Chicago Prepares for International Jazz Day with Week-Long Festivities and 16 Top Picks
Chicago is set to host International Jazz Day, a global initiative by UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, running from April 25 to May 1, 2026. Co-directed by jazz legend Herbie Hancock and singer Kurt Elling, the event highlights Chicago's rich jazz heritage and its status as a global jazz capital. The celebration features a dense week of programming, including performances at iconic venues like the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge and the historic Forum in Bronzeville. Key events include Kurt Elling Quintet’s residency, a tribute to the Bronzeville roots of jazz, and a performance honoring women in jazz at the Chicago History Museum. Additionally, alumni from the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz and Ravinia Festival’s Steans Music Institute will collaborate in Highland Park. The festivities aim to support educational outreach and showcase the unique Chicago sound, with jazz combos even performing at O’Hare and Midway airports to welcome visitors. This comprehensive lineup underscores the city's commitment to preserving and promoting jazz culture through community engagement and historical recognition.
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Chicago Prepares for International Jazz Day with Week-Long Festivities and 16 Top Picks
Chicago is set to host International Jazz Day, a global initiative by UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, running from April 25 to May 1, 2026. Co-directed by jazz legend Herbie Hancock and singer Kurt Elling, the event highlights Chicago's rich jazz heritage and its status as a global jazz capital. The celebration features a dense week of programming, including performances at iconic venues like the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge and the historic Forum in Bronzeville. Key events include Kurt Elling Quintet’s residency, a tribute to the Bronzeville roots of jazz, and a performance honoring women in jazz at the Chicago History Museum. Additionally, alumni from the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz and Ravinia Festival’s Steans Music Institute will collaborate in Highland Park. The festivities aim to support educational outreach and showcase the unique Chicago sound, with jazz combos even performing at O’Hare and Midway airports to welcome visitors. This comprehensive lineup underscores the city's commitment to preserving and promoting jazz culture through community engagement and historical recognition.
chicagotribune