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It’s been a week since I’ve been back from a much needed sabbatical. My time in Brazil was extraordinary. It was a time to restore, reset, and get back to the joy within.

Upon returning back to Chicago I immediately felt the stress of the piled up work, obligations and demands of deadlines. So much output in this past season striving to be impactful and give all I’ve got to give. I am here to be of service to others and there’s a calling on my life that I must answer ✨🤲🏽

…but for this one week away, I didn’t think about my work, plans or obligations. I just lived in the moment, stretched my curiosity, and played all day. I’m so grateful for the privilege to the time to steal away, gain new inspiration, and have this moment for myself.

Big ups to my host, and college buddy @danny_ayrosa. The sacrifice you made for me means the world brotha. Also thanks to @sauloandrade and @vitoriaboldrinn for the guidance.

More footage to come…

Last month, we launched the 2026 series of THE PORTAL with a bang! Big ups to the band @clubcribent for setting the vibe!

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for the announcement of all of our featured guests as we celebrate NATIONAL POETRY MONTH on April 28th 7-10p.

Hey Friends,
Leave A Message Vol. 3 is out and it is exciting!!! The album was recorded LIVE at Hairpin Arts Center in Chicago in partnership with a beautiful group of meditators.As always the recording has been infused with words of wisdom and reflective moments (aka messages) left by participants.

Special thanks to @loudscape for mixing and mastering the album and @alexbrescanu for the cover photograph.

Head to CurrentVibrations.com to listen for FREE.We hope this album serves you on your own inward work and meditation.

Also, catch us live at @_blackpearlarts on Monday, April 4 for a FREE music meditation.

Peace and love,
Jay and Sam

#TONIGHT
I’m being featured at one of the hottest jams in the city! The longstanding @unfamiliar_sessions brings out a plethora of artists from a variety of backgrounds. Everyone’s looking to explore and make some moments together.

Come through and sign up to hit the stage. It’s open!

#TONIGHT
I’m being featured at one of the hottest jams in the city! The longstanding @unfamiliar_sessions brings out a plethora of artists from a variety of backgrounds. Everyone’s looking to explore and make some moments together.

Come through and sign up to hit the stage. It’s open!

Paisagens sonoras 🌅🎶

…quando encontros vão além da forma, guiados por sincronicidades

@danny_ayrosa • mbira
@guiaugustomusica • violão
@samthousand • trumpet
@sauloandrade • harpa

#SoundJourney #Ambient #PaisagensSonoras

It’s that time! @unfamiliar_sessions is back May 18th! Featuring @samthousand - the man behind @chi_brations ! Sponsored by @rythmdrinks @senoritadrinks @rythm_official ! Eats by @jadetheechef ! This is a JAM SESSION. Bring your chops, open your ears, network with your community! You might find your next band mate or gig!
This has been a long time coming. One of our most consistent and day one supporters - @samthousand elevated the Session and continues to support til this very day! Get ready for a night to be had.
#chicago #livemusic #jamsession #bar #chicagoevents

It’s that time! @unfamiliar_sessions is back May 18th! Featuring @samthousand - the man behind @chi_brations ! Sponsored by @rythmdrinks @senoritadrinks @rythm_official ! Eats by @jadetheechef ! This is a JAM SESSION. Bring your chops, open your ears, network with your community! You might find your next band mate or gig!
This has been a long time coming. One of our most consistent and day one supporters - @samthousand elevated the Session and continues to support til this very day! Get ready for a night to be had.
#chicago #livemusic #jamsession #bar #chicagoevents

It’s that time! @unfamiliar_sessions is back May 18th! Featuring @samthousand - the man behind @chi_brations ! Sponsored by @rythmdrinks @senoritadrinks @rythm_official ! Eats by @jadetheechef ! This is a JAM SESSION. Bring your chops, open your ears, network with your community! You might find your next band mate or gig!
This has been a long time coming. One of our most consistent and day one supporters - @samthousand elevated the Session and continues to support til this very day! Get ready for a night to be had.
#chicago #livemusic #jamsession #bar #chicagoevents

