Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
DownBeat’s 73rd Annual Critics Poll: One for the Record Books
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
The Chicago Jazz Festival hits the city this weekend, but it will soon have company—the inaugural Hyde Park Jazz Festival will follow in its footsteps next month.
The Sept. 29 event will feature 15 hours of nonstop jazz by local musicians, including trumpeter Orbert Davis, vocalist Dee Alexander and sextet Bill McFarland and the Chicago Horns. The festival will also offer dance performances, conversations with cultural scholars and musical workshops.
Free festival shuttles will transport attendees to various performance venues around the Chicago neighborhood of Hyde Park, including the DuSable Museum of African American History, Oriental Institute, Quadrangle Club, Smart Museum, Frank Lloyd Wright Robie House, Hyde Park Art Center, Checkerboard Lounge for Blues and Jazz and stages at the Midway.
For more information, visit hydeparkjazzfestival.org.
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…
Jul 17, 2025 11:35 AM
The DownBeat Critics Poll provides a wonderful snapshot of the jazz scene today, with much to explore and many great…
