CHICAGO, IL (October 8, 2003) - The Chicago Chapter of the Recording Academy announced today that Bob Koester, along with Von Freeman, Buddy Guy and Ella Jenkins, have been selected as 2003 Chicago Heroes Award recipients. A VIP dinner gala, which attracts recording artists and key entertainment industry executives, will be held on November 6 in the ballroom of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
“The Recording Academy is pleased to recognize the achievements of the leaders of Chicago's music community through its annual Chicago Heroes Awards," said Portnow. “The Honorees not only represent the talent, strength and uniqueness of Chicago's vibrant music community but also embody the finest qualities of all esteemed music makers. Each of the Honorees has given back to the national music family and public at large with gifts of song and leadership."
Bob Koester founded the historic Delmark Records, one of the nation's oldest independent record labels still owned by its original founder. In 1959, Koester purchased Seymour's Jazz Record Mart on Wabash which, in similar historic fashion, became the world's largest jazz/blues music retailer. With his early support of developing artists, including Magic Sam and Jimmy Dawkins and vital music organizations like the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), Koester helped to shape the Chicago blues and jazz communities. In addition, his love of music and strong business ethic served to encourage young employees to start offshoot businesses. Bruce Iglauer (founder of Alligator Records), Michael Frank (founder of Earwig Music) and Joe Segal (owner of Jazz Showcase) are among those who have worked for Koester. Bruce Iglauer will present Koester's award to him.
Six-time GRAMMY-nominated jazz vocalist and Academy Vice Chairman Kurt Elling and Recording Academy President Neil Portnow are among those scheduled to make presentations at the exclusive affair. Chicago Chapter President Michael Freeman and Recording Academy Central Region Vice President Griff Morris also will participate in the program.
The premier event begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception and silent auction offering travel and entertainment packages and one-of-a-kind music memorabilia, followed by a seated dinner at 7 p.m. The awards presentation and performances are scheduled to begin at 8:15 p.m.
In its third year, the Chicago Heroes Awards honors outstanding individuals whose creative talents and accomplishments cross all musical boundaries and who are integral to the vitality of the music community. Heroes Awards are the highest honor bestowed by the Chicago Chapter, and recipients exemplify the high standards of excellence and integrity that the Academy champions and promotes. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Chicago Chapter
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