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Click here for a Jazz Fest Schedule
Thursday, September 2
Millennium Park - Jay Pritzker Pavilion
12:00 - 12:50 Umbrella Music: Bridging Improvised Music and Dance The fest start off from the outside in, as the avant garde Umbrella music folks present improvised music and dance. 78-year-old pianist Jodie Christian was a co-founder of the AACM, but also appeared as a sideman on more straight-ahead bebop albums.
Bassist Tatsu Aoki continues his "Rooted" composition cycle, featuring the MIYUMI Project Big Band . Aoki is the founder and Artistic Director of the Annual Chicago Asian American Jazz Festival. JASC Tsukasa Taiko is the leading taiko (Japanese drumming) ensemble in the Chicago area. Hyde Park Jazz Society Founder, Jim Wagner presents a concert featuring some of the South Side's finest.
5:00 - 6:30pm Nicole Mitchell with Anthony Davis - duet featuring pianist Davis accompanying Artist in Residence Nicole Mitchell in what should be an inspirational musical conversation.
Millenium Park
7:30pm Made in Chicago: Big Band Birthday Bash: Ahmad Jamal's 80th with the Chicago Jazz Orchestra
The Chicago Jazz Orchestra will open up with a set before the horns join with the iconic Jamal and his trio for what should be a don't miss concert event at the pavillion.
Friday, September 3
Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph
Randolph Cafe
12:00 - 1:00 Hector Silveira Septet
Hector Silveira is a talented singer, orchestra director, composer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist from Cuba, who has established himself as one of the main Cuban artists in Chicago, blending Cuban dance music, and folkloric rythms into his own unque sound.
During the early 1980's, Lanny Grilly formed a jazz quintet with his brother Dave, which was featured at the 1980 Chicago Jazz Festival, where they opened for Ahmad Jamal. After many years of leading their own bands, Dave & Lanny recently reunited to re-form "The Grilly Brothers." Their new CD Goin' Places has been recognized by The Grammy's and is on the ballot for nomination in 2010.
James Dapogny is an American jazz musicologist, pianist and band leader, active principally in the traditional jazz revival scene. He has led an ensemble called the Chicago Jazz band since 1975, while writing extensively about Jelly Roll Morton, including liner notes for the release of his Library of Congress recordings.
12:30 - 1:30 Tomeka Reid's "Hear In Now Trio"
Cellist Tomeka Reid currently performs with the AACM's Great Black Music Ensemble, Nicole Mitchell's Black Earth Ensemble/Strings, Mike Reed's Loose Assembly, Dee Alexander's Evolution Ensemble, Chicago Sinfonietta and the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic. Ms. Reid also co-directs the String Orchestra program at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools.
4:00 - 4:50 Lincoln Park High School Jazz Ensemble and Noteworthy
5:00 - 5:50 James Dapogny - (See above)
6:00 - 6:55 Mike LeDonne Trio with special guest Eric Alexander
Pianist Mike LeDonne has performed with many well-known names in jazz, incuidng Roy Eldridge, Papa Jo Jones, Benny Goodman, Art Farmer, Clifford Jordan, Grady Tate, James Moody, Dizzy Gillespie, Stanley Turrentine, Charles McPherson, Sonny Rollins, Ernestine Anderson, Annie Ross and Etta Jones, Benny Golson, Ron Carter, Jimmy Cobb, Bobby Hutcherson... Need I say more. Saxophonist Eric Alexander is one of the young stars of the instrument and a Chicago favorite.
This year's Artist in Residence, Mitchell is one of the top jazz flautists in the world, while also a gifted and prolific composer across a wide range of styles. The Chicago-based artist's Black Earth Orchestra combines jazz and classical idioms in an exciting manner. A don't miss showcase of the flautist's ability to write swinging charts for strings.
One of the lions of Chicago jazz, the popular pianist Lewis, celebrates his 75th year.
Click here for a Jazz Fest Schedule
Saturday, September 4
Grant Park
Jazz on Jackson Stage
12:00 - 12:55 Douglas Ewart Nyahbingi Drum Choir Ewart is a multi-instrumentalist AACM stalwart who experiments with African-inspired rhythms and instrumentation.
Giallorenzo is a Chicago-based improviser, composer, and sound designer (and co-founder of Elastic Arts) using piano, synthesizer, and electronics in a wide variety of groups and contexts, ranging from jazz and improvised music to electro-acoustic / noise. Neil Tesser named GitGo's Get In to Go Out #4 on his top-10 Chicago jazz albums of 2009, saying "The music is inviting but edgy, impassioned but in control, and often absolutely irresistible. " Oscar Brown, Jr.'s daughter Maggie pays tribute to her mentor and old family friend - the legendary singer Abbey Lincoln. Drummer Hall is one of Chicago's brightest lights and he scores a coup, bringing trumpeter Payton to join him on the stage in what should be a set full of excitement and strong playing. Local fave, trumpeter Wilkes may veer more toward his more contemporary R&B and hop-hop leanings for this set - presented by smooth jazz radio station WLFM and contemprary jazz club Close Up 2. Chicago-based saxophonist Cole is not only a professor at Columbia College, but has released five contemporary jazz albums that have gained him a considerable following. In 2001 he hit the charts with the & Grover Washington/Bill Withers classic Just The Two of Us from the tribute album "To Grover, with Love." Steve's newest album, True is considered his funkiest yet, with plenty of R&B, soul and jazz influences.
12:30 - 1:30 West End Jazz Band
The West End Jazz Band recreates the classic music that typifies the twenties and thirties using original arrangements and instrumentation that is true to the style of the era. The repertoire of West End consists of a broad representation of the music of this golden age. Chances are you may feel the uncontrollable urge to break out your Charleston dance routine.
