Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
In Memoriam: James Blood Ulmer, 1940–2026
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
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.
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,…
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