Chicago Jazz Festival

The City of Chicago is proud to announce the lineup for the 29th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival, August 30-September 2. The festival begins with a ticketed concert at the Chicago Symphony Center on August 30 and then moves to Grant Park for three days of free music, August 31-September 2.

Opening night will feature An Evening with Herbie Hancock beginning at 7:30p.m. This Academy Award and multiple GrammyÒ Award-winning jazz pianist and composer from Chicago is known for incorporating elements of rock, funk and soul into his songs.

Friday, August 31 through Sunday, August 2, all are invited to join the festivities in Grant Park FREE music on three stages. The event opens daily at 11 a.m., with music beginning at noon on the Jazz on Jackson stage and 12:30 p.m. at the Jazz and Heritage Family Stage. Then at 5 p.m., music lights up the night at the Petrillo Music Shell for three evenings of spectacular Jazz performances, tributes and entertainment for any fan of Jazz music to enjoy.

This year’s Artist in Residence is Charlie Haden. One of the most respected jazz bassists today, Haden became famous playing with Ornette Coleman in the late 1950s. He will play in Grant Park on multiple stages with the Jazz Institute of Chicago Jazz Links Students on Friday, the Liberation Music Orchestra on Saturday, and “A Chicago Jam,” with local jazz veterans on Sunday.

Jazz fans will not want to miss the Petrillo Music Shell on Friday at 8:30 p.m. when (John) Medeski on piano, (John) Scofield on guitar, (Billy) Martin on drums and (Chris) Wood on bass take to the stage. The unique combination of these four seasoned veterans offer mesmerizing harmonies that shake you to the core, while integrating funk, rock, soul and reggae into their repertoire.

The quality of performers continues on Saturday at 7:10 p.m. with Ernestine Anderson and Frank Wess. Anderson’s sultry voice and bluesy charm have made her a jazz legend for more than 50 years. Joining her on stage is sax and flute legend Frank Wess. Known best for his many years with Count Basie, his swinging style will have you grab a partner and start dancing.

The festival ends “Big” on Sunday evening at 8:30 p.m. at the Petrillo Music Shell with the Mingus Big Band. This 14-piece band celebrates the music of the composer and bassist, Charles Mingus, who died in 1979. Started in New York City, this GrammyÒ nominated group has toured extensively in the United States and abroad, pleasing crowds every time with the sounds of Big Band Jazz.

In addition to the music, the Chicago Jazz Festival features an art fair located in the rose garden between Jackson Blvd. and Buckingham Fountain, soda, beer, wine and local restaurant vendors all sell on site.