Our Picks
Jazz Institute of Chicago
The Jazz Institute of Chicago was founded in 1969 by a small band of jazz fans, writers, club owners and musicians who came together to preserve the historical roots of the Chicago's music and to ensure that opportunities for the music to be heard would not be lost in a time when rock was subsuming cultural economics. Among the founding members were trad pianist Art Hodes, Muhal Richard Abrams, who a few years earlier had also co-founded the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), Harriett Choice, then music writer for the Chicago Tribune, Joe Segal, whose Jazz Showcase has kept the flame for bebop lit for 50 years, Bob Koester, owner of Delmark Records, Don DeMicheal, drummer and editor of Downbeat magazine, jazz promoter and supporter Penny Tyler and several other devoted souls.
Andy's Jazz Club
For lovers of Jazz Music Worldwide, one name has become synonymous with Chicago Jazz, Andy's. Visitors from Cleveland to China and Dallas to Denmark consider Andy's Jazz Club a "can't miss" venue for the best in Local, Home-grown, Chicago Jazz.
Artis' Lounge
Back Room
Blue Chicago on Clark
Buddy Guy's Legends
Checkerboard Lounge
Chicago Cultural Center - Jazz
Chicago Jazz Philharmonic
Close Up 2
Close Up 2 (CU2) Jazz Club features live Contemporary Jazz, in a modern and upscale environment with diverse professionals. Close Up 2 features the best of Local and Nationally recognized Contemporary Jazz Artists. Close Up 2 is a wonderful place to relax, listen to great jazz, network or just participate in a stimulating conversation.
Columbia College of Chicago - Events
Cuatro
Davenport's Piano Bar & Carbaret
Owner Bill Davenport and his partners transformed a single-story storefront into an intimate, chic gem that provides a much-needed showcase for Chicago-bred talent, with a sprinkling of visiting performers from New York and L.A.
The piano bar in front is flashier than the subdued cabaret in back, featuring a singing waitstaff, blue velvet banquettes, funky lighting fixtures, and a hand-painted mural-topped bar
Dolphin Street
FitzGerald's
HotHouse At the Viaduct Theater
House of Blues Back Porch Restaurant
The House serves Southern-inspired cuisine such as Rosemary cornbread, baby back ribs and creole jambalaya.
House of Blues Chicago
Jazz Showcase
If you have not been to the new home of the Jazz Showcase then you are in for a treat...
Much more space, unobstructed sight-lines yet that same intimate room for listening to great music is still there.