, we need people to come to the club,” he said. Short-term attendance, according to Mann, will help support the Velvet Lounge’s long-term future.