Saxophonist Mark Colby

Showtimes:  9:30pm-11pm & 11:30pm-1am

Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1949, Mark Colby comes from a musical background, as his father was a professional musician (drummer) who played with Benny Goodman for a time in the ‘40’s.

In 1962, his family moved to Miami, Florida, where he began playing professionally at age 14. On Miami Beach, he had the opportunity to play shows with popular acts, including Tony Bennett, Sonny and Cher, Bill Cosby, Ann-Margret and Sammy Davis, Jr., with seasoned musicians.

In 1980, Mark moved to Chicago, with its very active music scene. Mark was immediately participating in a recording market that was exploding. Jingles, record dates, and jazz gigs were plentiful. In 1983, he was approached by DePaul University to assume a teaching position as jazz saxophone instructor. He’s still there, and in 1998 joined the faculty at Elmhurst College.

In the ensuing years, he has played and in some cases toured with such varied luminaries as Frank Sinatra, Jaco Pastorius, Mose Allison, Joe Williams and Charlie Haden.