With your support for this year’s Chicago Jazz String Summit’s (CJSS) GoFundMe campaign, the 12th Annual CJSS will honor its promise to recognize and present masterful, phenomenal string players who know no bounds. CJSS happens on May 8, 9 & 10 2026. We’re calling on those who believe in the power of the Chicago Jazz String Summit to encourage, recognize and build an audience for outstanding improvising and experimental string players to support this year’s Summit.

Please consider making a tax deductible donation today. Your gift will help us cover the rising costs of airfare, accommodations, instrument rentals, ground transportation, and fair compensation to the artists we showcase.

Each year, the CJSS highlights the legacy and contribution of one notable string player working in creative music. For 2026, CJSS is proud to honor the legacy of cellist Tristan Honsinger . Egyptian violinist Ayman Asfour, cellist Theresa Wong, hardanger fiddler Zosha Warpeha, violinists Carla Kihlstedt and Laura Ortman, and emerging violist Indira Edwards complete this year’s line-up in solo, duo and trio performances.

Join the team making it work and worthwhile. Your donation will support Sean’s marketing and promotion efforts, Marlysse’s website updates and maintenance, the hands-on logistical work Tomeka and Carmen do on a day-to-day basis. Co-curators Lester St. Louis and Melanie Dyer were also on hand this year volunteering to help line up the line-up.

CJSS GoFundMe appeals provide 25% toward projected expenses. That’s huge! But having Tomeka personally fund the other 75%, as she has for the past 11 years, is unsustainable. We need you with us! CJSS excites and honors string players from across the globe. Your gift will help keep building the momentum toward a sustainable CJSS future.

In addition, we are piloting a new way to support CJSS through airline mile donation. If you are interested in becoming a CJSS Flight Angel, please message us here.

Thank you, in advance, for your consideration and generosity.

A few photos from 2025 CJSS: