Harsh Readers Circle: Special Event with The Bridge: ConstelNation

Chicago would not be one of the world's most unique music centers if not for decades of Black people migrating here from the South. For the past 15 years, The Bridge has been a "transatlantic network for jazz, creative [and] improvised music, between Chicago [and] France." 2026's ConstelNation tour uplifts the flute and clarinet. The Harsh Readers Circle is honored to be part of The Bridge's grand finale tour. Join us for a special performance by vocalist and flutist Malik Mezzadri, double bassist Nick Macri, and percussionist Toma Gouband at 2 p.m. Arrive early at 1:30 p.m. to enjoy refreshments. To attend in person, click the Register button on top right of this page. This special event is both a tribute to Chicago's musical heritage -- including that of Walter Dyett, Sydonia Brooks and National Association of Negro Musicians, as well as other musical legacies preserved in the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection -- and also the perfect pairing with the James Baldwin classic Giovanni's Room, Harsh Readers Circle's selection for November. Join us online on November 21st at 2pm for the Harsh Readers Circle Book discussion. This program is made possible with generous support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and Chicago Public Library Foundation as part of Chicago Public Library's Renaissance Project public program offerings, which invites participants to actively engage with the rich and often untold stories of Black history and heritage preserved at Chicago Public Library. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event. Top photo: Courtesy of The Bridge. Bottom photo: Collage of Giovanni’s Room cover (Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group 2013 edition) and James Baldwin.