DELMARK at BANDWIDTH: on Saturday Feb 21st, Delmark’s Julia A. Miller & Elbio Barilari hosted a listening session at the amazing facilities of Bandwidth, in Chicago’s West Side. BandWith is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote wellness for underserved Chicago communities through lasting access to high quality performing arts programs. Delmark donated the whole label catalogue, LP’s and CD’s, to Bandwidth library. On Saturday Julia & Elbio spun some Delmark jazz & blues albums and talked about the label’s history and legacy. Hundreds of Delmark albums are available to the community at Bandwidth’s library. Thank you Annie Palomino and Bandwidth!
https://www.bandwithchicago.net/
BANDING TOGETHER
Who We Are
BandWith is a Chicago-based non-profit organization whose mission is to promote wellness for underserved Chicago communities through lasting access to high quality performing arts programs.
Since our founding in 2013, BandWith has connected over 700 young people ages 5-21 with outstanding arts instructors and mentors, and provided them with the performance opportunities and support they need to be successful. In a moment when youth are growing more isolated, making music allows immediate and long-term connection with others. We see this connectedness everyday in our band, drumline, choral and dance ensembles.
How We Started
Executive Director Annie Palomino launched BandWith Chicago in 2013 when the band program was dropped from LEARN Campbell Charter School in East Garfield Park due to budget cuts. Starting a nonprofit allowed Annie to continue providing free music instruction within LEARN Charter, and expand into after school programming.
Since then, BandWith has developed into a stable, independent organization that offers individual and small group music instruction, weekly ensemble play, and performance opportunities to participating youth throughout the year. BandWith’s free in-school and after-school programs serve 185 students annually and are still located within the East Garfield Park community.
Where We’re Going
We’ve built a permanent home for BandWith—a 25,000 sq. ft. performing arts center in East Garfield Park. The new facility will house all of our core programs, create job-training opportunities for youth, and become a lasting hub for creativity, community, and connection. Our growth reflects our ongoing promise: to uplift Chicago youth through access, mentorship, and the life-changing power of the arts.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Our mission is to promote wellness within underserved Chicago communities by providing lasting access to exceptional performing arts instruction.
MARCH 6, 2026
first fridays series: René Avila’s AFRO CUBAN BAND
Time: 6:00-8:00pm
Location: BandWith, 148 S. California Avenue
Once a month on the first Friday, join us for a community dance lesson with live music for all ages + skill levels. Each First Fridays features local Chicago musicians and a different genre of music every month.
March Guest: René Avila is the band leader for a traditional Afro Cuban band. His ensembles play traditional Cuban from the Golden Ages of the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s – still keeping the Afro Cuban format.
MARCH 21, 2026
Inside the music library: bandwith sound sessions
Time: 3:00-5:00pm
Location: BandWith, 148 S. California Avenue
Once a month on Saturday, the Music Library becomes a gathering space for music lovers, storytellers, and curious listeners.
Our monthly Sound Session features René Avila, who will share the Afro Cuban sounds and inspirations that have shaped his life. Whether you are a lifelong listener or just discovering new sounds, this community-focused listening experience offers a welcoming space to explore how music connects us and preserves history.