It’s that time! @unfamiliar_sessions is back May 18th! Featuring @samthousand - the man behind @chi_brations ! Sponsored by @rythmdrinks @senoritadrinks @rythm_official ! Eats by @jadetheechef ! This is a JAM SESSION. Bring your chops, open your ears, network with your community! You might find your next band mate or gig!
This has been a long time coming. One of our most consistent and day one supporters - @samthousand elevated the Session and continues to support til this very day! Get ready for a night to be had.
#chicago #livemusic #jamsession #bar #chicagoevents

It’s that time! @unfamiliar_sessions is back May 18th! Featuring @samthousand - the man behind @chi_brations ! Sponsored by @rythmdrinks @senoritadrinks @rythm_official ! Eats by @jadetheechef ! This is a JAM SESSION. Bring your chops, open your ears, network with your community! You might find your next band mate or gig!
This has been a long time coming. One of our most consistent and day one supporters - @samthousand elevated the Session and continues to support til this very day! Get ready for a night to be had.
#chicago #livemusic #jamsession #bar #chicagoevents

It’s that time! @unfamiliar_sessions is back May 18th! Featuring @samthousand - the man behind @chi_brations ! Sponsored by @rythmdrinks @senoritadrinks @rythm_official ! Eats by @jadetheechef ! This is a JAM SESSION. Bring your chops, open your ears, network with your community! You might find your next band mate or gig!
This has been a long time coming. One of our most consistent and day one supporters - @samthousand elevated the Session and continues to support til this very day! Get ready for a night to be had.
#chicago #livemusic #jamsession #bar #chicagoevents

It’s that time! @unfamiliar_sessions is back May 18th! Featuring @samthousand - the man behind @chi_brations ! Sponsored by @rythmdrinks @senoritadrinks @rythm_official ! Eats by @jadetheechef ! This is a JAM SESSION. Bring your chops, open your ears, network with your community! You might find your next band mate or gig!
This has been a long time coming. One of our most consistent and day one supporters - @samthousand elevated the Session and continues to support til this very day! Get ready for a night to be had.
#chicago #livemusic #jamsession #bar #chicagoevents

It’s that time! @unfamiliar_sessions is back May 18th! Featuring @samthousand - the man behind @chi_brations ! Sponsored by @rythmdrinks @senoritadrinks @rythm_official ! Eats by @jadetheechef ! This is a JAM SESSION. Bring your chops, open your ears, network with your community! You might find your next band mate or gig!
This has been a long time coming. One of our most consistent and day one supporters - @samthousand elevated the Session and continues to support til this very day! Get ready for a night to be had.
#chicago #livemusic #jamsession #bar #chicagoevents

The moment I found out there was a
Michael Jackson biopic coming out, I knew exactly how I wanted to celebrate my 35th birthday!

There’s something so special about honoring a legacy that has shaped so many of our lives!

Michael Jackson didn’t just make music! He created moments, memories, and a feeling that continues to live on through all of us.

Growing up listening to him and dancing to his music, the little girl in me got to relived her childhood all over again… and that feeling is truly priceless.

Thank you all for celebrating with me and making my 35th birthday one I’ll never forget. 💫

Special thanks to:
• 🎞️The Logan Theatre: @thelogantheatre
• 🎶DJ: @djayplay2much
• 🪩Dancers: @i_floccinaucinihilipilificate , @terriberrik , & @_myles.harris_
• 🎥Videographer: @mrlingohimself
• Sandwiches: @miss.crys_
• 🎂Cake: @yocabronita
• 🎈Balloon Arch: @lovelyona
• 💄Theatrical Makeup: @_elianamonique_
• 🎉Event curation, design, costume design & food : BY YOURS TRULY 💁🏽‍♀️
• 🎤The most incredible & handsome host: @samthousand
• 💜Everyone who pitched in to help the day run so smoothly—I truly appreciate you! : @iamanthonypowell, @nonotclarissa @lovelyona , @djayplay2much , @michael_allenii , Crystal S. Brady & The BEST Granny a girl could ever ask for!
•
•
#idonotowntherightstothismusic #idonotowntherightstothissong

Woooooo!!!

