Chicago Jazz Festival 2010

It’s hard to believe that it is almost September (Where did the summer go?) and that means it is time for the annual Chicago Jazz Festival at Grant Park.

Now in its 32^nd year, the Chicago Jazz Festival takes place each Labor Day weekend. This year’s dates are September 2 – 5.

The festival is considered to be one of the best free jazz fests in the country due to the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s ability to book such a talented lineup of artists.

The 2010 lineup will include musicians such as Kurt Elling, Rene Marie, and Nicole Mitchell. Other acts performing are:

• Former Chicagoan Henry Threadgill.
• Brad Mehldau.
• The Either/Orchestra.
• Brian Blade.

For more acts, you can view the 32nd annual Chicago Jazz Festival schedule online.

You will notice some changes to this year’s Chicago Jazz Festival. The Grant Park portion of the festival will be three days instead of two (September 2 – 5). There will be major events throughout the festival at Millennium Park (55 N. Michigan Avenue; map), the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington Street; map) and the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies (610 S. Michigan Avenue; map), which is hosting the Pride of Trumpets: Celebrating Chicago’s Jazz Trumpet Legacy – the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s 8th Annual Gala with trumpeters Corey Wilkes, Orbert Davis, Marquis Hill, Bobby Lewis, Brad Goode, Pharez Whitted, Art Hoyle and Robert Griffin led by Chicago Jazz Ensemble artistic director Jon Faddis. Reception is from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; concert at 8 p.m. Ticket prices range from $125 to $200. Call 312-427-1676 for more information.

Tip: On September 1 is the Jazz Club Tour – a guided tour of Chicago jazz clubs from 6 p.m. to midnight taking jazz enthusiasts to several of Chicago’s top jazz rooms. Admission fee includes all transportation and entrance fees; $25 in advance; $30 the day of the event. For more information call 312-427-1676.

For more information on the Chicago Jazz Festival, including major events happening throughout the festival, check out the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s Web site. Grant Park is located at 337 E. Randolph (map).

Photo credit: SXC