As part of its celebration of Black History Month, Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., presented a solo jazz performance by violinist Samuel Savoir-Faire Williams on Feb. 21.
The two-hour long performance presented a showcase for his unique mix of pop, gypsy jazz, bebop, and American genres flavored with classical technics.
Williams, a Chicago native, is part of the contemporary jazz quartet known as the Chicago Gypsy Project. He started playing violin at the age of three, with his first concert performance coming at the age of five on the stage of Chicago Symphony Center.
At the age of 17, he sought out jazz mentors while studying at home. Milt Jackson, Fred Anderson, Von Freeman, Don Moye, Billy Bang, Roscoe Mitchell, and Vincent Davis are among those he has considered mentors over the years.
Williams will perform a second concert at Center on Halsted from 9-11 a.m. on Feb. 28. The concert is free to the public.