5 weeks since the day my new vinyl and dual release events occurred!

Today is @bandcamp Friday #bandcampfriday

Grab ALIVE & THRIVING LIMITED VINYL

from RADIUSETC.BANDCAMP.COM (link in bio) + @consumersresearchanddevelopmen @someoddpilotrecords @etcmedia

Special thanks @rev_robertsinewave @chriseichenseer @tarah.lim @bweland3r @publicworksgallery @fessgrandiose @dj_uncle_el @openbeats@beestbhz @bboyram1n @brickheadz @division81 @samthousand 🎺 @leonardociccone
@sidaka_ @drasii23

Initial picture by 👑 @peace.love.susy @throughtherecordshop

Woooooo!!!

5 weeks since the day my new vinyl and dual release events occurred!

Today is @bandcamp Friday #bandcampfriday

Grab ALIVE & THRIVING LIMITED VINYL

from RADIUSETC.BANDCAMP.COM (link in bio) + @consumersresearchanddevelopmen @someoddpilotrecords @etcmedia

Special thanks @rev_robertsinewave @chriseichenseer @tarah.lim @bweland3r @publicworksgallery @fessgrandiose @dj_uncle_el @openbeats@beestbhz @bboyram1n @brickheadz @division81 @samthousand 🎺 @leonardociccone
@sidaka_ @drasii23

Initial picture by 👑 @peace.love.susy @throughtherecordshop

Woooooo!!!

5 weeks since the day my new vinyl and dual release events occurred!

Today is @bandcamp Friday #bandcampfriday

Grab ALIVE & THRIVING LIMITED VINYL

from RADIUSETC.BANDCAMP.COM (link in bio) + @consumersresearchanddevelopmen @someoddpilotrecords @etcmedia

Special thanks @rev_robertsinewave @chriseichenseer @tarah.lim @bweland3r @publicworksgallery @fessgrandiose @dj_uncle_el @openbeats@beestbhz @bboyram1n @brickheadz @division81 @samthousand 🎺 @leonardociccone
@sidaka_ @drasii23

Initial picture by 👑 @peace.love.susy @throughtherecordshop

Woooooo!!!

5 weeks since the day my new vinyl and dual release events occurred!

Today is @bandcamp Friday #bandcampfriday

Grab ALIVE & THRIVING LIMITED VINYL

from RADIUSETC.BANDCAMP.COM (link in bio) + @consumersresearchanddevelopmen @someoddpilotrecords @etcmedia

Special thanks @rev_robertsinewave @chriseichenseer @tarah.lim @bweland3r @publicworksgallery @fessgrandiose @dj_uncle_el @openbeats@beestbhz @bboyram1n @brickheadz @division81 @samthousand 🎺 @leonardociccone
@sidaka_ @drasii23

Initial picture by 👑 @peace.love.susy @throughtherecordshop

Woooooo!!!

5 weeks since the day my new vinyl and dual release events occurred!

Today is @bandcamp Friday #bandcampfriday

Grab ALIVE & THRIVING LIMITED VINYL

from RADIUSETC.BANDCAMP.COM (link in bio) + @consumersresearchanddevelopmen @someoddpilotrecords @etcmedia

Special thanks @rev_robertsinewave @chriseichenseer @tarah.lim @bweland3r @publicworksgallery @fessgrandiose @dj_uncle_el @openbeats@beestbhz @bboyram1n @brickheadz @division81 @samthousand 🎺 @leonardociccone
@sidaka_ @drasii23

Initial picture by 👑 @peace.love.susy @throughtherecordshop

Woooooo!!!

5 weeks since the day my new vinyl and dual release events occurred!

