Chicago Jazz Festival: Big bands in the big city
Published: Aug 6, 2009
Labor Day weekend kicks off the 31st annual Chicago Jazz Festival, the city’s longest running lakefront music fest. For three days, lake front Grant Park will attract thousands of fans with performances by local and internationally renowned artists.
Originally begun in 1974 as a memorial tribute to composer Duke Ellington, the festival has since grown into the most extensive free jazz festival in the world. From September 4-6, three stages will showcase musicians young and old from around the globe.
Friday’s opening day performances will include Madeleine Peyroux, a female jazz icon, as well as Gonzalo Rubalcaba, winner of a Latin Grabby for Jazz Album of the Year.
Saturday highlights include an 80th birthday jam with Fred Anderson, the Dave Holland Big Band, and a tribute to Chicago’s own Benny Goodman with a performance by tenor saxophonist Eric Schneider.
The Goodman tribute will continue Sunday with a performance by James Falzone on the clarinet, joined by Jason Adasiewicz on vibraphone and Dave Miller on guitar.
Sunday highlights include headliner Muhal Richard Abrams leading the Arthur Hoyle Orchestra. Abrams will perform a new composition dedicated to President Barack Obama, and feature soloists on trombone, saxophone and bass.
The festival’s new Young Jazz Lions Stage will also feature up and coming high school and college jazz performers throughout the weekend. Another new festival addition is The Wine Oasis, a tent where guests can sample a variety of wines and food. As in years past, the Chicago Jazz Festival Art Fair will offer a wide array of crafts, jewelry, textiles and paintings available for sale.
The Chicago Jazz Festival is free to all patrons, and a terrific way to spend a weekend in the city as summer winds down.
- by D.J. Siegel, Chicago Reporter for HelloMetro
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