Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
Flea Finds His Jazz Thing
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
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
“Cerebral and academic thought is a different way to approach music,” Flea says of his continuing dive into jazz. “I’ve always relied on emotion and intuition and physicality.”
Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
Cécile McLorin Salvant busts out Jelly Roll Morton’s “The Murder Ballad” at Big Ears, here with pianist Sullivan Fortner.
Apr 7, 2026 1:21 PM
There’s pluralism, then there’s PLURALISM! — and then there’s Big Ears. Thurston Moore, who participated in…
Each of the 25 JAMs has delivered a poster featuring a jazz legend that is sent out to schools across the nation. This year’s poster features Tony Bennett.
Mar 30, 2026 10:20 PM
Every April for the past quarter century, something remarkable has happened across the United States and far beyond.…
“We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”
Apr 21, 2026 10:00 AM
Nik Bärtsch cuts an imposing figure on stage. He’s unmistakable with his soul patch, shaven head and black attire.…
Bollani demonstrates at the piano during a live Blindfold Test in Umbria, Italy, while writer Ashley Kahn, right, and translator Greg Burk look on.
Mar 24, 2026 11:42 AM
Raconteur, bon vivant and popular television host Stefano Bollani is also one of Italy’s best-known pianists, a rare…
