About
Midnight Tea is a Chicago-based creative music organization dedicated to sustaining improvised music.
We produce, curate, and present work from Chicago's finest improvising musicians.
We help artists who have: Independent momentum and a defined creative vision. A track record of presenting interesting work. A practice that exists outside major label support & distribution.
Who We Benefit
The Chicago Public
We enrich the local arts landscape and expand the palette beyond hyper-corporate mainstream music. Chicago deserves access to the creative work happening in its own backyard.
The City of Chicago
We bring global reach to Chicago artists. Our artists are written up by blogs in Europe. Our channels have followers from around the world. We put Chicago on the map.
Music Lovers Worldwide
We show the global community the awesome work coming out of Chicago, connecting international audiences with artists they'd never discover through mainstream channels.
What We Provide
Structure, momentum, and visibility to support their practice.
Founders
Caleb Willitz
Caleb Willitz is a Chicago musician, artist, and audio engineer. His work has been featured in the Chicago Reader, Aquarium Drunkard, Spectrum Culture, and more. As an engineer and mixer he has made 50+ records. He holds a B.A. in Music from Millikin University and serves as an instrumental music instructor at Wolcott College Prep in Chicago.
Rami Atassi
Rami Atassi is an artist and producer whose credits include making a record produced by Yoko Ono and playing Pitchfork Music Festival. His latest full-length album, “Dancing Together” (2023), was released on Ropeadope records. He leads The Cosmic Dance Band and has taught 100+ adult guitar students through his Studio Guitar Program.
Tatsu Aoki
Tatsu Aoki is a bassist, shamisen player, and taiko drummer with 90+ recording projects and 35+ years of international touring. The longest associated bassist for the late Chicago legend Fred Anderson, he is founder of Asian Improv aRts MidWest and creator of the Chicago Asian American Jazz Festival. A 2020 United States Artists Fellow, his ensemble performed at Yoko Ono's “SKYLANDING” installation in Jackson Park.
The Studio
Our home is Studio #825 in Chicago's Historic Fine Arts Building—a century-old landmark on Michigan Avenue that has housed artists, musicians, and makers since 1885.
The space serves as a recording studio, rehearsal room, and gathering place for the Midnight Tea community. Whether we're tracking a session, hosting a jam, or teaching a lesson, this is where it happens.
410 S Michigan Ave, Studio #825
Chicago, IL 60605
