Pianist Willie Pickens is an institution in Chicago jazz.

“Pickens practically epitomizes the muscular virtuosity of Chicago jazz pianism expressed through a formidable technique, an enormous sound and a propulsive sense of rhythmic progress,” Howard Reich said.

So you won’t want to miss hearing this legend in concert with bassist Marlene Rosenberg and percussionist Avreeayl Ra as the Willie Pickens Trio. The PianoForte Foundation-WDCB Jazz Salon at Mayslake series will pick up again following a three-month hiatus at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook.

The Jazz Salon is a joint effort through PianoForte Foundation, Mayslake Peabody Estate and WDCB — which will broadcast each show on Sundays following the event — to spread awareness and appreciation of jazz from the city outward to a more convenient location for west suburban jazz fans.

The PianoForte Foundation, a nonprofit, was created in April 2005 as an organization dedicated to revitalizing the classical and jazz piano culture by strengthening the connection between piano music and its listeners through intimate performances and salons. The foundation produces four concert series per season including its regular Jazz Salon and its PianoForte Salon Series that is broadcast every Friday on WFMT 98.7 FM. For more information, visit www.pianofortefoundation.org.
 
College of DuPage’s 90.9 FM WDCB Public Radio broadcasts from Glen Ellyn. The station specializes in jazz, folk and classical music and also features news and other community information. For more information, visit www.WDCB.org. Free streaming is available on the WDCB Web site.

General seating is $18 or $15 for seniors and students. Premium seating at cabaret-style tables in the front is $25, but this block is available only by phone. Special pricing is available for groups of six or more. Drinks will be available at the bar starting at 7 p.m. Call (312) 291-0291 to reserve tickets.