Sad news yesterday for the Chicago jazz community. Fred Anderson suffered a serious heart attack and is now in a drug-induced coma. Anderson is best known these days as the owner of Velvet Lounge, but he has been a staple in and supporter of Chicago's creative music scene for decades. I've met Fred (at Velvet Lounge, of course, as he is an almost constant figure there, no matter the evening's turnout) and seen him play many times, and he is a kind man and talented, respected musician.The Reader's Peter Margasak has more details on his condition, and boy are people upset he does... (scroll down to the comments). Flutist Nicole Mitchell suggests in Neil Tesser's article that the best way to show support "would be to pack the Velvet Lounge this weekend." I'd place a bet that that place will be hoppin' this weekend.
UPDATE 6/25/10:
Unfortunately, Anderson passed away yesterday at the age of 81. RIP.
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