What better way to spend a summer evening in Chicago than a night of great music and great food with friends? The Chicago Historical Society (CHS) continues a tradition of offering the best in summer entertainment with Jazz on the Plaza: Cool Cats, Hot Jazz, Good Eats, a Thursday night music series at CHS, Clark Street at North Avenue.
The CHS plaza, overlooking beautiful Lincoln Park, has become a signature location for the best in live jazz concerts. This year's series has gone a step further, delving into the history and breadth of Chicago's contribution to this great American art form. Jazz fans will hear the music from Louis Armstrong to Von Freeman, from Count Basie alumnus T.S. Galloway to beboppers Kurt Elling and Sheila Jordan.
"As an ardent jazz fan, I'm thrilled about this summer's jazz series," says Lonnie Bunch, CHS President. "We've got incredible acts, a glorious outdoor venue, great food, easy parking, and a convenient location. I can't imagine a more pleasurable way to spend a summer evening in Chicago."
T.S. Galloway's Ensemble Legacy Chicago performs on June 24, showcasing the heritage of Chicago jazz. The ensemble will feature original compositions from top Chicago jazz artists including pianist Robert Irving III, saxophonist Ari Brown and Kenny Clark, trumpeters Pharez Whitted, Rodney Clark and Mike McLaughlin, and percussionist Averaayl Ra.
Chicago jazz legend Von Freeman headlines the July 8 performance entitled Four Generations of Chicago Jazz, with pianist Willie Pickens, saxophonist Ari Brown, bassist Harrison Bankhead and drummer Kobi Watkins.
Shelia Jordan and Kurt Elling team up for Double Bass Double Voice on July 22, as the two vocal stylists perform solo, then team up for a double shot of jazz, each accompanied by bassists Cameron Brown and Rob Amster.
Henry Johnson's Organ Express grooves out on Aug. 12, in the first concert that unites Johnson's swinging style with alto saxophonist Bobby Watson.
The series culminates with a special performance by Chuchito Valdes' Afro-Cuban Ensemble on Aug. 26 that serves as the introduction to the CHS exhibition "Latin Jazz: La Combinacion Perfecta," opening on Saturday, Aug. 28. Valdes' original compositions and arrangements draw on classical harmonic and structural techniques as well as the great traditions of Afro-Cuban rhythms and jazz.
Admission for Jazz on the Plaza: Cool Cats, Hot Jazz, Good Eats is $10 per person; food and beverage by Blue Plate Catering will be offered for sale. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; performances begin at 7 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. each evening.
The jazz series was programmed by the Jazz Institute of Chicago, which has been presenting Chicago's great jazz legacy for 35 years. For information, call (312) 642-4600 or visit chicagohistory.org. |