Today is @bandcamp Friday #bandcampfriday

Grab ALIVE & THRIVING LIMITED VINYL

from RADIUSETC.BANDCAMP.COM (link in bio) + @consumersresearchanddevelopmen @someoddpilotrecords @etcmedia

Special thanks @rev_robertsinewave @chriseichenseer @tarah.lim @bweland3r @publicworksgallery @fessgrandiose @dj_uncle_el @openbeats@beestbhz @bboyram1n @brickheadz @division81 @samthousand 🎺 @leonardociccone
@sidaka_ @drasii23

Initial picture by 👑 @peace.love.susy @throughtherecordshop

Woooooo!!!

5 weeks since the day my new vinyl and dual release events occurred!

Today is @bandcamp Friday #bandcampfriday

Grab ALIVE & THRIVING LIMITED VINYL

from RADIUSETC.BANDCAMP.COM (link in bio) + @consumersresearchanddevelopmen @someoddpilotrecords @etcmedia

Special thanks @rev_robertsinewave @chriseichenseer @tarah.lim @bweland3r @publicworksgallery @fessgrandiose @dj_uncle_el @openbeats@beestbhz @bboyram1n @brickheadz @division81 @samthousand 🎺 @leonardociccone
@sidaka_ @drasii23

Initial picture by 👑 @peace.love.susy @throughtherecordshop

Woooooo!!!

5 weeks since the day my new vinyl and dual release events occurred!

Today is @bandcamp Friday #bandcampfriday

Grab ALIVE & THRIVING LIMITED VINYL

from RADIUSETC.BANDCAMP.COM (link in bio) + @consumersresearchanddevelopmen @someoddpilotrecords @etcmedia

Special thanks @rev_robertsinewave @chriseichenseer @tarah.lim @bweland3r @publicworksgallery @fessgrandiose @dj_uncle_el @openbeats@beestbhz @bboyram1n @brickheadz @division81 @samthousand 🎺 @leonardociccone
@sidaka_ @drasii23

Initial picture by 👑 @peace.love.susy @throughtherecordshop

We're celebrating International Jazz Day with the Jazz Club Experience. It's a mellow groove with Sam Thousand's Acoustic Audile at Parkway Social Chicago.

Buy a Freestyle Pass and experience great jazz at any or all 8 clubs until 11pm.

Tickets: see 🔗 in bio or jazzinchicago.org/jazz-club-experience

#JazzinChicago #JazzClubExperience #InternationalJazzDay2026

#CHICAGO
We are celebrating NATIONAL POETRY MONTH with a full night of wordplay and storytelling + plus we’re CALLING ALL POETS📣 to participate in the jam session with the live band.

THE PORTAL
Tuesday, April 28th | 7-10p
Experimental Station
6100 S Blackstone Ave

Theme: NATIONAL POETRY MONTH

Live band: @meliodasmusic
Poetry Shop Talk: @she.unapologetic
Panel: Moderated by @robindannybobo
Westside Cypher: Curated by @hoodraised_poetry

🫧INTERACTIVE MEDIA
🫧PANELS & OPEN DIALOGUE
🫧FEATURED PERFORMANCES
🫧ARTIST RESOURCES
🫧GAMING STATION
🫧POETRY JAM w/ LIVE BAND

Event Sponsor: @eatorgchicago
Series Sponsor: @fieldfoundation & @illinoisartscouncil

In Partnership with @expstation

Tap in with creative communities on the FREE ChiBrations App!

Find Open Mics, Jam Sessions, and Workshops of all kinds happening throughout Chicagoland.

🫧MUSIC🫧DANCE🫧POETRY🫧STORYTELLING🫧
🫧THEATER🫧COMEDY🫧PUPPETRY🫧VARIETY🫧

#TONIGHT
@ilhumanities @chifreshkitchen @saintsabinafc
@elevatedopenmic @blazedbakery_chi
@i_floccinaucinihilipilificate
@67social

#TOMORROW
@thelyricallotus @cantbuydeem @themkrlab

Next Saturday, April 18th, artists within Chicago’s many performance communities are invited to convene for a facilitated discussion to see how we can develop better, stronger, and more sustainable opportunities for performing artists together.

