Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
In Memoriam: Rodney Holmes, 1966–2026
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
As part of the Chicago Jazz Festival, Grammy-winning singer Cécile McLorin Salvant will perform at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park on Aug. 31 at 7:45 p.m.
(Photo: Mark Fitton)A parade of stars will perform at this year’s Chicago Jazz Festival (scheduled for Aug. 23–Sept. 1), including singer Cécile McLorin Salvant, bassist Christian McBride, pianist Eddie Palmieri, trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, drummer Antonio Sánchez, alto saxophonist Miguel Zenón and the Art Ensemble of Chicago, featuring multi-instrumentalist Roscoe Mitchell.
The free festival will present performances at Millennium Park, the Chicago Cultural Center and at other venues throughout the city.
Other artists scheduled for the 41st annual edition of the festival include saxophonists Melissa Aldana, Ben Wendel and Dave Rempis, vibraphonist Joel Ross, guitarist Camila Meza and pianists David Virelles and Ryan Cohan.
Freddy Cole will give a special tribute performance on Aug. 29 to celebrate the centennial of his older brother, Nat “King” Cole (1919–’65).
On Aug. 30, two Chicago veterans will share the stage: jazz guitarist George Freeman and blues singer and harmonica player Billy Branch.
The Latino–America Unida concert on Sept. 1 will feature an all-star band with Aldana, Sánchez, Virelles and Zenón.
The festival is produced by the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and it is programmed by the Jazz Institute of Chicago, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019. Among the goals of the Jazz Institute of Chicago are to deliver educational programs, support musicians, build audiences and foster a thriving jazz scene in Chicago through public programs.
On Aug. 29 at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, musicians will perform The City Was Yellow as a tribute to the Jazz Institute of Chicago. Among the performers will be drummer Mike Reed, cornetist Rob Mazurek, flutist Nicole Mitchell and guitarist Jeff Parker.
Additional lineup information will be announced in the coming weeks. For a detailed schedule of headline performances and other info, visit the festival’s website.
For info on the Jazz Institute of Chicago, visit its website. DB
A drummer’s drummer, Rodney Holmes gigged with everyone from Joe Zawinul and Carlos Santana to Steve Kimock and the Brecker Brothers.
Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
Clockwise from top left, Mary Halvorson, Patricia Brennan, Adam O’Farrill, Keith Jarrett’s At the Deer Head Inn: The Complete Recordings, Sheila Jordan and Jaki Byard.
Jul 16, 2026 1:34 PM
The DownBeat Critics Poll never ceases to amaze! And the 74th Edition offered plenty of accolades for poll veterans and…
“The love from the jazz and music community restored my faith in humanity,” Walia wrote in an online post upon his release from detention at an ICE facility.
Aug 18, 2026 2:15 PM
Indian jazz guitarist and composer Pritesh Walia has been released after being unexpectedly detained by ICE and taken…
Percussionist Poncho Sanchez was among the artists scheduled to perform at the now-canceled inaugural LA Jazz Festival.
Aug 11, 2026 12:53 PM
The inaugural LA Jazz Festival, originally scheduled to run Aug. 7–23 with dozens of events across Los Angeles’…
Joe Lovano’s Paramount Quartet will record live at New York’s Village Vanguard for ECM records on Aug. 26–27.
Jul 22, 2026 12:46 PM
One of Joe Lovano’s buzz terms is “the moment of now” and with seemingly infinite patience — despite a schedule…
