Cellist and composer Tomeka Reid, hailed as a “New Jazz Power Source” by the New York Times, has become a leading figure in Chicago’s jazz and improvised music scene. Known for her distinctive melodic style and strong groove, Reid has played in numerous influential ensembles, collaborating with prominent musicians such as Anthony Braxton, Roscoe Mitchell, and Nicole Mitchell. After moving to Chicago in 2000, she honed her craft through extensive improvisational work, earning a doctorate in music from the University of Illinois in 2017. Reid’s debut album, Tomeka Reid Quartet (2015), showcased her improvisational skill and compositional talent, while her 2019 album Old New was praised for its bold, lyrical approach. In addition to leading the string trio Hear in Now, she co-founded the Chicago Jazz String Summit and is currently a professor at Mills College.