Join us for an exciting jazz night at PianoForte, with the music of Francesco Cafiso and Joe Block.

As the concert unfolds, from the very first to the last note played by Cafiso and Block, a deep sense of mutual understanding clearly emerges. Creativity, emotion, and a touch of artistic madness arise naturally from two musicians who share the same musical language.

The Duo’s repertoire draws both from Cafiso’s original works and from a selection of jazz standards. With his warm, lyrical tone, Cafiso deconstructs melodies, crafting solos of remarkable originality and creativity Block provides his partner with a rich sonic tapestry, shaping melodic lines on the piano within a sophisticated harmonic and rhythmic framework, while never relinquishing his own distinct solo voice. The result is a dialogue of the highest artistic level between two outstanding musicians, confirming the vitality and enduring prestige of jazz today.

The concert is part of the initiatives presented for International Jazz Day 2026.

In November 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially designated April 30 as International Jazz Day in order to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe.

In 2026 the city of Chicago was selected to host the 15th anniversary International Jazz Day celebration in 2026. For over a century, Chicago has been a jazz mecca. As early as the 1920s, jazz musicians sailed up the Mississippi from New Orleans and found the city to be a creative hub. Jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong, King Oliver and Jelly Roll Morton made their names in the city, developing the “Chicago style” of jazz. This style valued solos, improvisation, big band arrangements and a faster, more rhythmic sound, bringing instruments like the saxophone to the fore. Today, Chicago continues to celebrate its heritage through the Chicago Jazz Festival and iconic venues such as the Green Mill and the Jazz Showcase, founded 75 years ago.

For International Jazz Day 2026, Chicago will also host a series of other jazz concerts, educational initiatives, discussions and events for audiences of all ages, in partnership with the Chicago Jazz Alliance, the Ravinia Festival, the City of Chicago, the Illinois Arts Council, the State of Illinois and others.

Presented by the Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago

Contact the host of Francesco Cafiso & Joe Block Duo