Returning Labor Day Weekend to Chicago is one of the best free festivals in the city that celebrates one of the most significant cornerstones of American music. Presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the Jazz Institute of Chicago, the 39th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival takes over Millennium Park and the Chicago Cultural Center from August 31 – September 3.
Attendees can enjoy four stages of jazz performances by local, national, and international talent. While each year recognizes a special segment of the genre, this year is particularly noteworthy, as it’s hosting centennial celebrations for Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonius Monk, and Ella Fitzgerald, American jazz legends all born in the year 1917.
Other programming includes a 90th birthday celebration for local Chicago guitarist, George Freeman, as well as a jazz-inspired tribute to Chicago writer, Carl Sandburg. A surprise festival headliner will also be announced in June.
The Chicago Jazz Festival is sponsored in part by American Airlines, Chicago Jazz Magazine, Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago Tribune, CLTV, Communications Direct, Downbeat Magazine, Stella Artois, WGN-TV.
Chicago Jazz Festival Lineup and Schedule
Thursday, August 31
6:30pm – 7:30pm: George Freeman 90th Birthday Celebration
8pm – 9pm: Dizzy Gillespie’s Centennial Celebration with Jon Faddis and the Chicago Jazz Festival Big Band
Friday, September 1
5pm – 5:50pm: Dana Hall’s Spring
6pm – 6:55pm: Donny McCaslin Group
7:10pm – 8:10pm: Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio
8:30pm – 9:30pm: Thelonius Monk Tribute
Saturday, September 2
5pm – 5:50pm: Dr. Michael White Quartet
6pm – 6:55pm: BassDrumBone
7:10pm – 8:10pm: Allison Miller Boom Tic Boom
8:30pm – 9:30pm: Ellabration! 100 Years of Ella Fitzgerald featuring the Brad Williams Trio, Sheila Jordan, Dee Alexander, Frieda Lee, Spider Saloff & Paul Mariano
Sunday, September 3
5pm – 5:50pm: Roscoe Mitchell’s Quartets Celebrating 50 Years of Nessa Records
6pm – 6:55pm: Sheila Jordan featuring the Steve Kuhn’s Trio
7:10pm – 8:10pm: Matt Wilson’s Honey and Salt
8:30pm – 9:30pm: Rebirth Brass Band
