Tuesdays on the Terrace | Corey Wilkes
August 26, 20255:30 pm - 8:00 pm
This event is free, but capacity is limited. Reserve a Fast Pass for expedited entry—available soon!
Corey Wilkes. Photo: Farrad Ali.
About the Event
Summer Tuesdays come alive on the MCA terrace with free concerts highlighting artists from Chicago’s internationally renowned music community. Enjoy live music while relaxing on the lawn with your own picnic, or savor snacks and drinks available for purchase. Then head inside to catch the MCA’s summer exhibitions—we’re open late on Tuesdays and free for Illinois residents.
To close out Tuesdays on the Terrace, world-renowned trumpeter Corey Wilkes takes the stage, bringing his fusion of jazz, electronic, and soulful sounds to the MCA terrace. A celebrated musician, producer, composer, and actor, Wilkes has collaborated with icons across genres, from the Art Ensemble of Chicago to Makaya McCraven and the Tedeschi Trucks Band. With an Emmy-winning film score, appearances on Empire and The Chi, and performances alongside house music legends, Wilkes continues to push the boundaries of jazz while honoring its legacy.
About the Artist
Corey Wilkes is an award-winning, highly acclaimed musician, producer, actor, and composer who has captivated audiences around the world with his mesmerizing trumpet playing and unique musical vision. Beginning his musical journey at a young age, he was awarded a full scholarship to attend the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. After graduating, he quickly became an in-demand touring and recording artist, collaborating with some of the biggest names in jazz and beyond, including the Art Ensemble of Chicago, Roy Hargrove, Kahil El’Zabar, James Carter, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Nicole Mitchell, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Makaya McCraven, and many more.
Wilkes is also known as an electro-acoustic soul artist, blending jazz, electronic music, and soulful vocals in his solo projects. His collaborations extend beyond the world of music, working with visual artists such as Theaster Gates, Nick Cave, Lucy Slivinski, and Rashid Johnson to create multidisciplinary performances that blend music, art, and culture. He has also worked with renowned house music DJs such as Osunlade, Ron Trent, Jamie Principle, and Vick Lavender, fusing jazz with electronic and house music.
In addition to his music career, Wilkes has also made a name for himself as an actor. He appeared on-screen and contributed to the soundtrack of the hit TV show Empire for six seasons. Most recently, in 2024, he was featured with his band on Showtime’s original TV series The Chi. Additionally, Wilkes is an actor for FlyOver Chicago, an immersive experience at Navy Pier that simulates the sensation of flight. Wilkes’s talents as a film composer were also recognized when he won an Emmy Award for his film score for the documentary Ida B. Wells. The documentary, which explores the life and legacy of the civil rights icon, won an award in 2021 for Outstanding Achievement for Documentary Program – Historical. Wilkes’s contributions to the project were praised for capturing the spirit and emotions of the film’s subject matter.
Recently, Wilkes has taught masterclasses at the prestigious Juilliard School of Music, sharing his expertise and inspiring the next generation of musicians. These collaborations and educational endeavors have pushed the boundaries of jazz and expanded its reach to new audiences, while remaining true to his roots and commitment to excellence in all aspects of his work.
Funding
Tuesdays on the Terrace is presented by NBC 5 and Telemundo Chicago.
Tuesdays on the Terrace is made possible in part by a generous gift from Luminarts Cultural Foundation.
