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…
Dates for Chicago’s fourth annual summer jazz series at Millennium Park have been released. The series is sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs and will be held at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in the downtown park each Thursday from
July 24 to Aug. 21, with the final show on Monday, Aug. 25. Admission for
the shows is free.
The series will feature:
July 24: 50 years of Bossa Nova, featuring Paulinho Garcia’s Orquestra Brazzilli
July 31: Chicago Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble, featuring Steve Turre, Brian Lynch, and others
Aug. 7: Amir El Saffar’s Two Rivers Large Ensemble, featuring Rudresh Mahanthappa, Jeb Bishop, Dave Rempis, and others
Aug. 14: Kelan Phil Cohran and The Legacy of Sun Ra
Aug. 21: Celebrating Nat King Cole, featuring Freddy Cole
Aug. 25: Mike Reed’s People Places and Things Octet, featuring Ira Sullivan, Julian Priester and others
More info: millenniumpark.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…