With the guidance of @alyshamonique, @theamtraklor, and @samthousand, we will:

➤ Hold space for processing recent shifts within Chicago’s performance ecosystem;
➤ Imagine creative solutions for what should happen next;
➤ Enable collaboration among a multiplicity of experiences & perspectives; and
➤ Devise and document actionable strategies.

Following the convening, @chicagodancemakersforum and @highconceptlabs will provide a summary of the ideas and strategies generated, along with potential action items for artists and organizations.

All are welcome to join the conversation! RSVP at link in bio. We kick off at 11am with complimentary lunch (for in person folks) and icebreakers.

Next Saturday, April 18th, artists within Chicago’s many performance communities are invited to convene for a facilitated discussion to see how we can develop better, stronger, and more sustainable opportunities for performing artists together.

With the guidance of @alyshamonique, @theamtraklor, and @samthousand, we will:

➤ Hold space for processing recent shifts within Chicago’s performance ecosystem;
➤ Imagine creative solutions for what should happen next;
➤ Enable collaboration among a multiplicity of experiences & perspectives; and
➤ Devise and document actionable strategies.

Following the convening, @chicagodancemakersforum and @highconceptlabs will provide a summary of the ideas and strategies generated, along with potential action items for artists and organizations.

All are welcome to join the conversation! RSVP at link in bio. We kick off at 11am with complimentary lunch (for in person folks) and icebreakers.

Next Saturday, April 18th, artists within Chicago’s many performance communities are invited to convene for a facilitated discussion to see how we can develop better, stronger, and more sustainable opportunities for performing artists together.

With the guidance of @alyshamonique, @theamtraklor, and @samthousand, we will:

➤ Hold space for processing recent shifts within Chicago’s performance ecosystem;
➤ Imagine creative solutions for what should happen next;
➤ Enable collaboration among a multiplicity of experiences & perspectives; and
➤ Devise and document actionable strategies.

Following the convening, @chicagodancemakersforum and @highconceptlabs will provide a summary of the ideas and strategies generated, along with potential action items for artists and organizations.

All are welcome to join the conversation! RSVP at link in bio. We kick off at 11am with complimentary lunch (for in person folks) and icebreakers.

Next Saturday, April 18th, artists within Chicago’s many performance communities are invited to convene for a facilitated discussion to see how we can develop better, stronger, and more sustainable opportunities for performing artists together.

With the guidance of @alyshamonique, @theamtraklor, and @samthousand, we will:

➤ Hold space for processing recent shifts within Chicago’s performance ecosystem;
➤ Imagine creative solutions for what should happen next;
➤ Enable collaboration among a multiplicity of experiences & perspectives; and
➤ Devise and document actionable strategies.

Following the convening, @chicagodancemakersforum and @highconceptlabs will provide a summary of the ideas and strategies generated, along with potential action items for artists and organizations.

All are welcome to join the conversation! RSVP at link in bio. We kick off at 11am with complimentary lunch (for in person folks) and icebreakers.

Next Saturday, April 18th, artists within Chicago’s many performance communities are invited to convene for a facilitated discussion to see how we can develop better, stronger, and more sustainable opportunities for performing artists together.

With the guidance of @alyshamonique, @theamtraklor, and @samthousand, we will:

➤ Hold space for processing recent shifts within Chicago’s performance ecosystem;
➤ Imagine creative solutions for what should happen next;
➤ Enable collaboration among a multiplicity of experiences & perspectives; and
➤ Devise and document actionable strategies.

Following the convening, @chicagodancemakersforum and @highconceptlabs will provide a summary of the ideas and strategies generated, along with potential action items for artists and organizations.

All are welcome to join the conversation! RSVP at link in bio. We kick off at 11am with complimentary lunch (for in person folks) and icebreakers.

