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What U.S. city was a hotbed for jazz in the early 20th century, set the standard for tenor saxophone mid-century, and has introduced the world to the latest incarnations of jazz since the late ’60s? You guessed it—Chicago!
THE 30th Annual CHICAGO jazz Festival
Stargaze in a whole new way during the 30th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival (Thursday, August 28 – Sunday, August 31).
highlights
Its delights include a lakefront setting under a canopy of stars, city lights, jaw-dropping art and architecture, and a stellar onstage lineup including Grammy Award-winner Sonny Rollins and Pulitzer Prize-winner Ornette Coleman.
Jazz week begins with the Made in Chicago concert on opening day; the Jazz Institute 40th Birthday Concert on day two; and, on day three, the Jazz Club Tour, which shuttles the faithful to 15 clubs in one bewitching evening.
The festival calendar, along with the following suggestions, is a primer for your self-guided pursuit of Chicago jazz.
oPENING night AT mILLENNIUM pARK
This moveable feast of jazz opens at Chicago’s prime destination for art and cultural entertainment, Millennium Park.
At 6:30 pm, Sonny Rollins takes the Jay Pritzker Pavilion stage in a rare appearance, for two sets of soul-stirring saxophone bebop and free jazz that recap the indelible sounds of Miles Davis, Clifford Jordan, Max Roach, and, of course, Rollins himself.
family activities
Over the next three days, fix your sights on Grant Park, where each day holds discoveries for the entire family. Kids get into the act at the new Children’s Tent with interactive activities that bring the music—and instruments—close enough to touch.
Daytime performances
Between sets at the Jazz & Heritage Stage, catch demonstrations on the art of percussion or the solo. 
Make your way to the Jazz on Jackson Stage featuring local and national stars such as Saturday’s Noontime opener, the Chicago Bass Masters, including noted composer arranger musician Edward Wilkerson Jr., with legendary jazz guitarist Kenny Burrell, and Chicago pianist Willie Pickens closing the set.
Evening Performances
Thrill-seekers hit pay dirt during evening performances at Petrillo Music Shell. Vocalist and recording star Dee Dee Bridgewater pays tribute to Betty Carter on Friday.
As part of Saturday’s Anniversary [composition] Commissions performances, big band guru and trumpeter Gerald Wilson graces the stage with special guest Kenny Burrell.
enjoy Shopping and refreshments
Between the music, the fun, and the food, be sure to scout out the handcrafted jazz-inspired wares of 30 artisans in the Rose Garden located south of Petrillo, adjacent to Buckingham Fountain.
cLOSING cONCERTS
Camp out on the lawn for Sunday’s closing concerts or enjoy them from the seats at Petrillo. Saxophonist Ornette Coleman takes you to the limit with his seminal brand of
improvisation, “harmolodics.” Jettison any ideas you may have about jazz as he and his quintet unfurl their free-wheeling harmonies and key changes in this 1-hour finale from 8:30 to 9:30 pm.
One of life’s priceless adventures, the 30th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival is FREE.
Sidebar
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Free |
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Kid Friendly |
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Wheelchair Accessible |
Key Information
30th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival Opening Night
Thursday, August 28, 6:30 pm (Sonny Rollins)
Millennium Park, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive at Washington Street
312.744.3315
chicagojazzfestival.us
30th Annual Chicago
Jazz Festival
Thursday, August 28–Sunday, August 31, 11 am–9:30 pm (Sunday 8:30 pm Ornette Coleman)
Grant Park,
Jackson Boulevard and Columbus Drive
312.744.3315
chicagojazzfestival.us
