May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins Passes Away at 95
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
The city of Chicago is proud to announce the lineup for this year’s Chicago Jazz Festival, taking place from Aug. 30-Sept. 2.
The festival begins with Herbie Hancock performing a ticketed concert at the Chicago Symphony Center and then moves to Grant Park for three days of free music. At 5 p.m. each day, music lights up the night at the Petrillo Music Shell for three evenings of jazz performances. Featured performers will be Medeski, Scofield, Martin and Wood on Aug. 31, Ernestine Anderson and Frank Wess on Sept. 1, and the Mingus Big Band on Sept. 2.
This year’s Artist in Residence is Charlie Haden. The bassist will play in Grant Park on multiple stages with the Jazz Institute of Chicago Jazz Links Students on Aug. 31, the Liberation Music Orchestra on Sept. 1 and “A Chicago Jam,” with local jazz veterans on Sept. 2.
Ticket prices for “An Evening With Herbie Hancock” range from $16-$46 and are available by calling the Chicago Symphony Center box office at (312) 294-3000, or at cso.org. For more information about the Chicago Jazz Festival, go here.
Onstage, Rollins would move about restlessly, thrusting his tenor sax in the air as he blew.
May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
To the world, James Blood Ulmer was a legend, a visionary and a musical force whose sound was distinctive and unique. To his family, he was their teacher, their storyteller and a source of strength.
Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful.
May 12, 2026 11:42 AM
The scene still sticks with me. I had heard the oddball name of this new group being dropped around town, and…
How best to mark Miles Davis’ centennial? By allowing the stories to flow, and cross-discussions to happen.
May 26, 2026 10:40 AM
Editor’s Note: The iconic trumpeter, composer and bandleader Miles Davis would have turned 100 today (May 26, 2026).…
Ava Preston, a 12-time DownBeat Student Music Award winner, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in jazz voice at Juilliard.
May 12, 2026 10:00 AM
Ava Preston, from Cleveland, Ohio, was named the winner of the ninth annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition on…