Next Saturday, April 18th, artists within Chicago’s many performance communities are invited to convene for a facilitated discussion to see how we can develop better, stronger, and more sustainable opportunities for performing artists together.

With the guidance of @alyshamonique, @theamtraklor, and @samthousand, we will:

➤ Hold space for processing recent shifts within Chicago’s performance ecosystem;
➤ Imagine creative solutions for what should happen next;
➤ Enable collaboration among a multiplicity of experiences & perspectives; and
➤ Devise and document actionable strategies.

Following the convening, @chicagodancemakersforum and @highconceptlabs will provide a summary of the ideas and strategies generated, along with potential action items for artists and organizations.

All are welcome to join the conversation! RSVP at link in bio. We kick off at 11am with complimentary lunch (for in person folks) and icebreakers.

Next Saturday, April 18th, artists within Chicago’s many performance communities are invited to convene for a facilitated discussion to see how we can develop better, stronger, and more sustainable opportunities for performing artists together.

With the guidance of @alyshamonique, @theamtraklor, and @samthousand, we will:

➤ Hold space for processing recent shifts within Chicago’s performance ecosystem;
➤ Imagine creative solutions for what should happen next;
➤ Enable collaboration among a multiplicity of experiences & perspectives; and
➤ Devise and document actionable strategies.

Following the convening, @chicagodancemakersforum and @highconceptlabs will provide a summary of the ideas and strategies generated, along with potential action items for artists and organizations.

All are welcome to join the conversation! RSVP at link in bio. We kick off at 11am with complimentary lunch (for in person folks) and icebreakers.

Next Saturday, April 18th, artists within Chicago’s many performance communities are invited to convene for a facilitated discussion to see how we can develop better, stronger, and more sustainable opportunities for performing artists together.

With the guidance of @alyshamonique, @theamtraklor, and @samthousand, we will:

➤ Hold space for processing recent shifts within Chicago’s performance ecosystem;
➤ Imagine creative solutions for what should happen next;
➤ Enable collaboration among a multiplicity of experiences & perspectives; and
➤ Devise and document actionable strategies.

Following the convening, @chicagodancemakersforum and @highconceptlabs will provide a summary of the ideas and strategies generated, along with potential action items for artists and organizations.

All are welcome to join the conversation! RSVP at link in bio. We kick off at 11am with complimentary lunch (for in person folks) and icebreakers.

Next Saturday, April 18th, artists within Chicago’s many performance communities are invited to convene for a facilitated discussion to see how we can develop better, stronger, and more sustainable opportunities for performing artists together.

With the guidance of @alyshamonique, @theamtraklor, and @samthousand, we will:

➤ Hold space for processing recent shifts within Chicago’s performance ecosystem;
➤ Imagine creative solutions for what should happen next;
➤ Enable collaboration among a multiplicity of experiences & perspectives; and
➤ Devise and document actionable strategies.

Following the convening, @chicagodancemakersforum and @highconceptlabs will provide a summary of the ideas and strategies generated, along with potential action items for artists and organizations.

All are welcome to join the conversation! RSVP at link in bio. We kick off at 11am with complimentary lunch (for in person folks) and icebreakers.

Next Saturday, April 18th, artists within Chicago’s many performance communities are invited to convene for a facilitated discussion to see how we can develop better, stronger, and more sustainable opportunities for performing artists together.

With the guidance of @alyshamonique, @theamtraklor, and @samthousand, we will:

➤ Hold space for processing recent shifts within Chicago’s performance ecosystem;
➤ Imagine creative solutions for what should happen next;
➤ Enable collaboration among a multiplicity of experiences & perspectives; and
➤ Devise and document actionable strategies.

Following the convening, @chicagodancemakersforum and @highconceptlabs will provide a summary of the ideas and strategies generated, along with potential action items for artists and organizations.

All are welcome to join the conversation! RSVP at link in bio. We kick off at 11am with complimentary lunch (for in person folks) and icebreakers.