The headlining music artists have been announced for this summer’s Chicago Jazz Festival, taking place Aug. 28-31 in Millennium Park, along with Thursday opening-day events at the Chicago Cultural Center.
Headliners include the Grammy-winning vocalist Esperanza Spalding, pianist Monty Alexander, and trumpeter and vocalist Kermit Ruffins. Cuban guitarist and singer Eliades Ochoa will close the fest on Sunday night.
The annual fest over Labor Day weekend is programmed by the nonprofit Jazz Institute of Chicago and presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. A full lineup of concerts will be announced at a later date, including for the Von Freeman Pavilion stage, the WDCB Jazz Lounge, and the spotlight on young jazz artists at the Harris Theater Rooftop Terrace, all in Millennium Park.
All concerts are free; more information and artist updates at ChicagoJazzFestival.us.
Aug. 28 at Jay Pritzker Pavilion
- 6:30–7:30 p.m.: Henry Johnson
- 7:45–9 p.m.: Esperanza Spalding
Aug. 29 at Jay Pritzker Pavilion
- 4–4:45 p.m.: Sarah Marie Young
- 5:05–5:50 p.m.: Silvia Manrique and Marcel Bonfim
- 6:10–7:25 p.m.: Patricia Barber
- 7:45–9 p.m.: Monty Alexander
Aug. 30 at Jay Pritzker Pavilion
- 4–4:45 p.m.: Ava Logan Quintet
- 5:05–6:05 p.m.: Ernest Dawkins Ensemble New Horizon Redux
- 6:25–7:25 p.m.: Gary Bartz & NTU Troop
- 7:45–9 p.m.: Kermit Ruffins
Aug. 31 at Jay Pritzker Pavilion
- 4–4:45 p.m.: Natalie Scharf Quintet featuring Paul Asaro
- 5:05–6:05 p.m.: G. Thomas Allen
- 6:25–7:25 p.m.: Ari Brown Quintet
- 7:45–9 p.m.: Eliades Ochoa
dgeorge@chicagotribune.com
