Champaign-Urbana is blessed with so many excellent local musicians that we often take the best for granted. Trumpeter Jeff Helgesen is a prime example. Adept at performing a myriad of styles, Helgesen spent four years as a featured soloist with the Ray Charles Orchestra and has been performing superb jazz locally for over 25 years. In addition to his Jeff Helgesen Jazz Quintet, he is a member of Jazz Sandwich, Jazz Mayhem, Wk.End Band and many, many more.
Favorite C-U band past or present
The current UI Jazz Faculty Ensemble. They don’t play together often, but when they do, it could easily be the most talented group of artists assembled in a 500 mile radius. We’re spoiled to have musicians like that in this community.
Favorite C-U venue
The Iron Post, for its unwavering dedication to live music and to jazz, in particular.
Favorite C-U restaurant/bar
My favorite restaurant is Fiesta Cafe. My favorite bar is the Blind Pig Brewery.
Favorite album of all time (does not have to be from C-U)
Dexter Gordon’s “Homecoming” (with Woody Shaw on trumpet).
Why readers should come see your show this Friday
Because Chip Stephens (piano) and Shawn Purcell (guitar) are folks that people should see play as often as possible. Plus it’s free, and early.
The Jeff Helgesen Quintet performs this Friday, Feb. 19 at 5 p.m. at the Iron Post. The show is free.