Tonight, an event will be held in the name of one of the most innovative names in jazz: Charles Mingus.

The pianist, brilliant bassist, composer and bandleader was a premiere figure in jazz. 

Mingus combined old and new forms in innovative and prolific ways. 

His life was cut short in 1979 by Lou Gehrig’s disease.

In 2006, The Mingus Awareness Project came together to build awareness about the illness.

They’ll hold a fundraiser tonight to help support this cause.

The Mingus Awareness Project will hold a fundraiser for the Les Turner ALS Foundation tonight beginning at 8 pm the HotHouse in Chicago.

The event features live music by a number of musicians including saxophonists Jeff Marx, Mars Williams and guitarist Bill MacKay.

The event will also feature poetry by Ed Robertson.