Cameron is co-leader (with Pat Mallinger) of the long-running Saturday night Green Mill band Sabertoth, but he also leads Marco Polo, a 10-piece ensemble performing original and historic jazz compositions along with different types of music from around the world.
According to press, with Sonic Projections, Mitchell is interested in reinterpreting the power and meaning of sound, musical language and vibration. Inspired by functional ritual music of traditional earth-centered cultures, creative music, free improvisation, and her imagination, Sonic Projections represents a vehicle for blasting away negativity and projecting positive energy for humanity.
Born in Havana Cuba, Chuchito Valdes comes from one of the most distinguished musical families in Cuba. His high-energy and enthusiasm has thrilled Chicago audiences on several occasions.
Rene Marie did not record her first albums until she was in her 40s - after raising two children, divorcing her husband, and leaving her job in a bank, but has since gained critical acclaim for her voice - which has been compared to Ella Fitzgerald.
Combining the music of hard bop trumpter Lee Morgan with musicians Billy Harper, Bennie Maupin, Eddie Henderson, David Weiss, Geri Allen, Dwayne Burno and Billy Hart should make for a knock-out perfromance. For this celebration of Morgan's music, trumpeter/arranger David Weiss has put together a group featuring two saxophonists, Maupin and Harper, who were members of Lee's last groundbreaking working band.
The Either/Orchestra is a ten-piece jazz ensemble - two trumpets, trombone, three saxophones, piano, acoustic bass, drums and congas - based in Cambridge Massachusetts. Founded in 1985 by saxophonist/composer Russ Gershon, the E/O is said to combine the agility and freedom of a jazz combo, the raw power and subtle coloring of a jazz orchestra and the deep grooves of afro-latin music. Special guests saxophonist Getachew Mekurya and pianist Mituku are both from Ethiopia.
Jazz on Jackson Stage
Brazilian-born guitarist and vocalist Garcia has been entertaining Chicago and world audiences for decades with his velvety voice and wide array of South American and original songs. Mitchell's BEE incorporates funk and pop into jazz and African music. This should be a very popular set at the Jackson Street "hot" stage. Trumpeter Goode used to be a fixture on the Chicago scene before taking a teaching position in Colorado. He continues to visit the city and is a popular presence in his apperances. His own music is mostly straght-ahead with some contemporary touches. Blade is one of the most innovative young drummers alive today and one who pushes the envelope of the traditional timekeeping role of the drummer through his work with artists like Wayne Shorter and David Binney. This should be a don't miss set. Rockford's own smooth saxophonist Jefferson is a mainstay at Chicago's pre-eminent smooth jazz club, Close Up 2. Popular smooth jazz guitarist Nick Colionne is not only a great guitarist and entertainer, but is one of the best dressed men on the music scene today. Prepare to be amazed by his playing and possibly blinded by his attire.
12:30 - 1:30 Bethany Pickens Trio Willie's little girl is all grown up - and fresh off her triumphant tribute to Mary Lou Williams - she shows her stuff on the 88s in a trio setting.
An Ann Arbor, MI based post-Afrobeat dance group makes its Chicago Jazz Fest debut appearance. They are known for their exuberant performances. Vocalist Ziyad has been an active presence on the scene as of late, generally working with artists associated with the AACM. He admits to being influenced by Bobby McFerrin. I'm not sure why pianist Mehldau is slotted here, but the artist is riding high off the success of his latest album - Highway Rider. This appearance is with his trio, for which he has also received considerable plaudits. A musician with eclectic taste, he may include songs from more modern artists such as Radiohead in his repertoire. The Soul's latest album, Seize the Time was one of our favorites of last year - a strong release with great playing from some of Chicago's best young talent. You can expect anything from punk jazz, straight-ahead (with a left-of-center twist) to Afro-pop. Great to see this long-running ensemble getting a spot on the main stage.
One of the leading composers and composers in avant garde jazz, Threadgill came to prominence in the 1970s leading ensembles with unusual instrumentation and often incorporating a range of non-jazz genres. Zooid, a sextet with tuba, acoustic guitar, cello and oud has received considerable critical acclaim, with their latest release making several top-10 lists last year. Singer Elling has made a living out of bringing old-fashioned and often romantic jazz vocals back into the public consciousness. His last album of John Coltrane/ Johnny Hartman songs (Dedicated to You) won a Grammy - so his popularity continues. Guest saxophonist Watts has played with everyone from Charlie Haden to the Rolling Stones. I predict a solid and professional set to end this year's fest.
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Click here for a Jazz Fest Schedule
2:10 - 3:00 The MIYUMI Project Big BandTrans-Rooted" featuring JASC Tsukasa Taiko
12:15 - 1:15 James Dapogny: "Art of the Solo"
Jim Cooper was born in Chicago in 1951 and has been playing jazz on the vibraphone for almost 40 years. Active as a performer, composer and teacher, Jim is currently celebrating the re-release of his 1992 Delmark recording, Nutville, which features legendary multi-instrumentalist Ira Sullivan. Jazz Times calls Cooper, "a warm vibist who goes for the heart."
Kathy Kelly has been playing the vibes professionally since 1979 when she made her debut performing in Chicago-area jazz clubs. A review in Cadence magazine says of Kelly, "She stretches out with a fluid improvisational style that combines coolness with intricate details."
8:00 - 9:00 Steve Cole
7:10 - 8:10 Charisma: "A Lee Morgan Tribute"
12:00 - 12:55 Paulinho Garcia Quintet 
