Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
Kandace Springs Sings Billie Holiday
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
The Chicago Jazz Fest (left) and Detroit Jazz Fest will take place over Labor Day Weekend. Admission to both festivals is free.
(Photo: Courtesy Chicago Jazz Festival/Detroit Jazz Festival)Jazz fans within earshot of Chicago and Detroit might want to pack up the car and head into town, as both cities play host to their free annual jazz festivals.
The 39th Chicago Jazz Festival is underway in the Windy City, with pianist Jason Moran set to take the stage Friday evening at the Jay Pritzker Pavillion in downtown Millenium Park. His performance is one of many in this music-packed marathon of jazz concerts, which culminates Sunday, Sept. 3, with New Orleans’ Rebirth Brass Band. Additional headliners include the Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio, Allison Miller’s Boom Tic Boom, reedist Roscoe Mitchell and vocal icon Sheila Jordan.
The Chicago Jazz Festival will also feature tributes to Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk—all of whom celebrate their centennial anniversaries in 2017.
Celebrating its 38th year, the Detroit Jazz Festival runs from Friday through Monday, Sept. 4. Friday will see performances by bass phenom Miles Mosley at 8:30 p.m. and keyboard legend Herbie Hancock at 9 p.m.
The festival will also feature appearances by Donny McCaslin, the supergroup Hudson, pianist Billy Childs, vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater, tenor saxophonist Kamasi Washington, pianist Vijay Iyer and many more.
Special showcases include performances by the Mack Avenue All-Stars, a tribute to Michael Brecker, a performance by featured artist Karriem Riggins with rapper Common, and a finale concert with Detroit Jazz Festival Artist-in-Residence Wayne Shorter.
For a complete lineup of artists at the Chicago Jazz Festival, click here.
To view the full performance schedule for the Detroit Jazz Festival, click here. DB
“There’s nothing quite like it,” Springs says of working with an orchestra. “It’s 60 people working in harmony in the moment. Singing with them is kind of empowering but also humbling at the same time.”
Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
James Brandon Lewis earned honors for Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. Three of his recordings placed in the Albums of the Year category.
Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
Galper was often regarded as an underrated master of his craft.
Jul 22, 2025 10:58 AM
Hal Galper, a pianist, composer and arranger who enjoyed a substantial performing career but made perhaps a deeper…
Chuck Mangione on the cover of the May 8, 1975, edition of DownBeat.
Jul 29, 2025 1:00 PM
Chuck Mangione, one of the most popular trumpeters in jazz history, passed away on July 24 at home in Rochester, New…
“Hamiet was one of the most underrated musicians ever,” says Whitaker of baritone saxophonist Hamiet Bluiett.
Jul 8, 2025 7:30 AM
At 56, Rodney Whitaker, professor of jazz bass and director of jazz studies at Michigan State University, is equally…
