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Living History: A Life of Jazz on the Road with West Ridge’s Jerry DiMuzio
July 31, 2024 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Join Jerry DiMuzio as he reflects on over 50 years as a musician in the Chicago music scene and on the road touring, playing clarinet, sax, and flute. He has played with some of the best, including Frank Sinatra, Doc Severinsen, the Original Glenn Miller Orchestra and “subbed” with the Woody Herman and Ray Charles bands. Jerry will be joined by his longtime friend and colleague Leo Murphy, percussionist and former vice president of the Chicago Federation of Musicians.
Time/Date: Wednesday July 31, 2024 @ 6:30pm – 7:30pm.
Location: Budlong Woods Library, 5630 N. Lincoln Avenue. Chicago, IL 60659
Free. Advanced RSVP is not required, but it helps us know how many people to expect.
Jerry DiMuzio was born in the Pittsburgh area. After college, he came to Chicago with a band in the early 70’s and stayed. He became involved in the music scene here playing jazz, Broadway musicals, recordings and touring.
Jerry toured with Frank Sinatra Sr., Jr., Doc Severinsen, the original Glenn Miller Orchestra and subbed on Woody Herman and Ray Charles bands. He was a member of Jeff Lindberg’s Chicago Jazz Orchestra for over 40 years, playing the Kennedy Center Honors 26 times, the Chicago Jazz Festival 12 times, and festivals in Europe.
Jerry was in charge of the Pops saxophones for the Milwaukee Symphony for most of his career. He has played on over 1,000 radio and TV jingles as well as more than 75 New York Broadway productions. He was also a “jobber” parties, weddings and other functions using live musicians in between gigs.
He has also “subbed” for the Chicago, Milwaukee, Israel, Lyric Opera, Elgin and Grant Park Orchestras.
Leo Murphy is a professional musician, playing drums and percussion for over 40 years. He has performed and recorded with orchestras including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera Orchestra, the Grant Park Orchestra, the Houston Symphony and others. He has worked in theater pits for many musical theatre productions, both downtown and in the off-loop theaters. He has accompanied various artists including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra Jr., Michael Feinstein and many others performing at venues throughout North America. He was also active performing for private and corporate events.
Starting in 2002, he became active in leadership of the Chicago Federation of Musicians, Local 10-208, the Local branch of the American Federation of Musicians. While being elected to leadership, he served in various capacities including the Board of Directors, Administrator of the Health and Welfare Fund, Secretary-Treasurer and Vice-President. During his terms he also served and chaired various committees and contract negotiations including for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera Orchestra, Broadway in Chicago, the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and many others.
Leo and his wife live in Lincoln Square and have one son who resides and works in the Bloomington-Normal area.